The wrestling world is mourning the death of 20-year veteran Jay Briscoe who has died at the age of 38.
The current Ring of Honour (ROH) World Tag Team Champion, whose real name was Jamin Pugh, was one of two tragically killed in a car accident, with AEW and ROH President Tony Khan confirming the news.
Khan tweeted: "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.
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“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"
Delaware State Police confirmed the incident happened in Laurel, Delaware, leaving two people dead.
Jay was one half of the highly-respected ‘Briscoe Brothers’ with his brother Mark.
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Together, they dominated the independent wrestling scene and held the ROH World Tag Team Championship 13 times.
They were the current holders of the tag titles after defeating FTR in a dog collar match on December 10.
Jay Briscoe was also a two-time ROH World Champion and, along with Mark, had been inducted into the ROH Hall of Fame in 2022.
Tributes for Jay came flowing in from WWE legends and the wrestling community.
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WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels tweeted: “On behalf of the WWE NXT community, I would like to express our condolences to the Briscoe family for their loss.”
Chris Jericho wrote: “Please pray for Jay Briscoe’s family. Trust me this is worse than you think.”
Triple H said: “An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.”
Cody Rhodes tweeted: “I didn’t interact much with him, but upon meeting Jay I instantly understood something about him…his family was his everything. All the love in the world to them this evening.”
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The WWE acknowledged the tragic passing live on the broadcast of NXT.
Fellow wrestlers and companies across the world also lent out their condolences.
Cash Wheeler, who recently wrestled the Briscoes as part of FTR, wrote: “I’ve been in tears since I heard the news. I just don’t have the words. Rest in Peace Jay.”
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CM Punk wrote on his Instagram story: “Jay Briscoe forever.”
Nick Jackson said: “Life is so unfair. It's way too short. Jay, I love you man. I'm praying for you and your entire family. This has left us all heartbroken. RIP my friend.”
Details of the accident are scarce, however, wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer reported that two children were also hospitalised.
Jayden Collins