Entertainment
TNA Wrestling founder Jerry Jarrett dies aged 80: Stars mourn legendary promoter-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro
He launched TNA with his son Jeff.
Jerry Jarrett leaves behind an incredible legacy (Picture: NWA/Twitter)
Legendary wrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett has died aged 80.
The wrestling world is mourning after the TNA Wrestling co-founder – who launched the company, which would later become IMPACT Wrestling, with his son Jeff Jarrett in 2002 – died leaving behind an incredible legacy.
Retired star Dutch Mantell wrote: ‘SAD NEWS: I’m hearing reports of my friend and long time booker/promoter Jerry Jarrett died this morning in TN. I last saw him last year when we did the VICE show THE TERRITORIES in Atlanta. Very creative booker. Condolences to Jeff/Deborah and the Jarrett family.’
Jarrett’s family is yet to comment publicly on his passing, and no cause of death has been revealed yet.
However, plenty of former TNA/IMPACT stars have been quick to pay tribute to the late legend of the business.
Frankie Kazarian tweeted: ‘RIP Jerry Jarrett. Jerry was essentially my first boss when I signed with TNA in 2003. We had several very nice and funny conversations, one in particular I will never forget.
‘Thank you for all you gave to professional wrestling. My heart goes out to my friend @RealJeffJarrett.’
James Storm wrote: ‘Sad news hearing the passing of Jerry Jarrett. This man helped me out so much in my career. From training at his farm for the USWA wrestling school to last year him saying he’s proud of me for sticking it out. #RipJerry 🙏’
Christopher Daniels said: ‘Rest in Peace Jerry Jarrett. I had such good experiences working with him in early TNA.
‘He told my parents that the AMW-XXX cage match at Turning Point 2004 was one of the best he’d ever seen, which was a compliment that I cherish to this day. My best wishes to Jeff & his family.’
British star Nick Aldis added: ‘I’m very sad to learn of the passing of Jerry Jarrett. One of the most successful promoters in American Wrestling history. The last time I saw Jerry was in Charlotte NC, and what he said to me that day is one of the most cherished memories of my career. RIP.’
And the National Wrestling Alliance’s official Twitter account said: ‘The NWA family is saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Jerry Jarrett. A very important part of the professional wrestling business, we send our condolences to his family, friends and fans.’
Jarrett made his name as a promoter in wrestling across a number of decades before he sold United States Wrestling Association in 1995, and then returned to wrestling with son Jeff to launch TNA in 2002.
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