Professional wrestler Joe Doering has died at the age of 44 after a 10-year battle with brain cancer, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announced Friday. He passed away peacefully at 9:13 a.m. surrounded by his family.
Doering, born in 1982, began his wrestling career in 2004 after training in Windsor, Ontario. He gained significant international recognition during his tenure with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), where he won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice and the World Tag Team Championship four times. He also competed in Impact Wrestling, capturing the Impact tag team championship twice.
His career was significantly impacted by his health struggles. In February 2016, Doering was diagnosed with his first brain tumor and underwent surgery, requiring a year away from competition. He returned to the ring in 2017, splitting time between Impact Wrestling and AJPW.
A second tumor was discovered in 2022, which ultimately led to the end of his wrestling career. Following surgery for the second tumor, he developed ataxia, a neurological condition that affected his muscle coordination and mobility.
A third tumor was identified in November, which contributed to his passing.
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling's statement remembered Doering for his strength, courage, and spirit, noting that he 'packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them.' He is survived by his wife, Lindsay, family, friends, and fans.
