Former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Jax Dane (Jeremy Laymon) passed away on December 25 at the age of 48 due to complications from a heart attack suffered in November.
He wrestled in various promotions like NWA, ROH, TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, and OVW. Dane won the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title in 2015 and held it for an impressive 419 days.
You can read NWA’s statement below:
“The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) is heartbroken to announce the passing of Jeremy ‘Jax Dane’ Laymon.
Born March 10, 1976, Dane left us on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, due to complications from a heart attack suffered in late November. Dane is survived by his wife Evelynda Laymon, stepson Nicolas, and father, who will forever cherish his memory. He was 48 years old.
Jax is remembered not only for his remarkable achievements inside the ring but his unwavering dedication to the sport and his fellow wrestlers. The most decorated wrestler of the Lightning One Era and former NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion, Jax left an indelible mark on the NWA and the pro wrestling community as a whole.
Describing Dane as a ‘friend, mentor, absolute professional in and out of the ring, and loyalist who went out of his way to support and rebuild the NWA of today,’ William Patrick Corgan expressed his sorrow,
‘Jax Dane loved professional wrestling deeply and he certainly loved those he fought and rode with. I know I speak for all of the National Wrestling Alliance when saying Jax will be missed. We will do our best to honor him and make his family proud as we carry forth,’ the NWA’s President and Owner states.
‘There are those men and women who carry the legacy of a champion because they have risen to such heights,’ Corgan continues, ‘And then there are those that earn the respect of a champion simply because of who they are. To this I can say, simply and personally, that Jax was such a man, and will forever be in our hearts.'”
Here’s how the wrestling world reacted:
Adam Pearce: Only the good die young. I don’t have the words, Godzilla. I’m forever grateful for the time we shared. And for the laughs. And the potatoes. And the random convos out of nowhere about life. Rest well, brother. Godspeed, @TheJaxDane.
Hurricane Helms: There’s not much more I can add to this other than @TheJaxDane was my friend and I’m gonna miss him. I’ll be saving those silly a$$ texts messages forever. RIP buddy.
Blue Meanie: Rest In Peace Jax…..way too soon.
Konnan: Great guy, passionate got to work with him in Impact always wanted to learn more. Always in a jovial mood…#RIP
Armando Estrada: Jeremy and I started in OVW over 20 years ago, and he was always nice to be around. I enjoyed working with and against him. My thoughts are with his family.
Angelina Love: So incredibly sad. Jax was always a very kind gentleman and was loved by everyone who knew him. RIP my friend.
Athena: Rip Jax. Was always soo kind. Sending love to all family and friends during this difficult time.
Donovan Dijak: Rest in Peace Dane, it was a pleasure to know and work with you my friend.
Parrow: Jax you were the first person to greet me when I came to NWA 70 with a joke and hug and when wrestling took me on a different path you were one of first to text me. My heart goes out to his wife and son! You will be missed Big man.
Lady Frost: Always a sweetheart during my time working there. Rest well, Jax.
