Few industries on this planet are quite like the world of professional wrestling, and few athletes outside of that world can compare to those who populate the squared circle on a nightly basis. This week marks the loss of a unique and talented wrestler, a story told too often these days, as Impact Wrestling and AEW vet Jimmy Rave (real name: James Guffey) passed away at the age of 39 as a triple amputee. To be expected, Rave’s fellow wrestlers and fans shared mournful messages after his death.
Having started his wrestling career back in 1999, Jimmy Rave was a veteran of many different promotions over the years, earning fans everywhere he went, both in and out of the ring. Someone he could call friend is fellow badass Mick Foley, and the WWE hardcore icon shared the following message on Facebook:
RIP JIMMY RAVE. This really hurts. Jimmy Rave has passed away. He was only 39. He had lost both legs to the MRSA virus this past October, but seemed to be in good spirits when I checked in with him two weeks ago. He was a great wrestling character and worker; someone who gave so much more to the business than he received. May God bless you, my friend.
Mick Foley
After two decades spent winning over wrestling crowds across the world — with successful runs in other promotions such as NWA, TNA, Combat Zone, Rampage, New Japan Pro Wrestling and more — Jimmy Rave announced his retirement in November 2020, after doctors identified an infection in his left arm that resulted in the limb being amputated. In October of 2021, Rave then revealed he had to have both of his legs amputated over the summer after an MRSA diagnosis. His death was revealed by his agent Bill Behren, through a statement written with the help of Rave’s daughter Kailah.
News of Jimmy Rave’s death was definitely a shock, and fellow family man Matt Hardy shared his condolences on Twitter.
I wasn’t close with Jimmy Rave, but I was able to work with him on a few occasions. He was a kind, bright, talented young man. I’m very sad to hear about his death, especially considering he was so young & had a wife & children. I hope your soul finds peace, Jimmy. pic.twitter.com/sCx7luwz2JDecember 14, 2021
Chris Jericho, who was recently released from a hospital stay during an overseas tour with his band Fozzy, shared his own reaction on social media, and it was a relatively rare instance of Jericho saying more with less.
Sad day...
Chris Jericho
Current AEW beast Frankie Kazarian had been buddies with Jimmy Rave for the better part of the late wrestler’s career, and voiced his appreciation for their friendship, saying:
Dammit…RIP Jimmy Rave. I’m glad we shared a ring as many time as we did. I’m glad we got the chance to know each other over 18 years ago. I’m glad we were friends. I’m glad that I knew you, and I will miss you. Godspeed my friend.December 13, 2021
Along with all of Jimmy Rave's wrestling colleagues and fans, mourful messages were shared by several wrestling organizations as well, with the NWA, Ring of Honor, and Combat Zone, among others, paying their respects. The same goes for IMPACT, which shared the following message:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Guffey, otherwise known as Jimmy Rave. We offer our sincere condolences to his family & friends during this difficult time. Rave made his IMPACT debut in 2002 during The Asylum Years & became a mainstay of the X-Division. pic.twitter.com/43JId8rXuwDecember 13, 2021
While throwing some ceremonial toilet paper into the ring, we here at CinemaBlend also send our thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Rave during their time of mourning.
