The world of wrestling is an exhilarating and daring realm, renowned for its thrilling spectacles and fearless athletes. Regardless of shape, size, race, or gender, these brave individuals push their bodies to the limit every week, captivating fans around the globe. The bond between wrestlers and their devoted supporters is indescribable, making it all the more heart-wrenching when a beloved superstar’s time is cut short.
Sadly, each passing year adds to the list of wrestlers who have left us too soon, and 2023 is no exception. This year, we bid farewell to icons like Jay Briscoe, a true embodiment of success achieved through talent, dedication, and unwavering effort. Alongside these legends, we also mourn the loss of promising rising stars and seasoned veterans who lived lives filled with extraordinary experiences. Though their time among us was tragically brief, their awe-inspiring matches, death-defying feats, and triumphant championship victories will forever echo in the annals of wrestling history.
Amidst the sorrow of losing these extraordinary individuals, it is crucial to reflect on and honor the performances and commitment they poured into their remarkable careers. This page will remain a living tribute, regularly updated with the names of wrestlers who have bid us farewell in 2023. While they may no longer grace our world, their legacies and profound influence on the sport will endure eternally. So, remember to bookmark this page and join us in celebrating the enduring spirit of the wrestling legends we have lost this year.
1. Bray Wyatt
WWE superstar and wrestling revolutionary Windham Rotunda, better known as Bray Wyatt, sadly passed away on August 24, 2023, at the age of 36.
Throughout his remarkable career, Rotunda was known for his unparalleled creativity and genius both inside and outside the wrestling ring. He brought a fresh and daring storytelling approach to the world of wrestling, captivating audiences with his innovative ideas. In 2012, Rotunda rose to superstardom when he formed The Wyatt Family, a unique and original faction that took the wrestling world by storm.
Rotunda’s ability to reinvent himself was evident when he transformed into the terrifying character known as The Fiend. This new persona sparked a revolution in the WWE, reigniting Rotunda’s own passion and captivating fans worldwide. He engaged in memorable feuds with legendary superstars such as John Cena, Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, and The Undertaker, solidifying his place among the greatest wrestlers of all time.
In February 2023, Rotunda announced his departure from wrestling due to an undisclosed illness. Fans eagerly awaited his return, but sadly, complications from Covid and a subsequent heart attack led to his untimely passing. WWE Head of Creative Triple H made the announcement, and an outpouring of grief followed from fellow superstars, friends, fans, and family on social media.
2. Terry Funk
Terry Funk, a wrestling icon who revolutionized the industry over a remarkable 50-year career, sadly left us on August 23, 2023, at the age of 79.
Terry Funk was an absolute trailblazer in the world of wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on both the indie and mainstream scenes. He graced the rings of several promotions, including WWE/WWF, All Japan Pro Wrestling, United States Wrestling Association, and most notably, Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Beginning his journey in 1965 with Western States Sports, Funk swiftly gained fame for his hardcore style and his unwavering commitment to entertaining and captivating fans. He became a beloved fan favorite, earning a spot in the WWF from 1985 to 1986, and later in the WWE from 1989 to 1990. However, it was his unforgettable stint in ECW that truly defined Funk’s legacy. He played a pivotal role in establishing ECW as one of the premier promotions worldwide. Despite his advancing age, Funk continued to astonish audiences with his daredevil antics, captivating fans in ECW, WWE, and the indie circuit until his final known match in 2017.
In 2021, Terry Funk’s close friend Don Muraco revealed that he had been diagnosed with dementia and was residing in an assisted living facility. Two years later, fellow friends Mick Foley and Ric Flair informed the world through social media that the wrestling legend had passed away. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with wrestlers from all generations expressing their grief over the loss of a true pioneer and influential figure in the sport. Terry Funk’s immeasurable impact and significance in the world of wrestling cannot be overstated, and his legacy will endure for eternity.
3. Mantaur
Wrestler Mike “Mantaur” Halac, aged 55, sadly passed away on July 11 following a fall that resulted in his hospitalization. Confirming the news, fellow wrestler Bryan Clark expressed his sadness in a tweet, stating, “I’m very saddened to hear the passing of Mike Halac. I messaged him after his fall, and while he was in the ER. He never responded, which was very unlike him. I woke to hear the news. Prayers for Big Mike’s family, I will always remember our laughs, and I will miss our conversations.”
Halac began his wrestling career in the German Catch Wrestling Association, where he adopted the stage name Bruiser Mastino from 1991 to 1994. Initially joining the WWE as Bruiser, he later transformed into “The Mantaur,” a minotaur-inspired character known for charging and mooing at his opponents. His first appearance on pay-per-view as The Mantaur was in the 1995 Royal Rumble, where he faced off against Lex Luger.
After a brief stint with Extreme Championship Wrestling, Halac returned to WWE in 1996, portraying an unnamed bodyguard for Golddust in a special event called In Your House 7. He continued to wrestle until 2019, with his final match as Mantaur taking place in Joey Janela’s Spring Break 3 Part 2 Battle Royal in April 2019.
Source: TV Line, WWE
4. The Iron Sheik
The wrestling community mourns the tragic loss of The Iron Sheik, an iconic figure in the WWE and WWF, who passed away on June 7, 2023 at the age of 81.
Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, known as The Iron Sheik, was a legendary wrestler from Iran. He achieved worldwide fame in the WWF by perfecting his Sheik character and becoming one of the most notorious heels in wrestling history. His fierce rivalries with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Sgt. Slaughter solidified his status as a larger-than-life persona, captivating audiences with his charisma and exceptional in-ring skills. Throughout his career, Sheik thrived on being despised by fans, but after retiring, he transformed into a beloved legend who upheld the company’s values.
The Iron Sheik was known for his outspoken nature, fearlessly expressing his opinions on sensitive topics. Fans admired his authenticity and his unwavering commitment to being true to himself, a trait he displayed throughout his life.
Survived by his wife of 47 years, Carly, and his children Tany and Nikki, Vaziri’s passing has left a profound impact on the wrestling world. The news of his death left the community in a state of mourning, with thousands taking to social media to pay their respects and share how much Vaziri meant to them throughout their lives.
5. Billy Graham
Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, Billy Graham, sadly passed away on May 17, 2023, at the age of 79.
Throughout his remarkable career, Billy Graham wasn’t just an extraordinary wrestling talent, but also a genuinely kind-hearted individual. He was undeniably one of the most influential wrestlers of his time. Known for his willingness to mentor and support young wrestlers, Graham earned immense respect in the WWE and his untimely demise deeply impacted the wrestling community. With his charismatic personality, imposing physique, and exceptional skills in the ring, Graham quickly became a beloved figure and a pivotal figure in the sport’s history.
After spending several weeks in the ICU battling health issues, Graham was eventually taken off life support, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Many wrestlers, both from the past and present, took to social media to express their condolences. One of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Rick Flair, who attributes his own successful career to Graham’s guidance and teachings, also shared his heartfelt tribute.
6. Robert “Butch” Miller
Wrestling icon Robert “Bushwhacker Butch” Miller sadly left us on April 3, 2023 at the age of 78. Miller, a WWE Hall of Famer and legendary figure, will be greatly missed.
Known as one half of the widely adored WWE tag team The Bushwhackers, Robert Miller was adored by fans worldwide. His unforgettable entrance, characterized by a spirited march to the ring and animated swinging arms, brought joy to the WWE universe. Miller always had a special way of connecting with the fans, making him a beloved figure in the industry. His partnership with Luke Williams extended beyond WWE, even making appearances on popular TV shows like Family Matters. After nearly five decades of professional wrestling, Miller was rightfully inducted into the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame.
Luke Williams took to social media to share the heartbreaking news of his former partner’s passing. In a heartfelt message, he expressed his deep sorrow and extended his sympathies to Miller’s wife Helen, his daughters Sharon and Kirsten, and all his grandchildren. The loss of Bob ‘Butch’ Miller has left a void in Williams’ life, as they were not only partners but also close friends and brothers for over 50 years.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Miller family during this difficult time. Butch’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of wrestling fans and his contributions to the industry will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Bushwhacker Butch.
7. Jerry Jarrett
Legendary professional wrestling promoter, wrestler, and father of WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett, sadly passed away on February 14, 2023, at the age of 80.
Jeff Jarrett began his remarkable career in the National Wrestling Alliance Mid-America, where he became a tag-team champion and a beloved wrestler in the midwest. Eventually, he decided to step away from the wrestling ring and venture into the world of promotion. In 1997, alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jarrett founded the Continental Wrestling Association. Over the next 11 years, he dedicated himself to promoting the company and took it to new heights, establishing it as one of the most influential underground wrestling circuits globally.
Although Jarrett sold controlling ownership in 1997, his involvement didn’t end there. When his son achieved mega stardom in the WWE and WCW, Jeff stood by his side, offering support and guidance. As they both desired more creative control, they took matters into their own hands and founded Total Nonstop Wrestling, later known as Impact Wrestling. Under Jarrett’s leadership, the company played an instrumental role in shaping the careers of some of today’s biggest wrestling stars, including A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, and Xavier Woods.
Tragically, Jarrett had been battling esophageal cancer and passed away on Valentine’s Day. The wrestling community took a moment to reflect and pay tribute to this booking legend through social media, acknowledging the profound impact he had on the sport, which helped define a generation.
8. Lanny Poffo
Former WWE superstar Lanny Poffo, known as “The Genius,” sadly passed away on February 2, 2023, at the age of 68.
Hailing from one of the most esteemed WWE families in history, Lanny “The Genius” Poffo was the son of Angelo Poffo and the younger brother of WWE Hall of Famer “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Despite the weight of his wrestling lineage, Lanny managed to forge his own path and establish himself as a respected figure in the industry. Known for his unique gimmick of reciting poetry and tossing Frisbees to the crowd, Lanny captured the hearts of fans and rose to superstardom while managing Mr. Perfect. Remarkably, Lanny continued wrestling until 2020, culminating an astonishing 46-year career in the ring.
The wrestling community was left heartbroken by this tragic news. Wrestlers, both seasoned veterans and rising stars, turned to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the extraordinary performer that Lanny was.
9. Jay Briscoe
Professional wrestler Jamin Pugh, better known as Jay Briscoe, sadly passed away at the age of 38 on January 19, 2023.
Jay Briscoe was a well-known figure in several professional wrestling leagues like The Ring of Honor (ROH), Combat Zone Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Although he moved around quite a bit during his career, many fans will always remember Briscoe as one-half of the beloved and highly regarded team, “The Briscoe Brothers,” in ROH. He dedicated 19 years to entertaining fans worldwide. Briscoe’s achievements included being an ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion and an unprecedented 13-time ROH World Tag Team Champion. His distinctive long beard and iconic bandana worn across his head endeared him to all who watched him. Moreover, his intense, gritty, and hardcore fighting style left a lasting impact on a whole generation.
Tragically, Briscoe was involved in a severe car accident in Laurel, Delaware, which claimed his life. Briscoe’s two daughters, aged 12 and 9, were also in the car and are currently in critical condition. The wrestling community expressed their grief on social media, mourning the loss of one of their own. Ring Of Honor conveyed their condolences through the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Jamin Pugh, universally known as Jay Briscoe. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and dedicated fans during this difficult time.”
10. Lanny Poffo
