Tributes from across the wrestling world are pouring in following the tragic news that Jay Briscoe, one-half of the current Ring Of Honor World Tag Team Champions, has passed away aged 38.
The news was first broken by AEW President and ROH Owner Tony Khan via Twitter. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer later reported that Briscoe’s death was the result of a car accident in Laurel, DE. Meltzer also noted that two people sadly passed away in the tragic accident.
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
Briscoe was just 38 days into his 13th reign as Ring Of Honor World Tag Team Champion alongside his brother Mark before his passing. The duo defeated FTR for the titles in a brutal Dog Collar match at ROH Final Battle on December 10th to conclude their classic trilogy.
Triple H, FTR & More Paid Tribute To Jay Briscoe Following His Passing
Following the announcement, many from WWE, AEW and elsewhere across the wrestling world took to social media to pay tribute to the late Ring Of Honor star.
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H praised Briscoe as “an incredible performer” in a tweet acknowledging the passing:
“An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends and 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
Cash Wheeler admitted he was in tears after hearing the news whilst Dax Harwood tweeted his thanks to fans who checked in on him:
I’ve been in tears since I heard the news. I just don’t have the words. Rest in Peace Jay.
— Daniel “Cash” Wheeler (@CashWheelerFTR) January 18, 2023
I’m doing ok. Thanks everyone for checking on me.
I love you, Jay. pic.twitter.com/ijE09akNeT
— Uncle Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) January 18, 2023
Vic Joseph acknowledged Jay Briscoe’s passing live on WWE NXT and shortly after, Shawn Michaels gave his condolences via a tweet:
“On behalf of the @WWENXT community, I would like to express our condolences to the Briscoe family for their loss.”
On behalf of the @WWENXT community, I would like to express our condolences to the Briscoe family for their loss.
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) January 18, 2023
Cody & Brandi Rhodes highlighted Briscoe’s love for his family and his kindness to them during the couple’s time in Ring Of Honor:
I didn’t interact much with him, but upon meeting Jay I instantly understood something about him…his family was his everything. All the love in the world to them this evening.
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) January 18, 2023
I'm deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Jay Briscoe. He was always the kindest to me during my time in ROH. My heart goes out to the entire family. I don't have the right words but I just wanted to say that he was such a good man. 💔
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) January 18, 2023
Sammy Guevara encouraged his followers to “hug your loved ones” following the tragic news:
“Hug your loved ones a little tighter for life is so unpredictable. My heart goes out to Jays family. The wrestling world lost an incredible talent. #RIPJayBriscoe”
Hug your loved ones a little tighter for life is so unpredictable. My heart goes out to Jays family. The wrestling world lost an incredible talent. #RIPJayBrisco
— Samuel Guevara (@sammyguevara) January 18, 2023
Bully Ray called Jay Briscoe a “great wrestler” but a “better family man” in his tribute to the late star:
I dont know what to say.
I really love you kid.
Great wrestler. Better family man.
Condolences to your entire family. 🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/umMP2uPX7J
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) January 18, 2023
Bayley gave her condolences to the friends, fans and family of Briscoe:
“I’m so sorry to hear about Jay Briscoe. To all my friends who were close to him, to all his fans, and to his family, I’m sending you so much strength and love. #DemBoys”
I’m so sorry to hear about Jay Briscoe. To all my friends who were close to him, to all his fans, and to his family, I’m sending you so much strength and love. ❤️ #DemBoys
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) January 18, 2023
WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos also took to Twitter to pay their respects:
RIP to the homie Jay Briscoe. Condolences to the your family. Rest in paradise uso.🙏@SussexCoChicken#DemBoyz
— The Usos (@WWEUsos) January 18, 2023
Inside the Ropes sends its deepest condolences to Mark Briscoe and the rest of Jay’s friends and family at this difficult time.