Legendary professional wrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett has died at the age of 80. The veteran professional wrestling icon had a legendary career that spanned decades. Jarrett is an instrumental figure in the wrestling world and is the co-creator of the popular wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action (TNA).
Memphis wrestling historian Mark James announced the death of the legendary wrestling promoter on Tuesday. Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell also posted the news of Jarrett’s passing on his Twitter account. The National Wrestling Alliance also issued a statement on his passing.
SAD NEWS: I’m hearing reports of my friend and long time booker/promoter Jerry Jarrett died this morning in TN. I last saw him last year when we did the VICE show THE TERRITORIES in Atlanta. Very creative booker. Condolences to Jeff/Deborah and the Jarrett family. pic.twitter.com/CYOguhr5KY
— 𝔻𝕣. 𝔻𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕙 (@DirtyDMantell) February 14, 2023
“The NWA family is saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Jerry Jarrett. A very important part of the professional wrestling business, we send our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.” They posted.
The NWA family is saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Jerry Jarrett. A very important part of the professional wrestling business, we send our condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/zMdyNkoV9G
— NWA (@nwa) February 14, 2023
Jarrett made his in-ring debut in 1969 for NWA Mid-America. He is a 10-time NWA Southern Champion at the promotion. He later collaborated with WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler and created the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA). CWA, following the merger with World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), became the United States Wrestling Association (USWA).
Veteran wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted that the 80-year-old was undergoing treatment for esophagus cancer. WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett is Jerry Jarrett’s son. The Jarrett family has not released a statement after the sad passing of Jerry.
Jerry Jarret is the founder of TNA Impact, WWE’s Rival company
Jerry Jarrett alongside his son Jeff Jarrett created NWA: TNA in 2002. The promotion became WWE’s major rival in North America following the demise of WCW and ECW. TNA played a huge role in establishing some big-name stars in wrestling. WWE stars like AJ Styles, Xavier Woods, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, etc. gained recognition from their work in Jarrett’s promotion.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry Jarrett, a co-founder of TNA/IMPACT. His legacy in the wrestling industry is decades-long, multi-generational, and he certainly played a key role in today’s IMPACT. Deepest condolences to Jeff Jarrett, Jerry’s family and fans. pic.twitter.com/A42wo4UpEG
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) February 14, 2023
After successfully launching the promotion, Jerry Jarrett left TNA following disputes over the company’s direction in 2005. The promotion was sold to the Carter family following financial losses. This led to Jerry and his son Jeff falling out. The two reconciled a decade after deciding not to talk about wrestling again.
Jarrett was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame class of 2009 for his contributions to the wrestling business. Wrestling Observer Newsletter also inducted the legendary promoter into their Hall of Fame in 2018. WWE also issued a statement following the veteran’s death. The Stamford-based promotion extended its condolences to Jarrett’s family, friends, and fans.