IMPACT Wrestling shared a poignant tribute to Don West (Picture: Twitter/IMPACT)
Scott D’Amore, Matt Cardona and Josh Alexander have led the tributes to IMPACT Wrestling legend Don West.
The late colour commentator, who became synonymous with TNA/IMPACT as the voice of the promotion alongside fellow broadcaster Mike Tenay for a decade from its inception in 2002, died on Friday aged 59.
In a statement, announcing the news, Tenay tweeted: ‘Just heard from wife Terri that our brother @DonWestDeals will be spending New Years in heaven. Terri said D-Dub finally had to tap out from his match with lymphoma.
‘We bonded as soon as we met, both as broadcast partners and friends. Years of great moments both on and off camera’.
There has been an outpouring of love for West this evening, with the wrestling world mourning the loss of a beloved and endearingly enthusiastic commentator.
IMPACT president D’Amore hailed his former co-worker as ‘truly one of a kind’ in a lengthy statement on the company’s official website.
He wrote: ‘You can’t think about TNA/IMPACT without thinking of Don West. Don and Mike Tenay provided the soundtrack to so many iconic moments in company history. There was no more cherished member of the TNA/IMPACT family.
‘Don was truly a one of a kind who brightened every room he walked into. He brought out the best in people and was an inspiration to all who crossed paths with him.
‘He was one of the first people I met upon arriving at the TNA Asylum for the first time, and Don instantly made me feel welcome. His warm heart and legendary sense of humor made every day at work something to look forward to.’
D’Amore, who was a wrestler and manager in TNA as part of Team Canada early in the company’s history, reflected on his ‘friendship with Don’, while sending his ‘deepest and heartfelt condolences’ to West’s widow Terri, his fans and loved ones.
‘Today we mourn the loss of a special person, but let’s also stop and celebrate the amazing life of our friend and brother, Don West, he continued. ‘While we are here with heavy hearts, I know Don is busy planning heaven’s most epic NYE celebration ever.’
Former WWE and current IMPACT wrestler Matt Cardona (AKA Zack Ryder) also paid tribute to West, tweeting: ‘RIP DON WEST! An absolute legend!!! You will be missed!!! (sic)’
IMPACT’s world champion Josh Alexander said: ‘The voice of TNA/@IMPACTWRESTLING passed away today. So many iconic moments & calls forever burned into my memory in his voice.
‘I never met the man, but he’s loved by everyone I’ve met that knew him. He made a mark & will never be forgotten. RIP Don West’.
Josh’s fellow wrestler Sami Callihan added: ‘One of the greatest of all time, and one of the reasons I loved TNA growing up. RIP DON WEST. (sic)’
TNA/IMPACT legend Christopher Daniels wrote: ‘Rest In Peace Don West. You were an incredible person to work with, and I thank you for the excitement you brought to calling our matches. You will be missed.’
His former tag team partner Frankie Kazarian said: ‘RIP Don West. Truly devastating news. A great friend and someone who had one of the most infectious personalities I’ve ever known.
‘A true joy to be around all of the time. I cherish the laughs, conversations and fun times we had together. Godspeed my friend.’
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The veteran broadcaster lost his battle with cancer.
