• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• US Sport
• TNA Wrestling

Wrestling star Joe Doering dies after third brain tumour saw him enter hospice care

Former TNA star and ex-WWE developmental talent Joe Doering has sadly passed away after entering hospice care following being diagnosed with a third brain tumour

[Joe Doering]

Joe Doering was most known for his work in TNA and Japan(Image: Getty Images)

A US professional wrestler has sadly passed away after battling brain cancer just days after entering hospice care.

Joe Doering, a former TNA star and ex-WWE developmental talent, was sadly diagnosed with his third brain tumour last year. It had almost been ten years since he first underwent surgery on the first brain tumour he was diagnosed with back in 2016.

The 44-year-old underwent surgery to remove the tumour successfully but his cancer returned in 2022, which again saw him undergo an operation. Sadly the caner returned for a third time and he passed earlier today (June 26).

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announced the sad news of Doering's passing on its social media channels in a tribute.

[TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 21: Joe Doering looks on during the All Japan Pro-Wrestling 'World Strongest Tag League' at Korakuen Hall on November 21, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)]

Doering was diagnosed with his third brain tumour last year(Image: Getty Images)

The statement said: "At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years worth of living into every one of them.

"Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his family, and leaves behind countless friends and devoted fans around the world who will forever remember his strength, courage, and spirit. Rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten."

[TOKYO, JAPAN - MAY 31: Joe Doering enters the ring during the Pro-Wrestling - Jumbo Tsuruta Memorial at Korakuen Hall on May 31, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)]

During his battle with cancer over the years, Doering continued to wrestler (Image: Getty Images)

Doering started in pro-wrestling in 2004 and made a name for himself in All Japan Pro Wrestling. He would then catch the eye of WWE and join their developmental program in Florida Championship Wrestling in 2010.

However, his stay in the developmental system would be a short one as he left by the end of the same year.

His career did not stop there as he would make a name for himself in the US with another stint in TNA. He started in TNA in 2004 and spent two years. Doering returned to the company but when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016, he left TNA to undergo surgery.

Doering made a return to beat TNA star Moose in 2018 following his first battle with cancer. He would late return to TNA as part of Violent By Design, teaming with Eric Young and Cody Deaner.

[TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 21: Joe Doering enters the ring during the All Japan Pro-Wrestling 'World Strongest Tag League' at Korakuen Hall on November 21, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)]

Tributes have been paid to Doering (Image: Getty Images)

They would go on to win the the TNA Impact World Tag Team Championship, which was then defended between all three men under the Freebird rule.

Doering's career in Japan also saw him share the ring with some huge names in the wrestling industry, including ted Hiroshi Tanahashi.

TNA have also paid tribute to their former star. Writing on X: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Joe Doering. A commanding in-ring performer and a wonderful person, he will never be forgotten. We offer our deepest condolences to his fans, his friends and his family."

Fellow wrestling promotion AEW also paid tribute to Doering. They said: "AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of Joe Doering. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time."

Current AEW and former TNA wrestler Josh Alexander wrestled Doering in his last match for the promotion in 2022 and said he noticed something was "off" with the star.

Writing on X today, he said: "July 1 2022 I wrestled what would be Joe Doerings last match. A month prior Id noticed something was off with Joe. But it never crossed my mind that his cancer might have returned. In my mind hed already faced that battle and won.

"Ive thought about it all countless times since and never asked. I think he knew the cancer had returned or at least had a gut feeling. Regardless he kept it all to himself. When it came time for the match he was down for everything. Angle slam off the apron to the floor? Lets do it. Superplex? He was down.

"I remember going to him before the match and telling him Joe hopefully I dont regret this. But I really want you to lay your stuff in on me out there. If you clothesline me I want my boots to come loose. He kind of smirked like only Joe could and agreed. (And he sure did what I asked)

"We had a 20+ main event title match on ppv. I cant imagine the pain or discomfort he was feeling at the time. But in true Joe fashion he was an absolute warrior.

"Joe always was a professional. A class act and one hell of a wrestler. I left that match sore as shit but proud. Its a strange feeling being both honoured and sad to have been the one that he closed out his career with. Im just fortunate to have known him both in and out of the ring. He fought cancer for so long. I can only hope that now he can finally rest."

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.