Former champion pays respect to recently departed former WWE star Mike Taylor

Former WWE star Mike Taylor has passed away. The former developmental wrestler was just 47 when the news of his sudden demise during nighttime engulfed the pro wrestling world. Now, a former champion has paid his respects/

Matt Cardona, a former Intercontinental and United States Champion, fought in WWE with the ring name Zack Ryder. He has also captured the RAW Tag Team Championship twice. Notably, he was a friend of Mike Taylor and worked with him in Deep South Wrestling.

Following his friend’s untimely passing, the former champ recalled their time together and paid respect via a message on X/Twitter.

“RIP @Micahtaylor01! When I got signed to WWE in 2006, I had to move to McDonough, GA to go to Deep South Wrestling. Mike was already there. He was the man! He couldn’t have been cooler. He was a leader and I looked up to him. I’ll miss him! Try to find some High Impact matches on the internet… him and his partner Tony Santorelli were awesome!" he wrote.

Apart from Deep South Wrestling, Taylor was also part of WWE’s Ohio Valley Wrestling. After being released from the company in 2007, Mike Taylor became known as Micah Taylor. The Hawaii native also had the name Sandy Beach when he wrestled in his home state and toured Japan.

A constant presence in the independent circuits of southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, Taylor’s demise has hit everyone hard. Like Matt Cardona, several other friends of the departed wrestlers are also paying their respects to Taylor.

The Sportskeeda community extends heartfelt condolences to Mike's loved ones during this difficult time.