The wrestling world mourned the death of Jerry Jarrett, the legendary wrestling promoter, after he passed away yesterday at the age of 80.
Impact Wrestling, the company Jarrett co-founded with his son, wrote, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry Jarrett, a co-founder of TNA/IMPACT. His legacy in the wrestling industry is decades-long, multi-generational, and he certainly played a key role in today’s IMPACT. Deepest condolences to Jeff Jarrett, Jerry’s family and fans.”
Former TNA President Dixie Carter, whose father’s company took over from Jarrett, added, “Heartbroken to hear about the loss of @JerryJarrett. What an incredibly instrumental figure in the history of professional wrestling in so many ways. Sending love and prayers to his precious wife Deborah, Jeff, Jennifer, Jason & his entire family. It’s a sad day for wrestling.”
WWE remembered Jarrett in a post on their website and also on social media. “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,” the statement said. “Along with his partner Jerry “The King” Lawler, the two collaborated to create the Continental Wrestling Association (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.”
An in memory graphic of Jarrett also aired before NXT started last night on USA Network.
AEW, who employs Jarrett’s son Jeff as both an on-screen wrestler and executive behind the scenes, wrote on Twitter, “Everyone in AEW is saddened by the loss of Jerry Jarrett, a legend in every facet of pro wrestling. Jerry Jarrett was an incredible wrestler, one of the best storytelling minds ever, a trailblazing promoter, and a visionary whose family roots in wrestling will endure forever.”
The Cauliflower Alley Club said that they’re once again hit with the sad news that Jarrett has passed away. “We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and thank him for the incredible memories he brought to us over the years. R.I.P.”
Many former and current stars paid tribute to Jarrett on social media:
Sean Waltman: “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.”
Eric Bischoff: “Prayers up to Jerry Jarrett and his family. RIP Jerry.”
The Iron Sheik: “JERRY JARRETT ONE OF MY FIRST BOSS WHO WAS THE LEGEND OF THE MEMPHIS. FOREVER THE REAL. LOVE TO THE WHOLE FAMILY FOREVER”
Jimmy Hart: “Such sad news on Jerry Jarrett – will always be in my heart – one of the greatest promoters that gave way to some of my most fondest professional moments – he will be missed.”
Michael Hayes: “The loss of Jerry Jarrett, is something that should be revered!! Jerry beat all the odds, and, became the GUY!! Jerry allowed us to play the “Freebird” song’ unbelievable!! He’s the MAN!!..Can’t be FOLLOWED!!”
Dutch Mantell: “RIP Jerry Jarrett…a man who brought me in from Puerto Rico and kinda shaped my career. Rode a million miles with him picking his brain. Actually, Memphis with Jerry was eons ahead of the other territories in presentation and story. Taught me tons about booking.”
Ricky Morton: “So much to say. At a lost for words. Most importantly, thank you for giving my father & myself our dream job. Love you & your family, Jerry Jarrett. You changed the landscape of professional wrestling.”
Mike Tenay: “The first day I met Jerry Jarrett he called his wife Deborah and said, “We are having a guest for dinner.” Really enjoyed the time I spent with him. I’ll always appreciate his stories and the chance to pick his brain. RIP.”
Honky Tonk Man: “Sad news of a great guy who has passed away. Condolences go out to the Jerry Jarrett Family. Jerry gave HTM a huge break that I never forgot.”
Don Callis: “Sad to hear about the passing of Jerry Jarrett. I worked for Jerry and Jeff in TNA from 03-04. Jerry spoke to me about my wrestling my last night with the company and it is a conversation I remember very fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and family. RIP Mr Jarrett.”
Nick Aldis: “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.”
Christopher Daniels: “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.”
Frankie Kazarian: “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: “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.”
