The wrestling world woke up to the news that one half of the legendary Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton, passed away last night at the age of 62. Many of his peers and all four major wrestling promotions in the United States paid tribute to Eaton on social media all day.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Bobby Eaton passed away at the age of 62. WWE extends its condolences to Eaton’s family, friends and fans,” WWE said in a statement along with a story on the website.
“AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of a true legend and one of the greatest tag team wrestlers off all-time “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans,” said AEW on Twitter.
Impact Wrestling and the NWA also issued short statements on their social media. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton – part of the legendary Midnight Express tag team. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family,” said Impact, while the NWA wrote, “The National Wrestling Alliance is Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary ‘Beautiful’ Bobby Eaton. We send our love to his friends and family. His impact & legacy will always be remembered.”
NXT General Manager and former tag team partner of Eaton, William Regal, described him as a dear friend, partner, travel buddy, teacher, and superbly skilled pro. “My deepest condolences to Taryn, Dillon & Dustin and family of Bobby Eaton who has passed away,” Regal wrote.
A man who shared the ring several times with Eaton, Arn Anderson, said he was woken up by his wife delivering the worst news possible. “The world lost its finest citizen. If there was a kinder, gentler person I would sure love to meet them. I could spend all day talking about how special he was in a wrestling ring. That’s easy,” Double A wrote. “What’s hard is to do justice to the person he was. To his family thank you for sharing Bobby with the world. I will treasure the memories of him forever.”
The “Nature Boy” Ric Flair chimed in writing that he was so sad and sorry to hear about his close friend and one of the all time greats passing away. “Beautiful Bobby and The Midnight Express were one of the greatest tag teams in the history of the business! Rest In Peace!”
Jim Ross called many of Eaton’s matches and described him as a fabulous in-ring talent and a much better human outside the ring. “I was there when Bill Watts created the Midnight Express and will always cherish those times. RIP Beautiful Bobby,” Ross wrote.
Eric Bischoff, who was Eaton’s boss down in WCW, said, “My heart goes out to the family, friends, and fans of Bobby Eaton. One of a kind talent whose skill in the ring made it look so real.”
Jerry “The King” Lawler wrote that he lost two great friends and wrestling legends in one day, Bert Prentice and Bobby Eaton. “No words…rest in peace my friends.”
Rick Morton of The Rock N’ Roll Express simply wrote that he loves Eaton and Michael PS Hayes of The Fabulous Freebirds wrote that cannot begin to tell everyone how sorry he is to hear of Bobby Eaton’s passing. “Terry and I first met and worked with Bobby in 1978. What a tremendous worker and person! My condolences and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans.”
Lex Luger also worked with Eaton in WCW and said that Eaton not only was he a one of a kind wrestling talent, but a truly generous and gentle soul. “Prayers for his family. We will miss you Bobby and thanks for always having extra clean towels and stuff for all the boys.”
Gary Michael Cappetta, the longtime NWA and WCW ring announcer said that he was beyond sad to hear of Bobby’s passing. “Everything you’ve heard is true – Bobby was kind, gentle caring and loyal. The sport has never known a more accomplished performer. My deepest sympathy to his family.”
