Pro wrestling has bid farewell to a true icon with the passing of Jerry Jarrett. During a recording released earlier today with Jarrett’s son, AEW star Jeff Jarrett, Conrad Thompson revealed that Jerry Jarrett had been battling esophageal cancer.
Together with his wife Christine, Jerry Jarrett was instrumental in elevating Memphis wrestling to prominence during the 1970s and 1980s.
He played a key role in launching the careers of numerous stars, including Jackie Fargo, Jerry Lawler, Bill Dundee, Dutch Mantell, and his own son Jeff. Additionally, figures like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin credited Jarrett with laying the groundwork for their successful careers.
Jarrett’s career spanned several decades as both a wrestler and promoter. He debuted in 1969 with NWA Mid-America, where he won the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship ten times.
Although he retired from active wrestling in 1988 to focus on promoting United States Wrestling Association, he continued to make occasional appearances until his final match in 1995.
In 2002, Jerry and Jeff Jarrett co-founded what would become Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling. Jarrett left TNA in 2005 following a disagreement about the company’s direction, leading to a period of estrangement with Jeff that was only mended a decade later, with the agreement to avoid discussing wrestling.
Jarrett was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2018. At 80 years old, his contributions are being fondly remembered by friends and colleagues.
“Heartbroken to hear of Jerry Jarrett’s passing,” tweeted Dutch Mantell. “A very creative booker and a good friend. My condolences to Jeff and the Jarrett family.” The Honky Tonk Man also expressed sorrow, noting that Jarrett had given him a memorable opportunity in wrestling.
“Rest in peace, Jerry Jarrett. My thoughts are with his family and friends,” said former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Adam Pearce.