Former NWA World's Champion Jax Dane Passes Away, The Wrestling World Reacts
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The National Wrestling Alliance has announced the passing of former NWA World's Heavyweight Champion Jax Dane.
Dane reportedly died yesterday (December 25) from heart complications. He was 48 years old.
NWA issued a statement on Jane’s passing, as you can see below:
“National Wrestling Alliance Mourns the Loss of Jax Dane
The National Wrestling Alliance is heartbroken to announce the passing of Jax Dane.
Born March 10, 1976, Dane left us on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, due to complications from a heart attack suffered in late November. Dane is survived by his wife Evelynda Laymon, stepson Nicolas, and father, who will forever cherish his memory. He was 48 years old.
Jax is remembered not only for his remarkable achievements inside the ring but his unwavering dedication to the sport and his fellow wrestlers. The most decorated wrestler of the Lightning One Era and former NWA World's Heavyweight Champion, Jax left an indelible mark on the NWA and the pro wrestling community as a whole.
Describing Dane as a "friend, mentor, absolute professional in and out of the ring, and loyalist who went out of his way to support and rebuild the NWA of today," William Patrick Corgan expressed his sorrow,
"Jax Dane loved professional wrestling deeply and he certainly loved those he fought and rode with. I know I speak for all of the National Wrestling Alliance when saying Jax will be missed. We will do our best to honor him and make his family proud as we carry forth," the NWA's President and Owner states.
"There are those men and women who carry the legacy of a champion because they have risen to such heights," Corgan continues, "And then there are those that earn the respect of a champion simply because of who they are. To this I can say, simply and personally, that Jax was such a man, and will forever be in our hearts."
Jax Dane reached the pinnacle of pro wrestling on August 15, 2015, defeating Hiroshi Tenzan to capture the National Wrestling Alliance World's Heavyweight title. He held the belt for an incredible 419 day, finally losing the championship to Tim Storm on October 21, 2016.
"Very few people have been as influential to my wrestling career as Jax. We met about 15 years ago and have been friends ever since," shares Storm.
"Over that time, we have wrestled against, for, and with each other a hundred plus times," said Storm of his in-ring rival and frequent tag team partner. "I've never been hit harder or thrown further than in my matches with Jax. It was mutual. He was completely unselfish. That is no more evident than in our current tag team. He put me squarely on his shoulders and made it happen."
His professional admiration aside, Storm also opens up about Dane as a person and friend.
"The world was a better place with him in it, and he leaves a hole in my heart and in the NWA that can't be filled. We roomed together on the road last year. We talked about wrestling and family," recalls Storm, describing Dane's dedication to those he cared for most.
"Jax loved his wife very much. He spoke about his father teaching him his work ethic and always felt the farm was home. He was proud of his stepson and how he matured into a man, and he loved his nieces dearly," Storm says. "My heart goes out to his entire family. My heartbreak is nothing compared to what his family is feeling."
"Jax was a Grizzly Bear in front of the camera and a Teddy Bear behind it," recounts Pat Kenney, NWA Head of Talent Relations, recalling the competitor as "a gentleman who was a true family man" as dedicated to his home as his onscreen and in-ring persona.
"I know that the term 'family man' gets thrown around a lot, but that's what he was. He spoke glowingly about his wife, Evelynda, and his stepson, Nico," Kenney details. "As a talent, he had the ability to work with anyone, anywhere, no matter his spot on the card. He was truly energized by his most recent pairing with Tim Storm, as his positivity at recent tapings was contagious. God bless him and his family."
"He was my brother in every sense of the word, and I loved him," Storm says, opening up about final conversations with his long-time friend. "He made me promise two things: 1. Don't share what's happening with anyone; it's a private thing. And 2. Promise me you will get your heart checked. He would ask you to do the same."
The NWA community will forever honor Jax Dane's legacy, celebrating his contributions to the sport and the profound impact he had on those around him. A champion throughout his career, Jax's List of Championship Accomplishments include:
• NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship
• NWA National Heavyweight Championship (2x)
• NWA World Tag Team Championship
• NWA North American Heavyweight Championship
• NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
• NWA Champions Series Tournament (2021)
• Smoky Mountain Cup Championship
We at the National Wrestling Alliance extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his spirit. Should the family choose to share details about the funeral arrangements, the NWA will ensure this information is made available to the public as soon as it is received.”
Meanwhile, the wrestling world has taken to social media to react to the passing of Dane.
Several wrestling stars, including NWA owner Billy Corgan, Shane “The Hurricane” Helms, Angelina Love, Konnan, Jazz, Luke Gallows, Kenzie Page, Donovan Dijak, Lady Frost, Armando Estrada, Adam Pearce and others posted to Twitter to pay tribute to the late NWA star.
You can check out some reactions below:
Friend, mentor, absolute professional in and out of the ring, and loyalist who went out of his way to support and rebuild the NWA of today, Jax Dane loved professional wrestling deeply and he certainly loved those he fought and rode with. I know I speak for all of the National… https://t.co/5JsrtJyJ0u
— William Patrick Corgan (@Billy) December 26, 2024
There's not much more I can add to this other than @TheJaxDane was my friend and I'm gonna miss him. I'll be saving those silly ass texts messages forever. RIP buddy. https://t.co/l8tZtXqIU9
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) December 26, 2024
This is a really hard one. @TheJaxDane was such a kind, fun, very nice man. A hard worker, leader behind-the-scenes and extremely friendly gentleman, I had the utmost respect and appreciation for him. The entire @NWA Family will miss him tremendously. https://t.co/3FKaO4tWpBpic.twitter.com/lpqrATa9ZX
— Pollo Del Mar – Instagram.com/PolloDelMarFans (@TheGlamazonPDM) December 26, 2024
So incredibly sad 😞 Jax was always a very kind gentleman and was loved by everyone who knew him 🙏🏼 RIP my friend. https://t.co/qbIjKksxSj
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) December 26, 2024
Great guy, passionate got to work with him in Impact always wanted to learn more. always in a jovial mood…#RIPhttps://t.co/9FjiPbyxgp
— Konnan (@Konnan5150) December 26, 2024
My heart is broke. One of the first big guys to take me in.
Please pray for the family. 😞❤️ https://t.co/jiIrBrpuWC— Kenzie Paige (@KenziePaige_1) December 26, 2024
Will miss you my friend! Till we meet again! Rest well
— Jazz "Female Fighting Phenom" (@Phenom_Jazz) December 26, 2024
I've been trying to think of the words for hours to address this, and I just don't have them right now. I will simply say that I'm gutted. My condolences and sympathy to his family that he loved so much and spoke about glowingly. Thank you Jax… for it all. https://t.co/alms3XZLVI
— Jeremiah Plunkett (@Plunkitis) December 26, 2024
RIP Jax Dane pic.twitter.com/kgRaztdEDH
— "The Big LG" Doc Gallows (@The_BigLG) December 26, 2024
One of the kindest and hardest workers in the business, taken far too young
RIP Jax https://t.co/rmKq2Rh6Ml— Royce Isaacs • ロイスアイザックス (@RoyceIsaacs) December 26, 2024
I've known Jax since the beginning of my career. From day 1 he was always supportive and helpful. He'd always greet me with a smile and a hug. We needed people like him. He will be deeply missed. RIP. https://t.co/4BRygYXtdTpic.twitter.com/JcbpOGtUUM
— マックス・ジ・インペイラー (@_theyaremax_) December 26, 2024
Rest in Peace Dane, it was a pleasure to know and work with you my friend. https://t.co/czpHLqqZxy
— DONOVAN DIJAK (@DijakFYE) December 26, 2024
Rip jax. Was always soo kind. Sending love to all family and friends during this difficult time https://t.co/JphCJdEMGX
— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) December 26, 2024
🙏 Jax you were the first person to greet me when I came to NWA 70 with a joke and hug and when wrestling took me on a different path you were one of first to text me. My heart goes out to his wife and son! You will be missed Big man. 💔 https://t.co/pMCNbnAiky
— Parrow (@Parrow_) December 27, 2024
Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Jax on Christmas Day. Jax Dane was such a beloved guy by everyone who he worked with that I've spoken to, and he always treated greenhorn young-boy Walker like gold when we interacted. A good man gone, send love to his family. 💔 https://t.co/z6BK2ah3ye
— Walker Stewart (ウォーカー・スチュワート) (@VelvetVoiceWS) December 27, 2024
Always a sweetheart during my time working there. 🤍 Rest well, Jax. https://t.co/q0CJ47vnzH
— Lady Frost (@RealLadyFrost) December 26, 2024
Very sad news. Jax welcomed The Bruiser & I with open arms into the NWA locker room. He was an absolute pleasure to be around. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and close friends. https://t.co/THCfcY0BmB
— Brian Milonas (@brianmilonas) December 27, 2024
Jeremy and I started in OVW over 20 years ago, and he was always nice to be around. I enjoyed working with and against him. My thoughts are with his family. #RIPJAXhttps://t.co/vOLFgA7vUX
— Armando Estrada (@RealArmandoHaHa) December 26, 2024
Rest in Power Dax.. peace to your friends and family. https://t.co/NsbOZYTela
— RIGGS (@realscottyriggs) December 26, 2024
Freedom Pro wishes to send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Jax Dane @TheJaxDane. https://t.co/IluOS9goskpic.twitter.com/52CRupX045
— Freedom Pro Wrestling (@Freedom_Pro) December 26, 2024
My heart hurts to read this. 💔
What a nice guy Ajax was. My thoughts, prayers, & condolences are with his family.
Rest in Peace sir. ❤️ https://t.co/IU5WnJd7z2
— The Professional 💀 (@RhettTitusANX) December 26, 2024
Rest In Peace Jax…..way too soon https://t.co/q8V21JTNsP
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) December 26, 2024
Only the good die young.
I don't have the words, Godzilla. I'm forever grateful for the time we shared. And for the laughs. And the potatoes. And the random convos out of nowhere about life.
Rest well, brother.
Godspeed, @TheJaxDane. 🙏❤️ https://t.co/LA5s7CT9ABpic.twitter.com/se50uUdVrn— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) December 27, 2024
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