from www.wrestlinginc.com:
Pro wrestling legend Tracy Smothers has passed away at the age of 58. Smothers announced in November 2019 that he was battling lymphoma, and was facing a second battle with the cancer. He had suffered some heart damage from the first round due to heavy chemotherapy. Smothers just underwent surgery for a hernia 11 days ago.
In an update, Timothy Denison noted on Facebook that Smothers passed away this morning/Wednesday morning at around 4:24am, due to his fight against cancer.
Funeral arrangements and a “Celebration of Life” will be announced in the near future for Smothers’ family, friends and fans. Denison noted that Smothers is survived by his mother, sister, two brothers, two sons, and his girlfriend.
Several promotions, wrestlers and WWE Hall of Famers are paying tribute to Smothers on social media today. Below are statements from WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling, the NWA, OVW, CM Punk, Adam Pearce, Edge, Eric Bischoff, Ricochet, Taz, Ricky Morton, Mustafa Ali, and others:
Tracy Smothers passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Tracy Smothers passed away today at the age of 58.
A native of Springfield, Tennessee, Smothers teamed with Steve Armstrong, as his career began in Florida Championship Wrestling. The duo competed in WCW as The Southern Boys and The Young Pistols and were engaged in a long rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds tandem of Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin.
After another stint on the independent wrestling circuit, Smothers began wrestling in WWE as Freddie Joe Floyd. Smothers shared the ring with icons such as Triple H and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin during his time with WWE. Later, the wrestling veteran had a memorable run with ECW.
WWE extends its condolences to Smothers’ family and friends.
I’m saddened to hear the passing of dear friend Tracy Smothers. Thanks for the years of friendship. Tracy & I had been checking in w each other every couple days regarding the health situation both of us are going through. This is another hard loss in the sport of pro wrestling. pic.twitter.com/APy9F7ifSY
— Bobby Fulton (@TheBobbyFulton) October 28, 2020
RIP Tracy Smothers….a legit man’s man who just passed and with courage and dignity. ??
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1321490875097165826
https://twitter.com/089968Raph__/status/1321486292048322560
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Tracy Smothers.
The wrestling world will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/EoI3V2CMOL
— NWA (@nwa) October 28, 2020
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tracy Smothers. We offer our condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/9gfXKDHOZe
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) October 28, 2020
My great friend Tracy Smothers has passed, it is with a heavy heart that I share the news. Lots of great times with Tracy, I had just spoke with him last week RIP my friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tracy's family and loved ones at this time. Ricky Morton pic.twitter.com/FMFYSTv1sw
— Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) October 28, 2020
It didn’t matter where you were In your career… anytime you ran into Tracy, he put a smile on your face and gave you amazing advice. He was a friend, a mentor, and will be missed so much.
Love ya.
RIP Tracy Smothers. pic.twitter.com/W6pNA7rGxN
— Death Machine (@TheSamiCallihan) October 28, 2020
Rest in power, Tracy. pic.twitter.com/dk6v6nEZab
— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) October 28, 2020