Entertainment
Jimmy Rave dead aged 39: WWE, AEW and IMPACT stars lead tributes to late wrestler
Jimmy Rave has died aged 39 as the wrestling world is in mourning (Picture: Twitter/@thejimmyrave / Instagram)
Former Ring of Honor and TNA Wrestling star Jimmy Rave has died aged 39 as stars from WWE, AEW and IMPACT have paid tribute.
The star – who was forced to retire in November 2020 after more than two decades in the business – has died following a heartbreaking health battle which saw him have his arm amputated before losing both legs in June due to MRSA.
Wrestling agent Bill Behrens confirmed the tragic news in a statement co-written with Jimmy’s daughter Kailah and they revealed: ‘Jimmy had been struggling with drug addiction for many years. His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm, and, later, both of his legs.
‘James is survived by his ex-wife Felicia, daughter Kailah, son James II, and parents Jim & Toni Guffey.
‘At the time of his death, he was living in the Philadelphia, PA area with Gabby Gilbert’.
Tributes have poured out on social media, with WWE Official Adam Pearce among those to pay his respects as he shared a photo of them together and simply wrote: ‘Godspeed, my friend.’
The likes of Matt Cardona and AEW stars Malakai Black, Lance Archer and John Silver all paid tribute, while the company itself shared a statement.
They tweeted: ‘AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Jimmy Rave. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.’
AEW’s Eddie Kingston added: ‘I hope you find peace Jimmy. I know it was hard my man, you are a great dude to me always and hugged me so hard last time I saw you. A mind for this sport that very few had. R.I.P. Jimmy Rave’.
IMPACT Wrestling – which was known as TNA Wrestling during Jimmy’s time with the promotion – shared a picture of him during his run, and hailed his stint in the X-Division.
They wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Guffey, otherwise known as Jimmy Rave. We offer our sincere condolences to his family & friends during this difficult time. Rave made his IMPACT debut in 2002 during The Asylum Years & became a mainstay of the X-Division.’
WWE legend Shane ‘The Hurricane’ Helms said: ‘Terrible news. All my best to his friends and family.’
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Mustafa Ali added: ‘rest easy, jimmy. (sic)’
While AEW star Cash Wheeler wrote: ‘I keep typing and deleting. I can’t find the right words. I hope you find peace, Jimmy.’
And IMPACT’s Sami Callihan tweeted: ‘Heart broken, and extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Rave. Such an amazing performer, that was such an influence to so many wrestlers. It was a true pleasure sharing the ring with him. Condolences to all of his friends and family. RIP JIMMY RAVE’
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