Fightful is sad to report the passing of John Jirus, better known to wrestling fans as Xavier. He was 43.
Cause of death is currently unknown.
Xavier was a former ROH World Champion who also competed for ECWA, ICW, Jersey All Pro, and as an enhancement talent in WWE. He was the second-ever ROH World Champion, defeating Low Ki for the title in September 2002. He held the belt for 182 days before losing it to Samoa Joe in March 2003.
Man, gone way too soon.
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) August 16, 2020
Always so nice when he'd swing by NYC for ROH events. Unheralded and under aporeciated. Was looking forward to calling his comeback match in ROH.
Rest in Peace, Xavier. https://t.co/UH96AJh2zK
Ring of Honor, the promotion most closely associated with Xavier, has commented on his tragic passing.
Ring of Honor is saddened to learn of the passing of former ROH World Champion Xavier (John Bedoya). He was 43.
A product of the New York independent wrestling scene, Xavier defeated Low Ki on Sept. 21, 2002 to become the second ROH World Champion. He held the title for 182 days before losing it to Samoa Joe on March 22, 2003.
Xavier made his ROH debut on the company’s first show, The Era of Honor Begins, on Feb. 23, 2002, defeating Scoot Andrews. He last wrestled in ROH in 2007 and retired from pro wrestling in 2011. Xavier also competed in several mixed martial arts fights, beginning in 2009.
Xavier was scheduled to come out of retirement to face Jay Lethal at the ROH Past vs. Present show this past March in Las Vegas, but the show was canceled due to the pandemic.
ROH extends its deepest condolences to Xavier’s family, friends and fans.
Xavier was trained by former ECW star Tony Devito. He last wrestled in October 2016, defeating Indigo Child at ICW One Night Only. He was scheduled to face Jay Lethal at ROH Past vs. Present on March 14. Unfortunately, the event was canceled just days before the show to COVID-19.
On behalf of Fightful, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Xaiver.
