Professional Wrestler Joe Doering Dies at 44

Professional wrestler Joe Doering has died at age 44 following an extended battle with brain cancer, TNA Wrestling announced Friday, June 26.

"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Joe Doering," the organization stated via social media. "A commanding in-ring performer and a wonderful person, he will never be forgotten. We offer our deepest condolences to his fans, his friends and his family."

Doering worked for TNA Wrestling intermittently between 2005 and 2022, serving as a former co-holder of the TNA World Tag Team Championships on two occasions. His career, however, was repeatedly interrupted by serious health challenges that began a decade ago.

The wrestler received his initial brain tumor diagnosis in 2016, forcing him to withdraw from All Japan Pro Wrestling's Champion Carnival tournament. Although he returned to competition in early 2017, Doering was compelled to step away from the sport again in 2022 when cancer recurred. By December 2025, reports indicated he had been diagnosed with a third brain tumor. He also suffered from ataxia, a condition affecting voluntary muscle coordination.

Mandy Banh, Doering's sister-in-law, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his treatment, raising more than $22,000. On Monday, June 22, Banh confirmed that Doering was entering hospice care.

"Sad to share the news that Joe is heading to hospice soon," she wrote. "If anyone is local & would want to visit, please send a message. Joe could use all your good thoughts & prayers."

On Friday, Banh announced "with great sadness" that Doering "passed away peacefully this morning."

"He was comfortable and not in any pain," she noted. "Please keep Joe's family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time. Thank you all for your love, support, and kindness — it has meant so much to us. We love you, Joe. You will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed."

Doering established his reputation primarily through wrestling in Japan and on the American independent professional wrestling circuit. In All Japan Pro Wrestling, he captured the prestigious Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice and the World Tag Team Championship on four occasions, cementing his status as a significant figure in international professional wrestling.

Josh Alexander, a former TNA Wrestling rival who faced Doering in one of his final matches in 2022, paid tribute to the fallen wrestler Friday. "Joe always was a professional. A class act and one hell of a wrestler. I left that match sore as s*** but proud," Alexander recalled via social media. "It's a strange feeling being both honoured and sad to have been the one that he closed out his career with. I'm just fortunate to have known him both in and out of the ring."

Alexander concluded, "He fought cancer for so long. I can only hope that now he can finally rest."

Former TNA Wrestling star Sami Callihan described Doering as "a throwback to a different era" in professional wrestling. "He was funny, exuded respect, and was everyone's big brother that he connected with," Callihan stated via social media Friday. "I will forever cherish the time I got to spend around him. Prayers and positive energy to his family and loved ones. God Bless."