Toby Keith, the country music legend behind hits such as ‘Should’ve Been A Cowboy‘ and ‘American Soldier‘ has died at the age of 62.
Keith passed away this week after a battle with stomach cancer. Keith revealed in June 2022 that he had been diagnosed at the end of the previous year. In a press release shared in December 2022, Keith described his battle with cancer as “pretty debilitating.” He died in his sleep this week in Oklahoma.
Toby Keith in Pro Wrestling
While best known for his country music career, Keith’s name is attached to the world of professional wrestling. Keith performed on the very first NWA: TNA pay-per-view in 2002 but his performance was interrupted by Jeff Jarrett. Later in the show, Keith would get his revenge by costing Jarrett during a battle royal, in which the musician hit an impressive delayed German Suplex.
During an episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett would recall working with Keith.
“Toby’s a special human being in so many different ways… [I told him] Toby, I want you to be a part of the show. What do you think? Oh and on top of that [performing music] you get to kick my ass for the night! He said ‘I’m in!’”
On the podcast, Jarrett recalled Keith being a lifelong wrestling fan, thanks in part to growing up in the wrestling-rich state of Oklahoma. Jarrett added that Keith turned down performing at the White House to appear for the first NWA: TNA pay-per-view.
RIP Toby Keith …country star and you could say #TNA original. https://t.co/wZjwfn6Zzw
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) February 6, 2024
It wasn’t just in TNA that Keith made his presence felt in pro wrestling. In October 2010, Keith served as the guest host of WWE Monday Night Raw. Keith was part of a backstage segment with Santino Marella and Sheamus and was the guest ring announcer for their match that Santino would win.