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Ring of Honor Legend Jay Briscoe Dies at Age 38
January 18, 2023
Longtime Ring of Honor Superstar Jay Briscoe died Tuesday at the age of 38, All Elite Wrestling CEO Tony Khan announced:
Tony Khan @TonyKhanSadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today.<br>Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We'll do whatever we can to support his family.<br>Rest In Peace Jamin
Along with his brother Mark, Briscoe put together a legendary career that saw them win the ROH Tag Team Championships 13 times. Briscoe also was a two-time ROH world champion.
Per Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Briscoe "passed away several hours ago in what we have heard was a 'car accident.'" Multiple wrestlers offered their condolences on Twitter:
Christopher Daniels @facdanielsJay Briscoe was one of the toughest men I ever had the privilege of sharing a ring with, as well as being a tremendous brother, father, and man. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to know him and wrestle him as often as I did. Rest in Peace, Jay, I love you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPJayBriscoe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPJayBriscoe</a> <a href="https://t.co/6ZxNfgPcmw">pic.twitter.com/6ZxNfgPcmw</a>
Tommy Dreamer @THETOMMYDREAMERI've known Jay Briscoe since he was a fan<br>Watched him become an amazing wrestler, best tag team & realest promo guy<br>I was going to text him yesterday about the cost of eggs and I didnt<br>I wish I did<br>Whenever I saw them I'd say<br>Luv me some Briscoes<br>Prayers for his family <a href="https://t.co/aTaQRTjilX">pic.twitter.com/aTaQRTjilX</a>
Frankie Kazarian @FrankieKazarianI cannot even begin to process this right now. I loved everything about my friend Jay Briscoe. His passion. His drive. His presence. Our wars in the ring. Most importantly, how much he loved his family. I am literally sick to my stomach⦠<a href="https://t.co/XNK5ZHlqxu">pic.twitter.com/XNK5ZHlqxu</a>
The Briscoe brothers grew up on a farm in Laurel, Delaware, and had experience in amateur wrestling and high school football. They decided to follow their dreams of becoming pro wrestlers and made their debut for an independent promotion in 2000 before joining Ring of Honor in 2002.
Jay Briscoe had wrestled on ROH's debut show, The Era of Honor Begins, while Mark had to stay outside the ring for the Philadelphia event because of Pennsylvania's child labor law. The duo eventually rose to popularity for their intensity and authenticity and went on to perform for multiple independent promotions, establishing themselves as one of the best tag teams in the entire wrestling business.
Wrestling Observer Newsletter named the Briscoes the Tag Team of the Year in 2007. Most recently, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked them No. 3 in the 2022 PWI Tag Team 50.
The Briscoes have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent months thanks to their acclaimed rivalry with FTR. Their series of matches with Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler set a new bar for tag team excellency, culminating with their Dog Collar match at Final Battle on Dec. 10. The Briscoes won the match to secure their 13th reign as ROH tag team champions.
