In April 2025, former WWE star Tyrus received a major honor and turned heads with his transformation.

Back in April, Tyrus, the wrestler-turned-commentator formerly known as Brodus Clay, stepped into the spotlight once again, but not for a fight. This time, he was honored as the 2024 Patriot of the Year by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation, and fans couldn’t help but notice: he looked completely different.

“Truly humbled tonight to receive the 2024 Patriot of the Year award… I humbly and honorably accepted this great award!” Tyrus wrote on social media.

The award, given by the charitable arm of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), recognizes Americans who support law enforcement and the families of fallen officers. But while the award celebrated his patriotism, the buzz online was all about his physical transformation and the fact that Tyrus no longer uses a cane to walk.

The Comeback Story Few Saw Coming

Just a year ago, Tyrus had wrapped up his final match in a brutal Bullrope showdown against EC3 for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. At the time, he admitted he was physically struggling and said he hovered somewhere between 375 and 500 pounds and often relied on a cane to walk.

But since leaving the ring, he’s been busy with a different kind of discipline.

In an interview with Muscle & Fitness, Tyrus opened up about the mental battle behind his physical health.

“Before, if I was having a bad day, I’d grab a Snickers or a sandwich or twenty.”

Now, he says it’s not about gimmicks. It’s just about showing up and facing the mirror.

“If you eat less, and burn more, you lose weight. And if you don’t, you don’t. It’s that simple.”

He even celebrated a personal victory: ditching the cane he once relied on to walk.

“I couldn’t wait to see how far I could throw it across the yard, because I was done with it,” he told Muscle & Fitness.

A Patriot, a Fighter, and a Family Man

Though he’s no longer in the ring, Tyrus’ fanbase is growing beyond wrestling. Between appearances on Fox News, his best-selling book, and his vocal support for law enforcement and veterans, he’s carved out a new identity that resonates with Americans who see him as more than just an entertainer.

“The true heroes are the men and women who serve and protect this great nation,” he said while accepting the Patriot of the Year honor.

In April, it wasn’t the flashiest speech or the loudest moment, but for longtime fans of Tyrus, watching him walk tall on stage may have been the most powerful yet.