The wrestling world was shocked and saddened to learn that Jay Briscoe, real name Jamin Pugh, tragically passed away on January 17th.
AEW President and ROH owner Tony Khan first shared the awful news on social media, writing on Twitter:
“Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today. Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We’ll do whatever we can to support his family. Rest In Peace Jamin”
Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today.
Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We'll do whatever we can to support his family.
Rest In Peace Jamin— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 18, 2023
A follow up report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer confirmed that Briscoe passed away as the result of an automobile accident in Laurel, Delaware and that two people lost their lives in the accident around 5:30pm EST. Two children were reportedly hospitalized and currently in critical condition.
Jay Briscoe’s Passing Was Mentioned On Tonight’s Episode Of WWE NXT
News of the ROH World Tag Team Champion’s death broke during the January 17th broadcast of NXT, and commentators Vic Joseph and Booker T broke away from the action to announce the news and pay tribute to the star during the show. Jessi Davin shared a video of the tribute on Twitter, and Vic Joseph had this to say:
“Booker, we were just informed of some tragic news inside the wrestling community that Jay Briscoe has passed away. We want to take this moment to send our condolences to his friends and his family.”
Jay Briscoe was just mentioned on #WWENXT
Professional wrestling is a family.
— THE™ Jessi Davin (@jessithebuckeye) January 18, 2023
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H was among the scores of people paying tribute to Briscoe on Twitter, writing:
“An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.”
An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 18, 2023
At the time of his death, Jay Briscoe was one half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions alongside his brother Mark. The pair defeated FTR at ROH Final Battle to capture the title in a brutal Double Dog Collar match. The Briscoes would compete just one more time, losing the House of Glory Tag Team Titles to The Mane Event (Jay Lyon & Midas Black) at HOG Revelations on December 17th.
Inside the Ropes sends its deepest condolences to Mark Briscoe and the rest of Jay’s friends and family at this difficult time.