Fans, promotors, friends, modern talent and other wrestling icons are paying tribute to Jerry Jarrett today as news of his passing spread.
Jeff Jarrett himself posted this simple inspirational tribute…
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” ~ Robert Byrne
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) February 14, 2023
Dutch Mantel broke the news with this statement…
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 issued this statement…
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
Our #MemphisWrestling family is heartbroken. We lost the legend who started it all, Jerry Jarrett.
The moments, memories and advice will be remembered & cherished forever. 🙏
All love & condolences to family, friends and fans all over the world.
Rest in power, Mr. Jarrett 〽️ pic.twitter.com/P2m0qlaMvw
— Memphis Wrestling (@Mem_Wrestling) February 14, 2023
Veteran stars issued their tributes and praise for the icon…
Rest in Peace Jerry Jarrett. I had such good experiences working with him in early TNA. He told my parents that the AMW-XXX cage match at Turning Point 2004 was one of the best he’d ever seen, which was a compliment that I cherish to this day. My best wishes to Jeff & his family. pic.twitter.com/p6mbdnviq4
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) February 14, 2023
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry Jarrett. He was always a positive influence to my brothers and I as we tried to navigate the wrestling business. #RIPJerryJarrett 🙏
— Scott Armstrong (@WWEArmstrong) February 14, 2023
Sad news hearing the passing of Jerry Jarrett. This man helped me out so much in my career. From training at his farm for the USWA wrestling school to last year him saying he’s proud of me for sticking it out. #RipJerry 🙏 pic.twitter.com/u7ELL9sIRw
— James Storm (@JamesStormBrand) February 14, 2023
So sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Jarrett. Obviously one of the most influential people in the history of the wrestling business. Honored to have been able to get to know him a little in the last few years. Godspeed and prayers to his family. RIP 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/MDJvvatPbG
— David Penzer (@davidpenzer) February 14, 2023
Today’s superstars are remembering all that Jarrett meant to the wrestling industry…
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Jerry Jarrett – a true pioneer in the wrestling business.
We owe so much of our career to the Jarrett family. Jeff believed in us years ago when many didn’t.
Sincerest condolences to @RealJeffJarrett & the entire Jarrett family. Prayers https://t.co/KSOA3r1sb0
— Bollywood Boyz (@BollywoodBoyz) February 14, 2023
I'm very sad to learn of the passing of Jerry Jarrett. One of the most successful promoters in American Wrestling history. The last time I saw Jerry was in Charlotte NC, and what he said to me that day is one of the most cherished memories of my career. RIP. pic.twitter.com/F3pup5zFFf
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) February 14, 2023
Fans expressed their admiration for Jarrett too. His influence touched many generations.
I had the honor of meeting Mr. Jerry Jarrett last summer.
He took the time and answered questions I had and it lived up to expectations.
The impact he left on wrestling as whole is indescribable. He delivered countless hours of joy.
RIP. A very sad day. pic.twitter.com/TxKJRq1DHf
— Mikey (@BLPMikey) February 14, 2023
DAMN dude… Jerry Jarrett passed away this morning.
The mind behind Memphis wrestling and one of the founders of TNA/Impact. I had a chance to meet him and speak to him in 2021 and he was a very kind man.
Condolences to the entire family. pic.twitter.com/rXSNo2EMkG
— Geekdom101 (@EmperorBigD) February 14, 2023
Born & raised in Louisville, KY. Memphis wrestling is in my blood. Had the pleasure of meeting Jerry Jarrett in 2014 at an SWE show. He was accommodating, welcoming and had time for everyone. One of a kind. RIP. pic.twitter.com/Zbb6kciLNx
— #ProWrestlingsBFF (@nickmaniwa) February 14, 2023
So sad to hear the passing of Legendary wrestler and promoter Jerry Jarrett. He had such a huge influence on the entire wrestling industry, especially the Memphis Territory. pic.twitter.com/PlsjZCHn8O
— Wayne O Mac (@WaynePh92792588) February 14, 2023
Jerry Jarrett, as far as my life, is in the same way as George Lucas & Spielberg, he created characters & stories that I will always cherish. Prayers to @RealJeffJarrett and the entire Jarrett family. pic.twitter.com/8Ed4baqe9t
— WhskyRvr_Dad (@BraxtonB_Farms) February 14, 2023
Jerry Jarrett took a huge gamble on himself creating the CWA and Memphis benefited greatly. He was a pioneer using music & videos to help promote those on the roster. Even founded TNA with his own son.
There’s no denying his impact on the indtstry. #RIP pic.twitter.com/EpgtZrRPRj
— Mike Zimmelman (@MZimmel) February 14, 2023
Back at the end of 2021, @RealJeffJarrett and I did a short little "Memphis Memories" project, and I did a little deep dive into some Memphis stuff before and after that.
Jerry Jarrett's impact on wrestling can't be properly stated. He provided a launching pad for so many.
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) February 14, 2023
Along with Bill Watts and Eddie Graham, Jerry Jarrett was part of the triumvirate of greatest ever bookers in my mind. #RIPJerry https://t.co/D8DuM7lMZ9
— 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕪𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 (@Major_Pickle) February 14, 2023
TOP PHOTO: Jerry Lawler and Jerry Jarrett on Tales from the Territories. Photo courtesy Dark Side of the Ring
RELATED LINKS
- Slam Wrestling’s Jarrett Family story archive