On Tuesday, February 14th, 2023, the wrestling world lost a beloved former pro wrestling promoter and wrestler, Jerry Jarrett, at the age of 80.
Jarrett was an NWA Hall of Famer who was the founder of the Memphis, Tennessee-based wrestling organization Continental Wrestling Association. In 1989, Jarrett would create the USWA [United States Wrestling Association], before ultimately selling the company to Jerry "The King" Lawler in 1993. Jarrett is also the co-founder of NWA: TNA. He co-created the company with his son, WWE Hall of Famer and AEW's Jeff Jarrett.
Many people in the wrestling industry have reacted to the news of Jarrett's passing via social media. You can see some of those reactions below:
WWE is saddened to learn that Jerry Jarrett has passed away at age 80.
— WWE (@WWE) February 14, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to Jarrett’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/7icnWQmuD0
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry Jarrett, a co-founder of TNA/IMPACT. His legacy in the wrestling industry is decades-long, multi-generational, and he certainly played a key role in today’s IMPACT. Deepest condolences to Jeff Jarrett, Jerry's family and fans. pic.twitter.com/A42wo4UpEG
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) February 14, 2023
I loved Jerry Jarrett. He believed in me. He's responsible for Marty & I becoming Tag Champs. I was also one of the 1st people he called to help start TNA. I'm very grateful to Jerry & I'm really sad to know I'll never see him again. #RIP pic.twitter.com/5XSS9EGXq9
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) February 14, 2023
The NWA family is saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Jerry Jarrett. A very important part of the professional wrestling business, we send our condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/zMdyNkoV9G
— NWA (@nwa) February 14, 2023
RIP Jerry Jarrett…a man who brought me in from Puerto Rico and kinda shaped my career. Rode a million miles with him picking his brain. Actually, Memphis with Jerry was eons ahead of the other territories in presentation and story. Taught me tons about booking. @WSI_YouTube pic.twitter.com/XTFyzAbP2L
— ----. ---------- (@DirtyDMantell) February 14, 2023
Rest in Peace Jerry Jarrett. I had such good experiences working with him in early TNA. He told my parents that the AMW-XXX cage match at Turning Point 2004 was one of the best he’d ever seen, which was a compliment that I cherish to this day. My best wishes to Jeff & his family. pic.twitter.com/p6mbdnviq4
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) February 14, 2023
Everyone in AEW is saddened by the loss of Jerry Jarrett, a legend in every facet of pro wrestling.
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 14, 2023
Jerry Jarrett was an incredible wrestler, one of the best storytelling minds ever, a trailblazing promoter, and a visionary whose family roots in wrestling will endure forever. pic.twitter.com/Ypl3R4RuAb
I am thankful I was able to see Jerry one last time this past July. RIP Jerry Jarrett and God bless his family. https://t.co/2N0JhcejHq
— SONJAY (@sonjaydutterson) February 15, 2023
The first day I met Jerry Jarrett he called his wife Deborah and said, “We are having a guest for dinner.” Really enjoyed the time I spent with him. I’ll always appreciate his stories and the chance to pick his brain. RIP.
— Mike Tenay (@RealMikeTenay) February 14, 2023
Godspeed, Jerry Jarrett. My heart goes out to his family and friends. What a legacy. --
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) February 14, 2023
Once again we're hit with sad news as legendary wrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett has passed away at the age of 80. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and thank him for the incredible memories he brought to us over the years. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/F7Eo6bBnZx
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) February 14, 2023
-- So much to say. At a lost for words.
— Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) February 14, 2023
Most importantly, thank you for giving my father & myself our dream job. Love you & your family, Jerry Jarrett.
You changed the landscape of professional wrestling. https://t.co/tzDRzVRqHg
RIP Jerry Jarrett. Jerry was essentially my first boss when I signed with TNA in 2003. We had several very nice and funny conversations, one in particular I will never forget. Thank you for all you gave to professional wrestling. My heart goes out to my friend @RealJeffJarrett
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) February 14, 2023
Sad news folks, the legendary Jerry Jarrett has said goodbye. My condolences to his family, friends and fans. I had a chance to connect with him at @StarrcastEvents & had a great conversation, something I will always cherish.
— Paul Orndorff (@Pau1Orndorff) February 14, 2023
Here's my Dad talking about working for Jerry. pic.twitter.com/ELz3iGiuAM
Our #MemphisWrestling family is heartbroken. We lost the legend who started it all, Jerry Jarrett.
— Memphis Wrestling (@Mem_Wrestling) February 14, 2023
The moments, memories and advice will be remembered & cherished forever. --
All love & condolences to family, friends and fans all over the world.
Rest in power, Mr. Jarrett pic.twitter.com/P2m0qlaMvw
Sad news of a great guy who has passed away. Condolences go out to the Jerry Jarrett Family. -- Jerry gave HTM a huge break that I never forgot. pic.twitter.com/2W0P6ZKLU6
— Honky Tonk Man (@OfficialHTM) February 14, 2023
Very heartbreaking news about the passing of Jerry Jarrett. Just feel gutted for @RealJeffJarrett and there entire family. #RIPJerryJarrett #123
— Brian Hebner (@babyhebner) February 14, 2023
Heartbroken to hear about the loss of @JerryJarrett. What an incredibly instrumental figure in the history of professional wrestling in so many ways. Sending love and prayers to his precious wife Deborah, Jeff, Jennifer, Jason & his entire family. It's a sad day for wrestling.
— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) February 15, 2023
Sad to hear about the passing of Jerry Jarrett. I worked for Jerry and Jeff in TNA from 03-04. Jerry spoke to me about my wrestling my last night with the company and it is a conversation I remember very fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff and family. RIP Mr Jarrett
— The Invisible Hand (@TheDonCallis) February 14, 2023
Saddened to hear about the passing of Jerry Jarrett. I’m grateful throughout my career to have had the chance to meet, greet & shake the hand of this legendary individual who will be remembered for his creative mind and contributions to the world of wrestling. #RIPJerryJarrett
— Elijah Burke (@DaBlackPope) February 14, 2023