wrestling / News
John Cena, Triple H, Rhea Ripley & More React to WWE Superfan Rick Achberger’s Death
Image Credit: WWE
Tributes continue to pour in for the “Sign Guy,” i.e., Rick Achberger, who sadly passed away on Sunday.
As noted, WCCW World ClassCast co-host Lance Peterson announced the unfortunate news on X (FKA Twitter) yesterday. Achberger was a constant presence at WWE shows, appearing regularly in his trademark blue shirt and red cap. He attended at least 40 events annually and was most recently present at the May 1, 2026, SmackDown taping.
Several WWE Superstars, such as Nia Jax, Wade Barrett, Big E, Bayley, Alexa Bliss, Baron Corbin, and more, have since reacted to his death on social media.
More tributes have since poured in from the likes of John Cena, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, former WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley, Nattie, JBL, and more.
Here’s what John Cena wrote on X:
“I consider our audience our biggest superstars. Rick Achberger worked as hard as any one of us to spread joy and encourage escaping whatever burden life threw at you. Loss affects us all differently. As I process this, I choose to reflect on ‘Sign Guy’ ALWAYS making my days better.”
I consider our audience our biggest superstars. Rick Achberger worked as hard as any one of us to spread joy and encourage escaping whatever burden life threw you. Loss affects us all differently. As I process this, I choose to reflect on “Sign Guy” ALWAYS making my days better. pic.twitter.com/Fcowznko7T
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 28, 2026
Meanwhile, WWE CCO Triple H wrote the following:
“Saddened to hear of the death of Rick Achberger, known to the WWE Universe as ‘Sign Guy.’ For decades, Rick was a fixture at events holding a sign that expressed exactly how he felt about you that given evening. He will be missed by the entire @WWE family. We send condolences to his family and friends.”
Saddened to hear of the death of Rick Achberger, known to the WWE Universe as ‘Sign Guy.’ For decades, Rick was a fixture at events holding a sign that expressed exactly how he felt about you that given evening. He will be missed by the entire @WWE family. We send condolences to… pic.twitter.com/tunxfnorgZ
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 28, 2026
Check out other reactions below:
RIP ‘sign guy’!
Its hurts my heart to know that all the cheeky and smart ass interactions we had at the shows together are now just memories… Your presence and hilarious signs always made house shows & tvs so much more fun!
Rest in peace my dude 🖤— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) September 28, 2026
Sign guy was a good guy, very clever and helped the wrestling business, I really enjoyed him being at events and later got to know him- my signs were not funny….. (I always said that to him). RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/kx8SIgzP2k
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) September 28, 2026
Rick Achberger was one of the best people who supported our shows through the years. He always brought lighthearted humor, positive energy and a genuine love for wrestling. You made the shows brighter just by being there. You’ll be very missed, Rick. ❤️ @RickWWESignGuy pic.twitter.com/siz8MaGkVy
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) September 28, 2026
Today we lost one of wrestling's most iconic fans. He was the red-hat-wearing fella who loved nothing more than showing off his amazing signs, bringing energy and fun to every show he was at. Rest in peace, Rick. Wrestling won't be the same without ya. pic.twitter.com/02g65VCuro
— S. Farrelly (@SFarrellyPro) September 28, 2026
RIP Sign Guy Rick. pic.twitter.com/M3UaYde9GF
— chriSabin (@SuperChrisSabin) September 28, 2026
Meeting Rick years ago was such a full circle moment for me. I grew up laughing at the crazy signs he got on tv… and somehow now, he was making signs for me.
He was always quick to send kind & encouraging messages. I will miss wondering if he’ll be at the show and what he’ll… https://t.co/ggs2APJXj5
— The Virtuosa (@DeonnaPurrazzo) September 27, 2026
Ahh I hate to hear this.
Rick made an anti-Order 4 sign earlier this year at the first episode of Impact on AMC in Dallas…and I felt so accomplished that the world famous Sign Guy got us.
My thoughts are with his friends and family. ❤️ https://t.co/VzXnF75C4l
— Skyzz (@TheJohnSkyler) September 27, 2026
Rick ❤️
— Lainey Reid (@lainey_wwe) September 27, 2026
On behalf of 411Mania, our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rick Achberger.
