Michael Cole paid tribute to the late, great Don West (Picture: WWE)
WWE commentator Michael Cole paid a poignant tribute to Don West on SmackDown following the TNA and IMPACT Wrestling legend’s death.
The beloved broadcaster died on Friday aged 59 after first being diagnosed with brain lymphoma in the summer of 2021, and Cole referenced his fellow announcer as the opening match between Sheamus and Solo Sikoa got underway.
Speaking live on air, he said: ‘I would like to offer my condolences here tonight to wrestling commentator Don West’s family. Don passed away earlier today, a man who made a true impact on the wrestling business. Godspeed to Mr. West.’
West was a huge presence in TNA from 2002 to 2012, and his former co-commentator Mike Tenay revealed the news after hearing from Don’s widow Terri, and revealed his longtime friend and colleague would be ‘spending New Years in heaven’.
He 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’.
Don West (left) and Mike Tenay were the voices of TNA Wrestling (Picture: IMPACT Wrestling)
West was the voice of TNA/IMPACT Wrestling for a decade until 2012, while he returned five years later for Slammiversary XV.
He previously worked for the Shop at Home Network, and had his own radio show in Nashville, Tennessee.
In September 2021, the beloved star revealed that after eight weeks of chemotherapy and 13 bouts of radiation treatment, his cancer was in remission but just three months later it was revealed West was battling the illness for a second time.
Fans, wrestlers and more have shared tributes in West’s memory, with IMPACT Wrestling veteran Frankie Kazarian among them.
He tweeted: ‘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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A very classy moment.
