Remembering the sudden death of wrestling star John Klinger at 40

Sudden death
Almost 450 matches
Death cause unkown
Planning to retire
Fight against Flash Morgan Webster
Westside Xtreme Wrestling and TNA
Died in Bremen
Sudden death

On 20 May, the wrestling world was rocked by the sudden death of wrestler John 'Bad Bones' Klinger, according to a wXw Germany statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Picture credit: Instagram, @lost_rebel_bb

"One of the defining wrestlers at wXw"

"We say goodbye to "Bad Bones" John Klinger. John Klinger was one of the defining wrestlers at wXw for over a decade," the statement read.

Almost 450 matches

"He won all of the major titles at wXw and won both 16 Carat Gold and Shortcut to the Top. In his almost 450 matches in the wXw ring, he always worked hard and did his best to excite his fans."

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

Death cause unkown

The cause of the death of the 40-year-old Klinger was not disclosed in the statement.

Planning to retire

Klinger planned to end his career in the near future. "At just 40 years old, John died far too early, shortly before his planned retirement. We wish his family and friends strength in this difficult time."

Fight against Flash Morgan Webster

Nine days before his death, Klinger had wrestled former WWE star Flash Morgan Webster at Prime Time Wrestling, per TMZ.

"Step away on his own terms"

"Was talking to him in Poland after the match about how he was gonna retire in September and was happy with what he’d achieved and was happy to step away on his own terms," Webster wrote on X.

 

Westside Xtreme Wrestling and TNA

During his career, Klinger competed in multiple promotions, including Westside Xtreme Wrestling and TNA, per TMZ.

"Rest in peace John"

"Life can be so cruel. Rest in peace John," he added.

Picture credit: Instagram, @lost_rebel_bb

Died in Bremen

Klinger died in the German city of Bremen on 20 May, according to Marca, just six days after celebrating his 40th birthday. He leaves behind his wife Svenja, whom he married in 2023.

Picture credit: Instagram, @lost_rebel_bb

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

More for you