John Klinger dead at 40: Former TNA star dubbed ‘Bad Bones’ dies suddenly as tributes pour in

PRO WRESTLING star John ‘Bad Bones’ Klinger has died at the age of 40 leaving the sport in mourning.

Bad Bones made a name for himself wrestling around the world for various independent promotions ranging from the United States to Europe and Japan since 2004.

John ‘Bad Bones’ Klinger has suddenly died at the age of 40Alamy

Bad Bones made a name for himself wrestling around the worldGetty

Klinger underwent three different stints with TNA in 2011, 2014 and 2017 and shared the ring with the likes of Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe.

The German grappler’s death was announced on Twitter by wrestling promotion wXw, which is based in his homeland and revealed he was planning to retire soon.

The announcement read: “We say goodbye to “Bad Bones” John Klinger. John Klinger was one of the defining wrestlers at wXw for over a decade.

“He won all of the major titles at wXw and won both 16 Carat Gold and Shortcut to the Top. In his almost 450 matches in the wXw ring, he always worked hard and did his best to excite his fans.

“At just 40 years old, John died far too early, shortly before his planned retirement. We wish his family and friends strength in this difficult time.”

Bad Bones’ last match took place only nine days ago as he beat ex-WWE superstar Flash Morgan Webster at PWT’s Total Blast From The Past event.

Webster echoed Klinger’s retirement plans as the Welsh wrestler revealed he told him he wanted to hang up his boots by September.

The ex-NXT UK star tweeted: “I only wrestled him 9 days ago.

“Was talking to him in Poland after the match about how he was gonna retire in September and was happy with what he’d achieved and was happy to step away on his own terms. Life can be so cruel. Rest in peace John.”

A number of other wrestlers took to social media to pay tribute to the popular athlete.

WWE leading commentator Corey Graves reminisced on their time wrestling together in Europe.

Graves posted: “Man, I just heard the news about John “Bad Bones” Klinger. What a gem of a human.

“I had so much fun wrestling/traveling with John back in our NWE days in Europe. My condolences to all of his friends and family. Rest well, my friend.”

TNA legend Daniels wrote: “Rest in Peace “Bad Bones” John Klinger. I’m glad we got the chance to share the ring, good sir. My sincere condolences to his family.”

And AEW superstar Will Ospreay said: “RIP “Bad Bones” John Klinger Always a pleasure.”