We are saddened to report that legendary wrestling announcer Lance Russell has passed away. He was 91. Russell was the voice of Memphis wrestling for decades.
His family confirmed the news on Tuesday morning:
Hey All, wanted to share the sad news that dad passed away this morning. You all have been a blessing in this difficult time. Thank You!!!
— Lance Russell (@MemphisLance) October 3, 2017
WWE Hall of Famers Jerry “The King” Jerry, who credits Russell for starting his wrestling career, spoke to Commercial Appeal by phone this morning and revealed that Russell fell, broke a hip and died early Tuesday. “It’s like losing my father again,” he said.
Visit WWE.com for more on the life and career of Lance Russell.
The wrestling world remembers The Voice of Memphis Wrestling:
My dear friend and greatest wrestling commentator ever, Lance Russell passed away this morning. I would have never been without him. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/bD4AlK5dsF
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) October 3, 2017
Horrible weekend for all of us. @MemphisLance Russell has passed at 91. Memphis icon–sport's nicest man–best at what he did–friend.#RIP
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) October 3, 2017
Every TV station, paper in Memphis reporting on the passing of @MemphisLance who hosted highest rated TV show in town for 40 years.#ICON
— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) October 3, 2017
RIP Lance Russell…professional wrestling voice of my childhood and very instrumental in my early career… … https://t.co/QWScdDuu8c
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) October 3, 2017
Love you #LanceRussell…
…RIP @MemphisLance…
…say hi to Jan…. pic.twitter.com/52hV5YcH3U
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 3, 2017
There are people far more qualified than I to pay tribute to @MemphisLance, but I must pay my respects. RIP #LanceRussell pic.twitter.com/gTKeYmA3Cz
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) October 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/thewadekeller/status/915251209669419010
https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/915202761607798788
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https://twitter.com/ebischoff/status/915214624961683456
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Lance Russell.I met him a few times and he was always a lovely gentleman.Having and hearing him call a few of my bouts in MCW in 2000 was a real treat.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) October 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/lancestorm/status/915208844640370688
Heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of the legendary Lance Russell. One of the all-time great wrestling announcers. #Memphis icon. pic.twitter.com/lpXpKzL8xh
— NWALegends.com (@NWALegends) October 3, 2017