Former Ring Of Honor and IMPACT Wrestling star Jimmy Rave has passed away at the age of 39.
Bill Behrens broke the news on social media, saying that Jimmy Rave, whose real name is James Michael Duffey, had died on December 12th, 2021.
In the post, Behrens, who is a well-known agent of many wrestlers on the independent scene, summarised Rave’s career, which started in 1999 and included runs in Ring of Honor, NJPW, and TNA – now IMPACT Wrestling.
Ok this sucks
Kailah helped write it pic.twitter.com/WfY7v8uQ6g— Bill Behrens (@WilliamBehrens) December 13, 2021
In the post, Behrens discussed numerous highlights of Rave’s career, including capturing the NWA Junior World Heavyweight Championship twice and becoming the Iron Man Champion in Combat Zone Wrestling, as well as his time teaming with AEW star Lance Archer in the ‘Rock and Rave Infection.’
He also touched on Rave’s struggles with drug addiction and the health issues this led to, including the amputation of one arm and both legs. The latter following a bout of MRSA.
Following the news of Rave’s death breaking, Archer has posted a message on Twitter in memory of his former teammate.
“RIP my brother! Jimmy Rave”
RIP my brother! Jimmy Rave 🙏🏻
— The Murderhawk Monster Lance Archer (@LanceHoyt) December 13, 2021
Rave passed away in Philadelphia, where he was living with Gabby Gilbert.
We here at Inside The Ropes would like to send our condolences to Jimmy Rave’s family and friends at this time.