Remembering the sudden death of wrestling star John Klinger at 40

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

"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.

"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."

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

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."

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

"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.

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

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

Picture credit: Instagram, @lost_rebel_bb

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

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