Pro wrestling star Joe Doering dies at 44 after battle with brain cancer

Joe Doering, a professional wrestling star who competed in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), has died, the companies announced Friday. He was 44 years old.

AJPW and TNA each released statements on Doering’s death.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF PRO WRESTLING ON PK Press Club DIGITAL

“Joe Doering, who battled a brain tumor, has died at the age of 44,” All Japan Pro Wrestling said. “Upon learning of the passing of Joe Doring, all players and staff of All Japan Pro Wrestling express our condolences and sincere prayers for his eternal peace.”

TNA added, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Joe Doering. A towering in-ring performer and wonderful person, he will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his fans, friends and family.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club

Joe Doering reacts during the Pro-Wrestling Jumbo Tsuruta Memorial at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on May 31, 2022. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

The professional wrestling community also mourned Doering’s death on social media.

Doering was battling brain cancer which he had been battling for some time. He entered hospice care earlier in the week.

Doering began his professional wrestling journey in 2004 when he debuted for Border City Wrestling. He progressed through promotions, making appearances in AJPW in 2007 and TNA in 2005. He also competed in WWE’s developmental program, Florida Championship Wrestling, in 2010. He never debuted on the WWE main roster.

Joe Doering watches the All Japan Pro-Wrestling World Strongest Tag League at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan on November 21, 2019. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP

In AJPW, he was a four-time World Tag Team Champion and a two-time triple Heavyweight Champion. He won the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice in TNA.