'Can't believe this': Wrestling rocked by death of 31-year-old star
The wrestling world has been struck with the tragic news British wrestler Ryan Smile has died aged 31.
The Birmingham-born wrestler held titles in both the Rev Pro and OTT wrestling series in the UK throughout his career.
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Fellow wrestler Damian ‘No Fun Dunne’ McKeown released a statement on social media claiming the 31-year-old died after ‘losing his battle with mental heath.’
“This is a truly terrible loss of a larger than life character who brightened every room he was in with his passion, energy & humour,” McKeown wrote.
Tributes have flooded in for the much-beloved UK wrestler from WWE stars to UK wrestling pros since his death on 14th October.
Our team is devastated to learn of the loss of Ryan Smile. His talent and contribution set the standard for what British/Irish wrestling was to become.
A tragic loss
RIP pic.twitter.com/QWrcmHEv1c— OTT WRESTLING (@OTT_wrestling) October 14, 2020
Ryan Smile was the first independent wrestler I saw perform. His performance that night is one of the reasons I pursued working in wrestling.
Please take care. pic.twitter.com/fOLkeSNnCp— Robyn Goding (@BeyondGorilla_) October 14, 2020
Can’t believe this. One of the people to help me and welcome me during my first UK tour. Ryan Smile, thank you. RIP
— The HBIC (@MiaYim) October 14, 2020
We had a match at @RevProUK after a hectic day on my behalf getting to the show, he was a great professional, we talked about the match for 10 minutes and went out there & had one of my best matches across the pond! RIP https://t.co/8HZTY5vfRh
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) October 14, 2020
So young. You will be missed Ryan.
R.I.P. Ryan Smile 🙏🏽— Pretty Ricky (@KingRicochet) October 14, 2020
My first match in OTT was against Ryan Smile - I'll never forget it. We worked hard and he made sure I left memorable.
Because of that match I was able come back and make years of amazing memories in Ireland.
Rest easy Ryan x— Charlie Sterling 💷 (@CSterlingPro) October 14, 2020
This news has really hurt, I am unsure if Ryan Smile ever understood how grateful I was for all the help he selflessly afforded to me when I was nothing more than a stranger to him, it’s something I will forever appreciate.
Rest in Peace Ryan, thank you for everything. ❤️— dunkzilla (@DUNKZILLADavis) October 14, 2020
Very sad to hear about Ryan Smile.
He was bigger than any room he was in. His contribution to Irish wrestling should not go unmentioned today.
My thoughts are with his family.
Rest easy Smiler.— Justy (@Justy_FishHook) October 14, 2020
Rest easy Ryan Smile 😢 pic.twitter.com/RfTzdaAQac
— Paul Tracey (@PaulTraceyLOTM) October 14, 2020
Ryan Smile’s wrestling career
Smile’s was a key member of the Rev Pro and OTT wresting series’ since they were founded in 2012 and 2014.
The high-flyer was a huge part of the UK indie wrestling scene and spent nearly 12 years mastering his craft.
He was best known for his Broken Smile finisher and was trained by Brandon Thomas, Keego Ward, Maddog Maxx and PAC.
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