TNA Wrestling has signed former Army Sergeant Chris Melendez to a multi-year deal. Melendez has one of his legs amputated after a brutal injury suffered in combat.

“The ability to captivate an audience without having to say any words is what got me hooked,” Melendez told ImpactWrestling.com about what got him into professional wrestling.

Melendez was awarded a Purple Heart for his life-threatening injuries he suffered from an IED while deployed in Iraq. He was resuscitated three times and endured numerous emergency surgeries and procedures but hard work and determination meant that he was walking with a prosthetic within 40 days.

Melendez was trained by Bully Ray and Devon at the Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling in Florida and will be making his debut during the New York City tapings between August 5 and 7.