Photo Credit: AJPW
By: Lewis Carlan
Tragic news rocked the world of professional wrestling on June 26th as former AJPW and TNA superstar Joe Doering passed away after a long battle with brain cancer.
Doering had tremendous success while competing for All Japan Pro-Wrestling as he held the Triple Crown Championship on two occasions and was a four time AJPW World Tag Team Titleholder.
While in AJPW Doering had a storied rivalry with Suwama. The two were both rivals and allies that engaged in some classic singles and tag team bouts over the years. The two created the faction Evolution back in 2013 and won the AJPW World Tag Team Titles in October of that year.
Joe Doering defeated Suwama back in July 2014 and again in October 2017 to win the AJPW Triple Crown Title.
Suwama released a heartfelt post on X after learning that Joe Doering had passed away.
From Suwama:
“I heard that Joe has passed away, and I’m so shocked I’m at a loss for words. We launched Evolution together, and it’s thanks to Joe that Evo still exists today. Joe, thank you for everything. May he rest in peace. Rest easy.” (Translated via Deepl.com)
In addition to Suwama, Kenta Kobashi, Davey Boy Smith Jr, Josh Alexander and others expressed their condolences for Joe Doering.
From Kenta Kobashi:
“Joe Doering has passed away at the age of 44. It’s way too soon!! He also competed in Fortune Dream. Whenever I see him, I’m reminded of what a nice guy he was, always smiling.” (Translated via Deepl.com)
From Davey Boy Smith Jr:
Very sorry to hear about the passing of my dear pal Joe Doering 🙏😢 🙏
We had some great times in Japan together, including a night out with Kobashi. Joe was actually out with me the night I received the bad news that Dynamite Kid had passed away also. He was a good supporter to me, when I got that news. R.I.P. Joe San. You were a good dude.
From Naomichi Marufuji:
“Although we never faced each other in the ring, we spent time together at wrestling camps in Canada, watching athletes and hosting house parties—he was a wonderful person.
I offer my sincere condolences.”
From Josh Alexander:
July 1 2022 I wrestled what would be Joe Doering’s last match. A month prior I’d noticed something was off with Joe. But it never crossed my mind that his cancer might have returned. In my mind he’d already faced that battle and won. I’ve thought about it all countless times since and never asked. I think he knew the cancer had returned or at least had a gut feeling. Regardless he kept it all to himself. When it came time for the match he was down for everything. Angle slam off the apron to the floor? Let’s do it. Superplex? He was down. I remember going to him before the match and telling him “Joe hopefully I don’t regret this. But I really want you to lay your stuff in on me out there. If you clothesline me I want my boots to come loose.” He kind of smirked like only Joe could and agreed. (And he sure did what I asked ) We had a 20+ main event title match on ppv. I can’t imagine the pain or discomfort he was feeling at the time. But in true Joe fashion he was an absolute warrior. Joe always was a professional. A class act and one hell of a wrestler. I left that match sore as shit but proud. It’s a strange feeling being both honoured and sad to have been the one that he closed out his career with. I’m just fortunate to have known him both in and out of the ring. He fought cancer for so long. I can only hope that now he can finally rest.
From Gail Kim:
“Thinking of Joe Doering today, his family & loved ones who will miss him terribly ….. always a gentle giant. RIP Joe.
From Lance Archer:
“RIP Joe Doering! GOD speed my friend! Go Strongstyle suplex some Demons as one of Gods new Archangels!!”
From Sami Callihan:
“Incredibly sad to hear the news about Joe Doering. Anyone that got the chance to meet him, fell in love with the man. Infinite amount of good vibes and prayers to him and his family.”
Everyone at Monthly Puroresu offers our sincere condolences to the family, friends and fans of Joe Doering.
Date:
June 28, 2026
Category:
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