LEGENDARY professional wrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett has died aged 80.
Jarett is commonly known as the founder of Total Nonstop Action – the WWE’s long-time competitor.
TwitterWrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett has died aged 80[/caption]
His death was confirmed by the WWE, who led the tributes.
A statement read: “WWE is saddened to learn that Jerry Jarrett has passed away at age 80.
“The father of WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett, the elder Jarrett was a hugely influential figure in the wrestling industry.
“Jarrett wrestled primarily for NWA Mid-America, winning multiple Tag Team Championships before hanging up his boots to focus on booking and promoting.
“Along with his partner Jerry “The King” Lawler, the two collaborated to create the Continental Wrestling Assocation (CWA), building it into a successful promotion in the Memphis area.
“CWA would later merge with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) to form the United States Wrestling Association (USWA).
“In 2002, he and his son, formed NWA: TNA, which helped launch the careers of future WWE Superstars such as AJ Styles, Xavier Woods, Bobby Roode, and more.
“WWE extends its condolences to Jarrett’s family, friends and fans.”
TNA ran until 2017 when in changed name to IMPACT Wrestling.
His son Jeff was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018 as a former champion.
Following the sad news of Jerry Jarrett’s passing, several tributes were made online.
Ex-RAW boss Eric Bischoff tweeted: “Prayers up to Jerry Jarrett and his family. RIP Jerry.”
WWE legend Sean Waltman – AKA X-Pac – posted: “I loved Jerry Jarrett. He believed in me.
“He’s responsible for Marty & I becoming Tag Champs. I was also one of the 1st people he called to help start TNA.
“I’m very grateful to Jerry & I’m really sad to know I’ll never see him again.”
Jerry Jarrett founded WWE’s long-time competitors TNA Read More