Former TNA Announcer Don West Diagnosed With Brain Lymphoma

Godspeed to Don West, the former TNA/IMPACT Wrestling announcer.

Don West
IMPACT Wrestling

Former TNA/IMPACT Wrestling colour commentator Don West has announced that he has been diagnosed with a brain lymphoma.

West shared the news via Washington's NewsRadio 560 KPQ, the network that hosts The Don West Show, saying that he is currently taking a break from his work to battle his cancer.

July 2017 brought West's last onscreen appearance for IMPACT Wrestling, as he returned to commentate on a Slammiversary XV pay-per-view headlined by Bobby Lashley vs. Alberto Del Patron.

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Prior to that, West worked for TNA from 2002 to 2012. Brought in by Jeff Jarrett, he formed one half of the promotion's most famous announce team with Mike Tenay, alongside whom he worked for years, while also transitioning into a number of other minor onscreen roles. His famously animated ShopTNA segments remain a joy in 2021, drawing on Don's background as a professional pitchman.

In his pomp, Don was a unique voice and personality in professional wrestling. The sport misses his vibrant character.

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All the best to West and his family - and godspeed.

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Hello everybody,

Don West here to tell you about how disappointed I am not to be talking about the Seattle Seahawks, the Mariners, the Wenatchee Wild and everything else that we love to talk about every day on the Don West Show.

Many of you have wondered where I have been and why the show is on hiatus. So I want to share this news directly with you. I have been diagnosed with a brain lymphoma and will begin immediate treatment.

I want to thank my wife Terri for her love and support, my family and everyone that works at Cherry Creek Media and KPQ. I also want to thank the Don West Show’s incredible sponsors and my friends for all the prayers that are coming my way. I am praying the chemotherapy will help me heal faster and hopefully I’ll be back on the radio soon.

I can’t wait until this is all over and I can be back with you all again, I love you all!

Don West

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.