In 2004, after Kanyon's release from WWE, he began what was thought to be a gimmick in which he was an openly gay wrestler. This included an occasion in which he stated that WWE released him from his contract because of his sexuality. Kanyon later told reporters and radio personalities that this was just a publicity stunt. He later retracted these statements and acknowledged that he was in fact gay. Before his death Kanyon was working on a book, "Wrestling Reality", with Ryan Clark. The book was released November 1, 2011, and it details Kanyon's struggles as a closeted gay man.