Joe Gomez chooses inpatient rehabilitation after stroke

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) star Joe Gomez once battled giants in the ring, including the legendary “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and more. After a life-changing event changed his world, recovery became the fight of his life.

After an afternoon nap, Gomez climbed the stairs to his bathroom when a sharp pain shot through his knee. Suddenly, he fell backward onto the floor. His wife and daughter rushed to his side to make sure he was conscious and to check if he was OK.

“I don't know what happened,” Gomez said. “I just remember my knees being weak and in pain. Fortunately, my wife and daughter were at home because I couldn't move. The only thing I thought about was time … I wanted more time to spend with my daughter and watch her grow up.”

Gomez was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. He had a stroke.

“I was scared, and I found out I was paralyzed in the hospital. I went my whole life being an alpha male and thinking that I was invincible. It was tough — my whole left side of my body was numb and I couldn't move.”

'I thought I was invincible'

A few weeks prior to his stroke, Gomez was in Cleveland for a wrestling event. Despite being in pain, he pushed through. It wasn't the first time he fought through adversity. During his wrestling career, Gomez was known for his resilience, often taking on opponents twice his size and refusing to quit even when the odds were stacked against him.

“After 12 years, I retired and became lax about my weight,” Gomez said. “It led to high blood pressure — I was not going to the doctor or taking my medications. I couldn't have been more wrong.”

Dr. Darshan Shah, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Encompass Health North Tampa, said Gomez had arthritis in both of his knees due to chronic overuse.

“Gomez had a right-sided stroke, and he presented with left-sided weakness,” Shah said. “Working with his care team ensures that he regains his range of motion and strength. Even with his age, being physically active helped his recovery time.”

Dr. Shah emphasized that not following medical advice could lead to potential health complications. In Gomez's case, uncontrolled high blood pressure played a major role in his medical emergency.

“Having high blood pressure is the strongest risk factor in having a stroke because the blood vessels get stiff,” Shah said. “It causes a disruption of blood flow, which is why it's important for patients to take their medications, exercise and eat properly.”

Choosing inpatient rehabilitation

Gomez came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Tampa for inpatient rehabilitation.

He had one goal: to go home to be with his family. Even though therapy was intensive, his background in professional wrestling helped him persevere.

The biggest match of his life

For Gomez, inpatient rehabilitation became his new arena. The hospital gym replaced the wrestling ring, and his therapists became his tag-team partners.

“I got up every day ready to work with my care team,” Gomez said. “I have left arm weakness, but the feeling is coming back. I was able to stand with assistance, but before leaving, my goal was to walk out of the hospital. My therapists helped me to get better and I can't say enough good things about them.”

Judith Sargent, his physical therapist, said Gomez was motivated and determined to regain his independence.

“Joe is so easygoing and positive,” Sargent said. “He really lit up the hospital despite everything he had been going through. He had a stroke on the right side of his brain, which left his left side significantly impaired. He lost his ability to move or stand. Every patient's recovery is different, and it can take up to a year or more. He was determined. Joe wanted to walk out of our hospital, and he has made great progress by putting in a lot of practice.”

Erin Crilly, an occupational therapist, said Gomez has improved since coming to inpatient rehabilitation.

“Joe made tremendous progress once I started working with him on his self-care tasks like dressing, toileting, transfers and movement of his left arm,” Crilly said. “When he began, he could only shrug his left shoulder. I am amazed at the progress he has made with the range of motion in his hand and arm.”

Family support

Family and loved ones' support played a huge role in Gomez's recovery.

“I think having family support is important,” Sargent said. “Having a stroke doesn't just affect your mobility — it has an impact on individuals' mental health because they have to relearn how to walk and do basic activities.”

'I will walk out of here'

Even though Gomez's recovery was an intensive match, he made the most of his time at Encompass Health. He trained hard for the ultimate victory, returning home and enjoying life with his family.

“I'm excited to hold my daughter in my arms,” he said. “I'm excited to see my animals and watch the dolphins play in the water. You miss so much when you're away from your normal routine. I thank Encompass Health for giving me my life back. If you want to go somewhere that shows compassion and you're ready to succeed, go to Encompass Health. They give you all the tools to become better, and I love everyone there.”