AEW has confirmed that Jon Huber, known to wrestling fans as Brodie Lee and previously Luke Harper in WWE, has sadly passed away at the age of 41.
The company posted a statement on Twitter to announce the tragic news on Boxing Day at 8:30pm EST, calling the former AEW TNT Champion and WWE Intercontinental Champion a “fierce and captivating talent” and saying the human being “contradicted” everything about his on-screen character.
Posting on Instagram, Brodie Lee’s wife confirmed that he passed away due to a “non Covid-related lung issue” after a long, hard-fought battle – paying tribute to everyone at All Elite Wrestling for their support in her message.
#RipBrodieLeepic.twitter.com/wBdvPO5F9Y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 27, 2020
In WWE, Brodie Lee rose to prominence as a member of the Wyatt Family alongside Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and later Braun Strowman. Lee, then known as Luke Harper, would also enjoy runs as part of the Bludgeon Brothers and would gain huge fan support in a short main-event run. Shortly after leaving WWE, Brodie Lee joined AEW where he was unveiled as The Exalted One, and even became AEW TNT Champion during his short time with the company. Lee’s final appearance in AEW was on the October 7 episode of Dynamite where he lost the title after a 46-day reign.
Everyone at Inside The Ropes is heartbroken to learn of Jon Huber’s passing, and we send our condolences to all of his friends, family and fans at this time.
We have collated several of the tributes posted by wrestlers from WWE, AEW and beyond here.
In 2023, Seth Rollins paid tribute to Brodie Lee and Bray Wyatt at a WWE Live Event.