Unfortunately, a veteran wrester did pass away, but it was not the WCW star fans and colleagues were thinking of.
Former Florida-based wrestler Rusty Stallings happened to pass away recently, but many initially thought and reported that Jeff Gann was the individual who passed. The mix-up was due to the moniker the two shared as both were nicknamed “The Gambler” in their respective days. Gann’s son, also named Jeff, took to Twitter to provide clarification in hopes to dispell the unfortunate circumstance.
“I don’t know started the rumor of my dad Jeff Gann ( the gambler ) from wcw has passed. He is alive. I talked to him at 10: 15 eastern time. He is ALIVE. Not dead.”
I don't know started the rumor of my dad Jeff Gann ( the gambler ) from wcw has passed. He is alive. I talked to him at 10: 15 eastern time. He is ALIVE. Not dead. #false#rumor#alive#wcwthegambler#prowrestling
— jeff gann (@JeffagannGann) June 8, 2023
PWInsider later was able to confirm that it was Stallings who passed.
The Former WCW Star’s State Confused Several Colleagues
Several of Gann’s former colleagues took to social media to pay their respects, including Chris Jericho. Jericho gave major credit to Gann for helping a young Lionheart regain his confidence in the ring by simplifying their singles match together.
“Heard The Gambler #JeffGann passed away. I want to thank him for saving my career. In 1996 early in my #WCW tenure, I had no confidence that I could make it in the big leagues. Then Jeff guided me through a basic but good match & got me on track. THX JEFF!”
Stallings joins another name in the wrestling brotherhood to pass on this week as the legendary Iron Sheik passed away at the age of 81.
We at Inside The Ropes would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Rusty Stallings at this time.