wrestling / News
Wrestling Superfan ‘Sign Guy’ Rick Achberger Passes Away, Wrestlers React
Image Credit: WWE
Rick Achberger, known as “Sign Guy” for his constant appearance at WWE events, has passed away. WCCW World ClassCast co-host Lance Petersen announced the news on Sunday via Twitter.
Petersen wrote:
It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of WWE Sign Guy Rick Achberger, today Sunday 9/27/26. He was an absolute great guy and loved talking with fans at the shows. He tackled some health problems a couple of years ago, but last month began to go downhill rapidly. Rest in peace.
Achberger was known among WWE watchers for his presence at shows, appearing on camera regularly in the front row in his blue shirt and red cap. Fightful noted that he attended 40 to 50 events a year and was most recently at the May 1st episode of WWE Smackdown. He also often attended shows for AEW, TNA and other promotions.
The wrestling world has reacted to Achberger’s passing and you can see posts by Big E., Mike Rome, Trey Miguel, Wade Barrett, Nia Jax, Mickie James, Athena, and many more below.
On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family and friends of Rick Achberger.
It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of
WWE Sign Guy Rick Achberger, today Sunday 9/27/26.
He was an absolute great guy and loved talking with fans at the shows. He tackled some health problems a couple of years ago, but last month began to go downhill rapidly.… pic.twitter.com/LPgOp1wRFe— Lance peterson (@SMUheavyweight) September 27, 2026
Very sorry to hear of Sign Guy’s passing. Always looked forward to seeing his signature red hat and blue shirt. Our interactions were always fun and light-hearted. My sincerest condolences to Rick and his loved ones. https://t.co/qvzMcG8Taq
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) September 27, 2026
Rip Rick 💔 always clever, always fun and always loved wrestling. Will miss seeing you and your signs at shows. #wwesignguy #signguy pic.twitter.com/u6cxbuB91J
— Austin Romero (aka: Mike Rome) (@AustinMRomero) September 27, 2026
The “WWE SIGN GUY” Rich Archberger passed away 😟 He was always so freaking supportive of me. Always had a Trey Miguel sign at TNA events he attended and was a nice guy to talk to. We lost a good one. Easily one of the most famous fans of all time. You will be missed brother 💔
— Trey Miguel (@TheTreyMiguel) September 27, 2026
Top dude, who made me laugh from both an in-ring and a desk perspective many times over the years. You’ll be missed, Sign Guy Rick 🍻 https://t.co/exNgcNHJf5
— Stu Bennett 🏴🇺🇸 (@StuBennett) September 27, 2026
💔💔💔 Thank you “sign guy” Rick 🙏🏽 https://t.co/vgOwrkKeNj
— Lina Fanene (@LinaFanene) September 27, 2026
Oh no. I’m so sad to hear this. Rick was such a sweetheart & always so fun to have in the crowd. Made some of those @wwe house shows all the better. Prayers to his friends and family. He will be missed but not forgotten. 🧑🚒🪧♥️ https://t.co/znH7L1VZtp
— Mickie James~Aldis (@MickieJames) September 27, 2026
Oh no. 😟 Rick was such a great dude! This sucks!! https://t.co/BxoPqlDVTv
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) September 27, 2026
From always spotting him on the TV growing up to this full circle moment.
Forever grateful for his energy.
RIP Rick Achberger https://t.co/drC9i3oQr2 pic.twitter.com/ZKMoqia8Ru
— Chris Bey (@DashingChrisBey) September 27, 2026
I watched Sign Guy when I was just a kid, I even remember him being interviewed on WWE Confidential.
Felt like I really made it when he started making signs for me.
I’m so thankful for all the fun memories we have throughout the years. The wrestling world will miss you, Rick. https://t.co/HLFPYVLJRK
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) September 27, 2026
RIP Rick 🖤 https://t.co/H4d8E2dFqJ
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) September 27, 2026
Rick was a great & passionate wrestling fan. He was always there no matter what company I was working for playing his part making the whole experience exactly what it should be; fun. Gonna deeply miss seeing him at shows!
RIP https://t.co/Tht05GplH8— Brian Myers (@Myers_Wrestling) September 27, 2026
Really sad to hear about Rick's passing , he was always extremely nice. My condolences to his friends and family. #RIPSignGuy https://t.co/RPsWvqEZeX
— Athena is ROH & All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) September 27, 2026
Ugh, so brutal!! He was the absolute best and was always so fun to interact with during the shows and to chat with after and in between. Incredible person and I will defn miss seeing him at shows. https://t.co/aa2UaZ0ntE
— Tom (@TomPestock) September 27, 2026
I always had a fun time barbing back-and-forth with Rick over his humorous signs (often depicting me in less than flattering ways ha ha) but he was also very kind down to earth guy when you stopped down to talk to him ❤️
RIP to a man with an incredible enthusiasm for our sport https://t.co/9fm21nWAwP
— Matthew Rehwoldt (@DramaKingMatt) September 27, 2026
Damn so sad to hear about the passing of WWE Sign Guy Rick Achberger!!
He was always such a sweet, respectful and funny guy!
A true fan and true light in this business that we will all miss dearly.
RIP Rick 💔
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) September 27, 2026
