Former NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Jax Dane has passed away at the age of 48, the National Wrestling Alliance has reported. Dane reportedly died on December 25 due to heart complications.
In a formal statement, the NWA mourned Dane’s passing, calling him a friend, mentor, and absolute professional both inside and outside the ring. They celebrated his significant achievements in wrestling and lasting impact on the NWA community and broader professional wrestling world.
Jax Dane’s success peaked on August 15, 2015, when he defeated Hiroshi Tenzan, winning the National Wrestling Alliance World’s Heavyweight title. He held the title for 419 days before losing it to Tim Storm on October 21, 2016. Storm, who frequently teamed up and competed with Dane, voiced his admiration for Dane professionally and personally.
Tim Storm shared about Dane’s devotion to his loved ones, noting Dane’s profound love for his wife and warmth for his stepson and nieces. According to NWA’s Head of Talent Relations Pat Kenney, Dane was both a grizzly bear in front of the camera and a teddy bear behind it.
The NWA community will honor Jax Dane’s legacy forever, and his list of career achievements is a testament to his contribution to the sport. He held several titles and was victorious in numerous championship matches.
Messages of condolences for Dane’s family have been pouring out across the wrestling world, with posts on social media from many wrestling stars like NWA owner Billy Corgan and others who have shared their personal experiences and expressed their sorrow over the loss of Dane.