‘I’m an equal opportunity butt kicker:’ Former WWE wrestler knocking out autism stigma

Many people know Matt Morgan for his days as a wrestler taking on opponents like Ric Flair.

Morgan said Flair stepped out of retirement to help him launch his career to the next level.

Following his wrestling career, Morgan has stepped into a new arena. He is now the Deputy Mayor of Longwood and is using his position to help people with autism find the resources they need.

During a recording of Florida’s Fourth Estate, Morgan told Matt Austin and Ginger Gadsden his son Jackson has helped spur his passion.

“He was diagnosed as non-verbal autistic,” Morgan said. “He pushes and nudges us in the direction of things that he wants.”

He said his son and others on the spectrum experience the world differently. As Morgan and his wife have worked to provide Jackson with the resources he needs he said they found many great things worth sharing.

So the couple is bringing those resources together this weekend during the Second Annual Longwood Walk for Autism and Inclusion.

He said not only will families have the opportunity to come out and enjoy therapy pets and cartoon characters, but they will also be connected with more than 50 Central Florida vendors that cater to people who are neurodiverse.

The event is free.

It will be held Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Reiter Park in Longwood.

You can learn more about the event and Morgan’s career as a wrestler on Florida’s Fourth Estate.

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