'Totally shocked': WWE rocked by tragic death of Melissa Coates
The wrestling world is mourning the tragic death of Melissa Coates - known as ‘Super Genie’ during her time in ECW and WWE.
A former bodybuilder, actress, wrestler and manager of ECW legend Sabu, Coates died this week at age 50.
No cause of death has been released.
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A friend of Coates wrote on Facebook on Wednesday: “This may be the hardest post I have ever made…
"Just got word from Terry ‘Sabu’ Brunk that Super Genie Melissa Coates has passed away this afternoon..
“I also have spoken to her brother, JR Coates and niece, Cassi. They told me to post this sad news…
“Sabu will not be taking calls and please respect their privacy at this time. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Melissa Coates - better known to IMPACT fans as Super Genie, the manager of Sabu. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 24, 2021
Sabu retweeted a post referencing Coates’ death.
The Cauliflower Alley Club – a non-profit organisation that looks after retired pro wrestlers – also confirmed the tragic news.
“Everyone here at the CAC is deeply saddened to hear the news that Super Genie Melissa Coates has passed away," they wrote.
“We send out our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and fans.
"May they find comfort in the memories left behind during this most difficult time. R.I.P. Melissa.”
Coates had her left leg amputated last October due to blood clots.
Everyone here at the CAC is deeply saddened to hear the news that Super Genie Melissa Coates has passed away. We send out our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and fans. May they find comfort in the memories left behind during this most difficult time. R.I.P. Melissa. pic.twitter.com/mD77rvsFyO
— CauliflowerAlleyClub (@CACReunion) June 24, 2021
Wrestling world mourns death of Melissa Coates
Tributes have been pouring in from around the wrestling world.
"I’m very sorry to learn of the passing of Melissa Coates. She was always so kind on the many occasions I saw her," tweeted Mick Foley.
Bailey wrote: "I had my very first match against Melissa Coates. There’s always a forever connection when you share the ring with someone and I’m honoured to have that with her.
“Thank you for being so sweet, helpful and busting my brace face open. I’ll truly never forget you.”
Lance Storm tweeted: “Saddened to hear of Melissa Coates’ passing tonight. I didn’t know her that well, but I worked with her some during my time in OVW.
“Coates (that’s what we called her. Never Melissa) wasn’t under WWE contract then but I trained with her a few times and she was at all the shows.
“Coates was always super nice and friendly and on the occasion when we’d see each other at a signing or convention we were always happy to see each other again. RIP Melissa Coates.”
While Beth Phoenix wrote: “I’m heartbroken to have learned of the passing of Melissa Coates.
"She was a funny, kind and gentle soul. My condolences to her family and loved ones.”
I’m very sorry to learn of the passing of Melissa Coates. She was always so kind on the many occasions I saw her. My deepest condolences to @TheRealSabuECW and all those who loved her. https://t.co/uMv2YXgGwN
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) June 24, 2021
I had my very first match against Melissa Coates. There’s always a forever connection when you share the ring with someone and I’m honored to have that with her. Thank you for being so sweet, helpful and busting my brace face open. I’ll truly never forget you. ❤️🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/wi33PmoyaD
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) June 24, 2021
Coates was always super nice and friendly and on the occasion when we’d see each other at a signing or convention we were always happy to see each other again.
RIP Melissa Coates.— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) June 24, 2021
I'm heartbroken to have learned of the passing of Melissa Coates. She was a funny, kind and gentle soul. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
— Auntie Betty Phoenix (@TheBethPhoenix) June 24, 2021
Thinking about Melissa Coates today. I am sad to hear of her passing. Melissa was always so kind to everyone she met and had a huge heart. She said that this was her favorite picture of herself. You are loved and remembered, Melissa. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7JyNRx9cqi
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) June 24, 2021
Just spoke to ECW legend Sabu. Sad to report that the love of his life, and my friend, WWE star Melissa Coates, AKA Super Genie, has passed away. I'm devastated. RIP Melissa. Love you.
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) June 24, 2021
When I was going thru my health issues last yr, Melissa Coates, @RealSuperGenie reached out to check on me & sent me this message of encouragement. Goes to show what a sweet, amazing person & friend she was.I’ll miss her so much. Rest in eternal peace, my beautiful friend. 🙏🏼💜😢 pic.twitter.com/w44yMpRECY
— Velvet Sky (@VelVelHoller) June 24, 2021
It’s never easy losing a friend, the memories and laughter we shared are stomach aching hilarious. I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Melissa Coates, she was truly a special one in every sense of the word. ~PHS 😢#RIPMelissaCoates pic.twitter.com/pysNERGLIq
— Elijah Burke (@DaBlackPope) June 24, 2021
My heart goes out to @TheRealSabuECW. I'm totally shocked about the passing of Melissa Coates. She was a sweet and kind person. Rest In Peace.....
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) June 24, 2021
So extremely sad to hear of the passing of Melissa Coates. I have known her for years and years, she was such a sweet, wonderful and thoughtful woman. RIP Super Genie 🙏🏼❤️
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) June 24, 2021
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