Former ECW Star Ian Rotten Diagnosed With Cancer

ECW original Ian Rotten—real name John Williams—posted the following statement on his Facebook page:

“Some of you may have seen that guys are saying that they are now open next weekend, and I have waited this long in an attempt to get ahold of everyone that was booked on the show so the boys would find out from me rather than social media. Many of you may have noticed the lack of updates the past couple weeks. I have been battling pancreatitis and my uncontrolled diabetes. I was hospitalized on Friday, August 30th, and through the processes of treating pancreatitis and running other tests on me, I was diagnosed today with gastric stomach cancer. I will be undergoing chemotherapy on Wednesday, twice a week for the next six weeks in an effort to get rid of this which is being diagnosed and told to me as in a very early stage. I’m not asking for anybodies sympathy, I’m not asking for anybodies money. If you have bought tickets to either the September or October show, your money will be returned to you within the next two weeks. I do ask if you believe in our Lord almighty that you say a prayer for me…and if you don’t, any good vibes will definitely be appreciated too. I realize in this day and age to some people this may even be good news. To those people I hope that this terrible disease never strikes your family. To the people I was unable to get a hold of, and you’re finding out this way, I apologize, but our fans deserve to know and with guys saying they were open next weekend and stuff it was time to give them an answer. Know that I am not writing a bucket list, and that I am planning for the future. To the boys that I spoke to today, thank you so much for your overwhelming support. I cannot tell you how much your words of encouragement and love have meant to me getting through this beyond harsh day. My hopes are in 7 weeks I am given a clean bill of health and to begin preparing a great show for the first weekend in December. Thanks to all for understanding, and I hope you have a blessed day.”

Follow Chris Walder on Twitter @WalderSports