Joe Doering dies at 44 after third battle with brain cancer

Professional wrestler Joe Doering has died at the age of 44 after battling brain cancer for the third time.

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announced that Doering passed away peacefully on the morning of June 26 while surrounded by his family.

"At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family," the promotion said in a statement.

"Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years' worth of living into every one of them. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his family, and leaves behind countless friends and devoted fans around the world who will forever remember his strength, courage, and spirit. Rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten."

Doering built a successful wrestling career across the United States, Canada, and Japan. He was a two-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and also won multiple tag team championships during his time with AJPW and TNA Wrestling, formerly known as Impact Wrestling. Earlier in his career, he also spent time in WWE's developmental system.

He was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016 but returned to the ring after treatment and continued wrestling through 2022. Over the following years, he faced the disease two more times, with friends, fellow wrestlers, and fans raising tens of thousands of dollars through crowdfunding campaigns to help support his medical care.

Last week, Doering's sister-in-law, Mandy Banh, revealed that he would soon be entering hospice care.

Following his passing, she shared a message thanking supporters for standing by the family during his illness.

"It is with great sadness that we share Joe passed away peacefully this morning, June 26, at 9:13 a.m. He was comfortable and not in any pain," she wrote.

"Please keep Joe's family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time. Thank you all for your love, support, and kindness—it has meant so much to us. We love you, Joe. You will be forever in our hearts and deeply missed."

Doering is remembered not only for his accomplishments inside the ring but also for the resilience and determination he showed throughout his years-long fight against cancer.