Wrestling World Pays Tribute To Jay Briscoe Following Tragic Passing
Names from all across the wrestling world mourn the loss of ROH legend, Jay Briscoe, who was 38.
Professional wrestling is today mourning the tragic death of Ring Of Honor legend Jay Briscoe, who died following a fatal car accident in his Laurel, Delaware hometown at around 5:30 PM on Tuesday.
Briscoe was just 38 years old at the time of passing. He will be remembered as one of the most important wrestlers of his generation and an all-time great in the tag team realm, which he and brother Mark revolutionised in ROH in particular. The duo were 13-time ROH Tag Team Champions, starring for the promotion for over two decades, and commenced their final reign by defeating FTR to cap their acclaimed trilogy at Final Battle 2022 in December.
Hundreds and hundreds of wrestlers from every corner of the sport have come together to mourn Jay's loss. AEW founder Tony Khan's tweet was amongst the first to raise awareness of the sad situation:-
Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today.Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We'll do whatever we can to support his family.Rest In Peace Jamin
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 18, 2023
Many of Jay's former ROH cohorts have shared stories and sent out their condolences, including Sami Zayn, who, as El Generico, was once of The Briscoes' most iconic opponents:-
I don’t have the words right now to properly convey my sorrow. I love Jay & Mark Briscoe. Always have. I wouldn’t be here without them. I’m very lucky to have shared the ring & shared so many laughs with Jay Briscoe and I’m so sad to know neither will happen again. RIP my friend.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) January 18, 2023
Jay Briscoe was one of the toughest men I ever had the privilege of sharing a ring with, as well as being a tremendous brother, father, and man. I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to know him and wrestle him as often as I did. Rest in Peace, Jay, I love you.#RIPJayBriscoe pic.twitter.com/6ZxNfgPcmw
Advertisement— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) January 18, 2023
Jay was one of a kind.
I traveled often with Jay and Mark. We couldn't have been more different but that's what made our friendship something I'll cherish forever.He'd give you the shirt off his back, his last dime. He was so proud of his kids. Loved his family so much. https://t.co/NhWZ0rEnJp
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) January 18, 2023
RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/FmtItHvUjr
— ? (@RichardsWesley) January 18, 2023
Outwith the ROH/AEW sphere, WWE's Shawn Michaels, Adam Pearce, and Paul 'Triple H' Levesque both paid tribute to Jay:-
On behalf of the @WWENXT community, I would like to express our condolences to the Briscoe family for their loss.
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) January 18, 2023
An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 18, 2023
One time in New York City, I was at a bar with the Briscoes and Nigel. I might’ve had a few too many.
Nigel asked if I ever had a Flaming Sambuca. I told him to line it up.Being an idiot, I didn’t blow it out before I shot it… (1/3) pic.twitter.com/gUfTBFUO66
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) January 18, 2023
I didn’t realize it until Jay started beating the crap out of me with a bar towel.
“What the f—-, Jay!?”“Ya got-damn arm is on fire!!”We all laughed out asses off and ordered another round… (2/3)
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) January 18, 2023
I don’t know what to say. You were awesome to me in every way, and we all love you. My heart breaks for your family, friends, co-workers, fans, and for Mark.
Godspeed, Jay Briscoe. The next round is on me, my brother. ?❤️ (3/3)
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) January 18, 2023
NXT announcer Vic Joseph read a short tribute to Briscoe during last night's show. That episode was originally scheduled to feature a mock funeral segment hosted by The New Day, though this was pulled when the news broke.
AEW, ROH, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and many, many more were among the promotions to tweet on the situation:-
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic passing of Jamin Pugh, known to wrestling fans around the world as Jay Briscoe. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans. pic.twitter.com/g95ID0ZnDW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) January 18, 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic passing of Jamin Pugh, known to wrestling fans around the world as Jay Briscoe. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans. pic.twitter.com/5wB6HpVY0x
— ROH - Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) January 18, 2023
IMPACT is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jay Briscoe. Jay will always be remembered as a trailblazer who, with his brother Mark, left it in the ring every night. We send our sincere condolences to his family, who he loved beyond words, as well as his friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/Xtpcv9wgHy
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 18, 2023
Understandably, the above tributes are but the tip of the iceberg.
A father, husband, brother, and innovative, authentic, and iconic professional wrestler, Jay Briscoe will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.