Joe Doering Passes Away Following Long Battle With Brain Cancer

Joe Doering, a former AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion and longtime professional wrestler, has died at the age of 44 following a years-long battle with brain cancer. Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announced on June 26 that Doering passed away peacefully earlier that morning while surrounded by his family.

Doering spent nearly a decade fighting brain cancer while continuing to build one of the most respected careers in the industry. He was first diagnosed in 2016 but returned to the ring after treatment. He continued wrestling through 2022 before facing the disease twice again. The statement from Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling stated:

“At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his family, and leaves behind countless friends and devoted fans around the world who will forever remember his strength, courage, and spirit. Rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten.”

During that period, the wrestling community came together to support him. Friends, fans, and fellow wrestlers helped raise tens of thousands of dollars through GoFundMe campaigns to assist with his medical expenses. Inside the ring, Doering built a reputation as one of wrestling’s toughest heavyweights. His rugged style and cowboy look often drew comparisons to WWE Hall of Famer Stan “the Lariat” Hansen.

He competed across North America and Japan, but his greatest success came in All Japan Pro Wrestling. There, he became a two-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion and also won multiple tag team championships. Doering also held tag team gold in TNA/Impact Wrestling and spent time in WWE’s developmental system earlier in his career.

Just last week, Doering’s sister-in-law, Mandy Banh, revealed that he would soon enter hospice care. After his passing, she shared another update on the GoFundMe page, saying Doering died peacefully at 9:13 a.m. on June 26.

“It is with great sadness that we share Joe passed away peacefully this morning, June 26, at 9:13 a.m. He was comfortable and not in any pain. Please keep Joe’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time. Thank you all for your love, support, and kindness—it has meant so much to us. We love you, Joe. You will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed.”

Joe Doering’s legacy extends well beyond his championships. He will be remembered for his perseverance inside the ring and the determination he showed throughout his long battle with illness.

At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his… pic.twitter.com/qlzBVLUuM3

— MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling (@MapleLeafPW) June 26, 2026