CM Punk, Taz, The Blue Meanie And Others Pay Tribute To Tracy Smothers, WWE Issues Statement

UPDATE: WWE.com has also issued a statement and tribute on the passing of Tracy Smothers, which you can read below:

Tracy Smothers passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Tracy Smothers passed away today at the age of 58.

A native of Springfield, Tennessee, Smothers teamed with Steve Armstrong, as his career began in Florida Championship Wrestling. The duo competed in WCW as The Southern Boys and The Young Pistols and were engaged in a long rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds tandem of Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin.

After another stint on the independent wrestling circuit, Smothers began wrestling in WWE as Freddie Joe Floyd. Smothers shared the ring with icons such as Triple H and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin during his time with WWE. Later, the wrestling veteran had a memorable run with ECW.

WWE extends its condolences to Smothers’ family and friends.

WWE is saddened to learn that Tracy Smothers passed away today at the age of 58.

WWE extends its condolences to Smothers’ family and friends. https://t.co/wdclVdB1n0

— WWE (@WWE) October 28, 2020

Other wrestling promotions and people within the industry have also released comments and statements on Smothers on social media, including Eric Bischoff, Ricochet, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray (aka Bubba Ray Dudley), WWE Hall of Famer Edge, Mustafi Ali, and more. You can view their comments on Smothers here:

Entertainer. Mentor. Father. Friend.#RIPTracySmothers pic.twitter.com/c6e13zpIIt

— OVW Wrestling (@ovwrestling) October 28, 2020

Sorry to hear about the passing of Tracy Smothers. I saw him last about a year ago. He was so happy in the ring. He was a good man. RIP Tracy.

— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) October 28, 2020

I just heard the news about Tracy Smothers. In my early years as a wrestler myself and @SexyChuckieT got to spend a lot of time with Tracy. He always knew how to put a smile on peoples faces.

Rest In Power my friend.

You will be missed. ❤️

— Ricochet (@KingRicochet) October 28, 2020

Smother Fucker.. sad day.
😢 RIP TS

— REAL1 (FKA Enzo Amore) (@real1) October 28, 2020

Tracey Smothers was always an absolute pleasure to be around in ECW. Always smiling and laughing. A good brother.

RIP. pic.twitter.com/uvbtGAqW3L

— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) October 28, 2020

It didn’t matter where you were In your career… anytime you ran into Tracy, he put a smile on your face and gave you amazing advice. He was a friend, a mentor, and will be missed so much.

Love ya.

RIP Tracy Smothers. pic.twitter.com/W6pNA7rGxN

— Death Machine (@TheSamiCallihan) October 28, 2020

Rest in power, Tracy. pic.twitter.com/dk6v6nEZab

— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAli_X) October 28, 2020

Tracy Smothers took two young kids from Canada trying to “tour” the southern United States, with $1.50 a day to spend on food, saw a dilemma we put ourselves in to try and get experience, and took us under his wing. He knew we wanted it. Because of that, and his huge heart, 1/3

— Adam Copeland (@RatedRCope) October 28, 2020

he drove us to make the next town so we could eat our next meal. He found floors, couches or other talent who had spare space in their hotel rooms for us to sleep. On those drives he dispensed his knowledge. Always with a laugh and a twinkle in his eye. And we soaked it up. 2/3

— Adam Copeland (@RatedRCope) October 28, 2020

He was a great man. He truly knew what paying it forward meant. I will miss him. 3/3

— Adam Copeland (@RatedRCope) October 28, 2020

If every veteran of wrestling and life were as kind, giving, and patient with rookies as Tracy was, wrestling and life would be much better places.

There will never be another like him. I could watch his mid-match impromptu heel promos all day. https://t.co/0lhczcJhJp

— Bryce Remsburg (@dabryceisright) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/bramleythemanly/status/1321510590196666369

So very sorry to hear that we lost a sweetheart of a guy, and great worker…Tracy Smothers…RIP my brother!😢😇

— Terri Runnels (@TheTerriRunnels) October 28, 2020

Rest In Peace Tracy Smothers.
One of the very few truly good people in that world. It was an honor to be around him for a few years in ECW. My condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/Rai1LguYxa

— Harry Slash (@harry_slash) October 28, 2020

There’s an empty place in the Wrestling family today ….. it will eventually stay filled with the best and greatest thoughts and memories of an amazing, kind-hearted, legend of a man https://t.co/XAiDYaf75I

— Joel Gertner (@StudMuffinSays) October 28, 2020

#Wrestling Trivia: Tracy Smothers was the winner of the only LOSER LEAVES EARTH MATCH in history…. defeating Oderus Urungus @TheRealOderus of GWAR @gwar pic.twitter.com/7b1PY3fvwx

— Joel Gertner (@StudMuffinSays) October 28, 2020

Another member of the wrestling community gone. RIP Tracy Smothers. Never heard a bad word about him. I toured Ireland with him in 2007 & was struck by how, even after so many years in the game, he was just so down to HAVE FUN wrestling. We’re better for having had time with him.

— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) October 28, 2020

RIP Tracy Smothers. He was so much fun to be around. He was an influence to so many people that he traveled the roads with. What a performer he was. He could turn a crowd in seconds, and loved doing it. He will be missed.

— Bob Ryder (@brydertna) October 28, 2020

This is very sad. Tracy was one of the nicest guys I’ve met in wrestling. He liked to hang out, joke around and help out all the young guys. RIP https://t.co/Pn6bXB218Q

— John Silver (@SilverNumber1) October 28, 2020

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Tracy Smothers.

Tracy was a true icon. He was a wrestler, a teacher, a friend. We will never forget him.

Our condolences to his friends and family. #RIPTracySmothers

— CZW: Combat Zone Wrestling (@combatzone) October 28, 2020

Ladies and Gentleman, it is with a heavy heart that we share the news that "The Wild-Eyed Southern Boy" "The Main Man" Tracy Smothers has passed away after his bout with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tracy's family and loved ones at this time.

— UCWPRO (@UCWPRO) October 28, 2020

Rest in Peace, Tracy Smothers. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/sWwY7gAgkF

— Monster Factory (@4MonsterFactory) October 28, 2020

Shared the ring one time with Tracy Smothers. I fondly remember how kind he was to me and everyone at JAPW. He watched the whole show from the curtain before his match and his excitement grew. His love of the business was infectious. #RIPTracySmothers pic.twitter.com/EXtRnGXU2J

— Shawn Bennett (@BennettWWE) October 28, 2020

Rest in peace, sweet Tracy Smothers. You were always kind to me backstage and such fun to be ringside with. You will be missed greatly. ❤❤

— Allison Danger (@allisondanger) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/JANELABABY/status/1321511320475344896

The Highspots Wrestling Network also released the following tribute video for Tracy Smothers:

ORIGINAL: As we unfortunately reported earlier today, Tracy Smothers passed away at the age of 58 following a battle with lymphoma. CM Punk, Taz, The Blue Meanie and others have paid tribute to Smothers on social media.

Punk wrote: “Tracy was the first name I ever worked. He taught me so much just that first night, and continued to do so for years. He loved working shows full of young kids and always helped share his knowledge. Always asked if I was swimming and eating cans of tuna. His shadow boxing to warm up is legendary. I can hear it now if I close my eyes. I watched him try to take a guys eye out once, then immediately start brushing his teeth. One time he grabbed nachos from a fan and I was so terrified he was going to dump cheese all over me and I’d have to drive home from kentucky covered in concession stand nacho cheese (no showers in IWA) but he said, “block it, hit me with the cheese, kid”. He wrestled bears. He was in the greatest tag match of all time with Brad vs the Midnights. He was a THUG.

Tracy was the first name I ever worked. He taught me so much just that first night, and continued to do so for years. He loved working shows full of young kids and always helped share his knowledge. Always asked if I was swimming and eating cans of tuna. 1/5

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 28, 2020

His shadow boxing to warm up is legendary. I can hear it now if I close my eyes. I watched him try to take a guys eye out once, then immediately start brushing his teeth. One time he grabbed nachos from a fan and I was so terrified he was going to dump cheese all over me and 2/5

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 28, 2020

I’d have to drive home from kentucky covered in concession stand nacho cheese (no showers in IWA) but he said, “block it, hit me with the cheese, kid”. He wrestled bears. He was in the greatest tag match of all time with Brad vs the Midnights. He was a THUG. 3/5

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 28, 2020

T is for terrible, H is for hell, U is for ugly and G is for jail because a thug can’t spell! I can recite his SMW promo vs Candido from the coal miners glove match by heart. Most IWA shows he would look out the curtain and say“well if they riot, we got em out numbered boys!”4/5

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 28, 2020

Fresh from a shower, covered in soap and barely holding a towel to his body he fought police dogs during a riot in ECW. He was one of a kind.The Wild Eyed Southern Boy, and he left his mark on the wrestling business. I love Tracy Smothers. Rest in power Tracy, watch the cheese5/5

— player/coach (@CMPunk) October 28, 2020

T is for terrible, H is for hell, U is for ugly and G is for jail because a thug can’t spell! I can recite his SMW promo vs Candido from the coal miners glove match by heart. Most IWA shows he would look out the curtain and say“well if they riot, we got em out numbered boys!” Fresh from a shower, covered in soap and barely holding a towel to his body he fought police dogs during a riot in ECW. He was one of a kind.The Wild Eyed Southern Boy, and he left his mark on the wrestling business. I love Tracy Smothers. Rest in power Tracy, watch the cheese.”

Taz added: “Very sad to learn that Tracy Smothers passed. He was a great wrestler and an even better person. He was always cutting up and busting chops in the locker room…just a fun talented dude always smiling. A spectacular career wrestling everywhere you could imagine over his years!”

Blue Meanie wrote: “I’m trying to process this one. I saw it coming but it still doesn’t HURT any less. Myself and a lot of wrestlers owe their careers to Tracy Smothers. He was a leader and a teacher who gave more than he received. Rest in peace Tracy. I love you more than words can convey.”

You can see these and other similar posts below.

Rip Tracy smothers thank your for all the knowledge you taught me and everybody else in the business!!! U helped everybody you came across!! U will be missed!! https://t.co/VXZ0gAUk6O

— James Maritato (@nunzio_guido) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/MadKing1981/status/1321478285621104642

Tracy Smothers helped teach so many of us in pro wrestling during the past 20+ years, especially young talent on independent shows, to whom he owed nothing, but gave so much. 💔 pic.twitter.com/udRpwfHC99

— Dave Prazak (@DavePrazak) October 28, 2020

I’m saddened to hear the passing of dear friend Tracy Smothers. Thanks for the years of friendship. Tracy & I had been checking in w each other every couple days regarding the health situation both of us are going through. This is another hard loss in the sport of pro wrestling. pic.twitter.com/APy9F7ifSY

— Bobby Fulton (@TheBobbyFulton) October 28, 2020

Very sad to learn that Tracy Smothers passed. He was a great wrestler and an even better person. He was always cutting up and busting chops in the locker room…just a fun talented dude always smiling. A spectacular career wrestling everywhere you could imagine over his years! pic.twitter.com/L0RERBn7ve

— taz (@OfficialTAZ) October 28, 2020

My great friend Tracy Smothers has passed, it is with a heavy heart that I share the news. Lots of great times with Tracy, I had just spoke with him last week RIP my friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tracy's family and loved ones at this time. Ricky Morton pic.twitter.com/FMFYSTv1sw

— Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/FrankieKazarian/status/1321474644990283778

RIP Tracy Smothers….a legit man’s man who just passed and with courage and dignity. 🙏🙏

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) October 28, 2020

AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of Tracy Smothers, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. #RIPTracy pic.twitter.com/YkdvY6cvJt

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 28, 2020

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tracy Smothers. We offer our condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/9gfXKDHOZe

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) October 28, 2020

I'm trying to process this one. I saw it coming but it still doesn't HURT any less. Myself and a lot of wrestlers owe their careers to Tracy Smothers. He was a leader and a teacher who gave more than he received. Rest in peace Tracy. I love you more than words can convey. pic.twitter.com/nI2myvrysw

— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/OfficialEGO/status/1321482420600901634

This really sucks.

Tracy Smothers was the man, plain and simple.

I wish I had had the chance to be around him a lot more.

My thoughts go out to his friends and family.

— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) October 28, 2020

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Tracy Smothers.

The wrestling world will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/EoI3V2CMOL

— NWA (@nwa) October 28, 2020

To a lot of us in the independent wrestling world, Tracy Smothers was THE guy.

You couldn't meet Tracy without him leaving a lasting impression on you.

Tracy loved pro wrestling with all of his heart.
We still tell stories about his time in AAW.

Tracy you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Ks9PIsglyr

— AAW Wrestling (@AAWPro) October 28, 2020

Rest In Peace Tracy Smothers. A true gentleman who never failed to bring a smile to my face.

— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) October 28, 2020

At the end of every single interaction I ever had with Tracy Smothers, I left with a smile on my face. Without exception. We lost a good one today.

Godspeed, Tracy, and echoing the voices of countless brothers and sisters:

THANK YOU.

Rest well, my friend. 🙏

— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) October 28, 2020

Hearing the news of the passing of Tracy Smothers is incredibly heartbreaking. Tracy was one of the kindest and happiest guys I’ve ever known in this business. I can’t recall ever hearing a bad word about him. He’s gonna be missed by a lot of people. RIP my friend.

— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) October 28, 2020

Tracy Smothers was a total sweetheart every time we crossed paths. Which is amusing, because he *LOVED* being the bad guy.

“You staying busy, maaaan? Doing well? Good good good. I like to hear that, brother.”

My heart goes out to his friends, and family. ❤️#RIPTracySmothers pic.twitter.com/pqSzA48MUi

— Arik Cannon (@arikcannon) October 28, 2020

Tracy Smothers helped so many people, it would be impossible to determine how many young wrestlers he helped over his career. This sucks so bad.

— Absolute Intense Wrestling (@aiwrestling) October 28, 2020

There are no words to describe how saddened I am to learn of the passing of Tracy Smothers. He was my friend and mentor for years. Last year I roomed w/ him over WM weekend, something I always enjoyed because nobody could tell stories like he could. Devestated. #RIPTracySmothers

— Shark Boy (@SharkBoy24_7) October 28, 2020

I want to write something fit for a guy like Tracy Smothers, but my heart hurts right now. He was the first name I ever worked, and he gave to me so selflessly. I'm glad I got to tell him that I loved him before he left.

There will never be another Tracy. #RIPTracySmothers pic.twitter.com/GPuysFyzmz

— Gregory Iron (@GregoryIron) October 28, 2020

There will never be another Tracy Smothers. He was the epitome of keeping pro wrestling fun. You couldn't be around him for more than two minutes without coming away with a hilarious "Tracy story" or two…or three…or four. 😂

He will be profoundly missed. 💔#RIPTracySmothers

— Marek Brave (@MBrave13) October 28, 2020

A sad sad sad days. I have more Tracy stories than I can remember.
Today, I'll be thinking about his memory, family, legacy, spirit & everything in-between. https://t.co/v6aigNCNKZ

— Colt Cabana🦦 (@ColtCabana) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/TheDannyCage/status/1321492543402594304

Rest In Peace, Tracy Smothers. I’m really going to miss that guy. Few men poured more of their heart and soul into wrestling than he did.

— John Cosper (@johncosper) October 28, 2020

https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1321490875097165826

https://twitter.com/TheKatieForbes/status/1321490857858527235

The wrestling world suffered a big loss
I will miss my friend
Tracey Smothers #ECW #FBI pic.twitter.com/X1NRfkqG2I

— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) October 28, 2020