Longtime Wrestler Joe Doering Has Died At 44

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Longtime Wrestler Joe Doering Has Died At 44

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jun 26, 2026 1:38 PM ET

The wrestling world lost another good one far too early as Joe Doering, who competed as a wrestler across multiple promotions for two decades, passed away on Friday. He was 44 years old.

MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling was among the first to offer their condolences to Doering, announcing his passing and paying tribute to his family. Doering had been battling a brain tumor since November and went into hospice care earlier this week.

"At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his family, and leaves behind countless friends and devoted fans around the world who will forever remember his strength, courage, and spirit. Rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten," the company wrote.

At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his… pic.twitter.com/qlzBVLUuM3
— MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling (@MapleLeafPW) June 26, 2026

Tributes to Doering have been pouring in from wrestlers and wrestling fans everywhere:

"Joe, Joe !! Joe Doering was one of the first 'imports' I wanted to bring to the UK & in 2019, I did. A mountain of a man with a kind heart, exceptional and believable in the ring. He would check in time to time until his cancer got worse. It was my pleasure to have worked and known you, Joe. RIP mate," one user wrote.

"Deepest condolences to the Doring family. Joe was a true warrior on the ring and a true gentleman off the ring in Japan. Thank you for the unforgettable fights in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Rest in Peace, Joe," wrote another.

"A great inspiration with my battle with cancer . But a great man and wrestler too. The world lost a warrior! Rest easy joe !" a third wrote.

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Never Forgotten

Born in Chicago, Doering went into pro wrestling in his early 20s and went on to star in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) between 2007 and 2019, with a brief stint in the WWE developmental program in 2010 and a few more brief runs in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (later Impact Wrestling).

He found the most success in AJPW, winning the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice. His 315 days as championship rank 14th in the promotion's history.

Sadly, Doering's wrestling career would be interrupted multiple times by brain tumors. His first occurrence came in early 2016, but he had the tumor removed a few weeks later.

The tumor returned in 2022 and the surgery to remove it left him with ataxia that effectively ended his wrestling career.

Our hearts go out to Doering's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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