After only 40 years of age, three-time former wXw Champion “Bad Bones” John Klinger has passed away. As of this writing, the cause of death is currently unknown. The announcement was made by the wXw account on X, and the promotion shared in the sadness of losing a talent at such a young age.
“We say goodbye to “Bad Bones” John Klinger. John Klinger was one of the defining wrestlers at wXw for over a decade. He won all of the major titles at wXw and won both 16 Carat Gold and Shortcut to the Top. In his almost 450 matches in the wXw ring, he always worked hard and did his best to excite his fans. At just 40 years old, John died far too early, shortly before his planned retirement. We wish his family and friends strength in this difficult time.”
Wir verabschieden uns von "Bad Bones" John Klinger.
John Klinger war über ein Jahrzehnt einer der prägenden Wrestler bei wXw. Er hat alle großen Titel bei wXw errungen und sowohl 16 Carat Gold als auch Shortcut to the Top gewonnen. In seinen knapp 450 Matches im wXw-Ring hat er… pic.twitter.com/ISBZfbjJax
— wXw Germany (@wXwGermany) May 20, 2024
Klinger was a friend and huge help to many in the wrestling world, with Simon Miller posting a lengthy tribute to Klinger, who happened to train Miller in the ring when the media personality decided to take a step into the squared circle.
I don’t know what to say about this but I feel compelled to write something.
John was one of the first guys to train me and pushed me way past what I thought I was capable of.
Whenever I’d see him he would always bring up the time I ran at the ropes with too much gusto and… pic.twitter.com/l8xBHIo4LM
— Simon Miller (@SimonMiller316) May 20, 2024
Will Ospreay, TNA and Corey Graves all took to social media to express their sorrow in losing Klinger. Klinger’s final match was against former WWE NXT UK talent Flash Morgan Webster, who noted the two only wrestled less than a week ago.
“I only wrestled him 9 days ago. Was talking to him in Poland after the match about how he was gonna retire in September and was happy with what he’d achieved and was happy to step away on his own terms. Life can be so cruel. Rest in peace John.”
I only wrestled him 9 days ago.
Was talking to him in Poland after the match about how he was gonna retire in September and was happy with what he’d achieved and was happy to step away on his own terms.
Life can be so cruel.
Rest in peace John https://t.co/LrpX9wKg6F pic.twitter.com/H6DRp4qdcu— Flash Morgan Webster (@Flash_Morgan) May 20, 2024
We at SEScoops would like to send our prayers, thoughts and condolences to Klinger, his family and friends at this time.
