Wrestling Business Mourns Passing of Don West

The wrestling community paid tribute to beloved longtime TNA color commentator Don West who passed away Friday at only 59 after battling brain cancer for well over a year. He'd said it was in remission in September of 2021, but it returned last January.

Born in Chicago "Dick The Bruiser Country" in 1963, Don said he "loved watching wrestling and boxing as a kid." CAC's Jeff and Jerry Jarrett picked him to call TNA Wrestling's very first match where he continued for years, at times even getting involved in angles. "I couldn't believe my luck that now I was getting to transition to calling wrestling action! The entire Jarrett organization worked hard to get me ready and I thought I really jelled with Mike Tenay all those years. I just love this business," Don told me in 2018.

Prior to his years of wrestling color commentator alongside Tenay, Don was a popular Shop At Home network pitchmen bringing his huge fan base to his ten years at TNA/Impact.

CAC member,Impact EVP Scott D'Amore said "“Don and Mike Tenay provided the soundtrack to so many iconic moments in company history. There was no more cherished member of the TNA/IMPACT family. Don was truly a one of a kind who brightened every room he walked into. He brought out the best in people and was an inspiration to all who crossed paths with him. His warm heart and legendary sense of humor made every day at work something to look forward to. I am forever grateful for being able to share a friendship with Don."

Mike Tenay wrote "We bonded as soon as we met, both as broadcast partners and friends. Years of great moments both on and off camera.”

On Friday's WWE Smackdown, lead announcer Michael Cole gave condolences saying Don left an impact on the wrestling business. "Godspeed, Mr West." Cole said. Other wrestling companies also paid tribute to him.

Jeff Jarrett(just at CAC last September with his legendary father Jerry), said when he got the sad news he "had a feeling of mixed emotions. Happy and relieved that Don's no longer in pain but the finality of his death was dark and hurts. We FaceTimed just a few days ago, and because of his situation it’s the only conversation that I’ve ever had with him that I got to do all the talking and I’m sure he hated that! We reminisced, laughed, and I got the final opportunity to tell him I loved him and that I will see him again one day."

The CAC sends its' deepest condolences to Don's family, friends and fans.