The former heavyweight and tag team titleholder had battled brain cancer for nearly a decade.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Joe Doering, a professional wrestler known for championship runs in TNA and All Japan Pro Wrestling, died June 26 after a long battle with brain cancer, wrestling promotions and family updates said. He was 44.
Doering’s death drew tributes from across professional wrestling, where he was remembered as a powerful in-ring presence and a respected figure behind the scenes. TNA said it was “heartbroken” by his death and called him a “commanding in-ring performer and a wonderful person.” All Japan Pro Wrestling also offered condolences, noting his years as one of the promotion’s top foreign stars.
Doering had entered hospice care shortly before his death after his condition worsened. A family statement said he died at 9:13 a.m. June 26, surrounded by relatives. The statement said Doering was survived by his wife, Lindsay, along with family, friends and fans who followed his career in the United States, Canada and Japan. His exact place of death was not publicly disclosed.
Born Joseph Doering on April 16, 1982, he began his professional wrestling career in 2004 with Border City Wrestling, a Canadian promotion with ties to several future international stars. He appeared for TNA in 2005 and later became a major name in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where his size, power and steady style helped make him a featured heavyweight. He also spent time in WWE’s former developmental system, Florida Championship Wrestling, in 2010 but did not appear on WWE’s main roster.
Doering’s strongest run came in Japan. All Japan Pro Wrestling said he won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice, the World Tag Team Championship four times and the World’s Strongest Tag Determination League three times. Those titles placed him among the most successful foreign wrestlers of his era in the company. He later returned to TNA, also known as Impact Wrestling, and won the company’s world tag team title as part of Violent By Design with Eric Young and Deaner.
His cancer battle began in 2016, when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery. He later returned to wrestling, including matches in Japan and North America. The tumor came back in 2022, leading to another surgery and time away from the ring. A third brain tumor was reported in late 2025, and his health declined in the months that followed. Family updates said he developed problems with movement and required mobility support after treatment.
The news brought public tributes from wrestlers, promotions and fans who praised both his career and his response to illness. TNA said Doering would “never be forgotten.” All Japan Pro Wrestling said its wrestlers and staff prayed for his peace. Others in the wrestling community described him as tough, kind and deeply respected, pointing to his ability to return to the ring after major medical setbacks.
Doering’s final years were marked by medical treatment, public support from fans and fundraising efforts tied to his care. His family had shared updates as his illness progressed, including the discovery of the third tumor and the decision to move him into hospice care. No public memorial details had been announced as of Monday.
Doering’s death leaves TNA and All Japan Pro Wrestling fans looking back on a career that stretched more than 20 years and crossed several major wrestling markets. The next public updates are expected to come from his family or the promotions that plan to honor him.
Author note: Last updated June 29, 2026.