Professional wrestler Joe Doering, a former champion in All Japan Pro Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, has died following a battle with brain cancer. He was 44.
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All Japan Pro Wrestling and TNA confirmed Doering's death Friday.
"Joe Doering, who had been battling a brain tumor, passed away at the age of 44," All Japan Pro Wrestling said in a statement while offering condolences to his family, friends and fans.
TNA also paid tribute, calling Doering "a commanding in-ring performer and a wonderful person."
"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Joe Doering," the promotion said. "He will never be forgotten."
Doering had been battling brain cancer for an extended period and entered hospice care earlier this week.
He began his professional wrestling career in 2004 with Border City Wrestling before joining All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he became one of the promotion's most accomplished foreign stars. During his career there, Doering won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice and captured the World Tag Team Championship four times.
He also competed for TNA, winning the promotion's World Tag Team Championship twice.
In 2010, Doering spent time in WWE's developmental system with Florida Championship Wrestling but never appeared on WWE's main roster.
Following news of his death, wrestlers and promotions across the industry shared tributes on social media, remembering Doering for both his accomplishments in the ring and his character outside of it.
