The pro wrestling community witnessed several great marvels this year. This included intense title defenses, heated feuds, verbal clashes, debuts, and legendary comebacks. However, fans also had to bear the loss of witnessing several of their favorite superstars passing away, including Bray Wyatt. 

The recently released movie The Iron Claw showcased the tragic storyline of the Von Erich Family and how its members tragically passed away. Fans saw the same in real life as well, as 2023 stole The Fiend Bray Wyatt at the young age of 36. As the year comes to an end, here’s an ode to all the superstars who entertained us, but won’t be going with us into the new year.

The leader of the Fireflies, Bray Wyatt

Bray Wyatt recently received a tribute from WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins after he defeated Drew McIntyre. The Madison Square Garden event saw The Architect asking people to wave their flashlights and unleash the fireflies for The Fiend.

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Bray Wyatt reinvented the concept of paranormal elements in pro wrestling and had one of the most creative minds. Wyatt passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. While his initial stint as Husky Harris failed, his reincarnated version as Bray Wyatt heavily appealed to the audience. In fact, he was the last man to hold the WWE Championship before Roman Reigns. 

The mighty Hulkster’s rival Iron Sheik

The Iron Sheik is perhaps one of the most memorable non-American pro wrestlers who ever stepped in the squared circle. The mighty Iron Sheik was one of the most formidable rivals of Hulk Hogan as well as Sgt. Slaughter. While he initially started as an amateur wrestler for his homeland of Iran, he found his true calling in pro wrestling.

The Iron Sheik passed away peacefully at the age of 71. Interestingly, The thick-mustached pro wrestler made his debut in the very arena where Bray Wyatt received his latest tribute from Rollins, the MSG. Moreover, it was actually The Iron Sheik who kickstarted the career of Hulk Hogan in 1984. 

The man who added funk to wrestling way before Ric Flair

WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk, a retired professional wrestler, passed away at the age of 79. Initially a tag team specialist with his brother, Funk also excelled in singles competition. He toured with several wrestling companies and competed in WWF’s second-ever WrestleMania event. 

Funk was known for pioneering hardcore wrestling and had a highly-torn rivalry with Ric Flair.

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Funk’s career spanned from the ’60s to 2006, and he was one of the longest-fighting pro wrestlers. Funk’s final days were marked by his wheelchair-boundness.

The early departure of Jay Briscoe

Jay Briscoe, a 38-year-old professional wrestler, died in a fatal car accident with his daughters. He was driving with a truck driver who changed lanes, resulting in a head-on collision. Despite his daughters surviving, Briscoe did not wear his seat belt. 

Briscoe had 13-time tag team championships with his brother Mark and was inducted into the Ring of Honor Hall of Fame. He remained undefeated until his death, as he was still a title holder.

Billy “Superstar” Graham

“Superstar” Billy Graham had contracted the coronavirus and also had heart problems. While his story is similar to Bray Wyatt’s here, Graham also had several additional ailments. The Superstar had gone through a liver transplant and was also plagued by several mental health issues.

Graham was one of the rare pro wrestlers who dethroned the mighty Bruno Sammartino when he annexed the WWF Championship from him. He later on went to bear the title for 10 long months. This, according to WWE, was the longest ever a main villain ever held the championship.

The passing away of Bushwhacker Butch

Bushwhacker Butch, a retired Hall of Famer, was involved in pro wrestling drama and passed away while on his way to watch WrestleMania. He and his tag team partner Bushwhacker Luke, from New Zealand, became a massive hit in the US. 

They were known for their gory and bloody fights and scoring several WrestleMania matches. Unfortunately, the 78-year-old forgot to pack his prescribed medicines for high blood pressure during his journey. 

The genius who didn’t get overshadowed by the Macho Man

At 68, “The Genius” Lanny Poffo passed away on February 2 from congestive heart failure, as announced by “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan on Instagram. Poffo, also known as “Leaping” Lanny in the WWF, had a diverse career spanning NWA territories in the 1970s and WCW with his brother “Macho Man” Randy Savage. 

Renowned for his heel poetry in the ring, Poffo left a lasting legacy, not only for his wrestling career but also through his literary works. It includes a biography comic book and an anti-smoking poetry book for children.

The man who created Total Nonstop Action

Wrestling icon Jerry Jarrett passed away at 80 on February 14 after battling esophageal cancer, as confirmed by Dutch Mantell on Twitter. Best known for co-founding Memphis-based CWA in 1977 with Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jarrett had a storied career as a wrestler and promoter, retiring from in-ring competition in 1988. 

His contributions include 15-time NWA Mid-America Southern Tag Team Champion and consulting work with WCW and WWF. In 2002, he co-founded Total Nonstop Action (TNA) with his son Jeff and was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2018.

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While all these wrestlers are not here with us anymore, their memories still live on. As Seth Rollins declared, as long as fans keep the fireflies flashing, legends like Bray Wyatt will endure in our memories. Are you a firefly as well? Let your thoughts and opinions flow in the comments.