Former TNA wrestler John 'Bad Bones' Klinger passes away at 40

Independent wrestler John 'Bad Bones' Klinger, who was known for his work in Total Nonstop Action and Westside Xtreme Wrestling, among other promotions, passed away earlier today. This unfortunate incident occurred a few days after his 40th birthday. Fellow German wrestler Erkan Sulcani shared the news on Facebook.

Bad Bones has worked with some of the best in the business, from Cody Rhodes to Samoa Joe, Nick Aldis, and Christopher Daniels. His in-ring persona was heavily influenced by late WWE Hall of Famer 'Macho Man' Randy Savage.

You can read a translation of Erkan Sulcani's Facebook post, originally written in German, below:

"Today, 20.05.2024, my BLOOD BROTHER John Klinger, a few days after his 40th birthday has gone unexpectedly. It doesn't feel real writing these words. John 'Bad Bones' Klinger was already a star when I took my first steps in the wrestling business. He was one of my first role models. Over the years he became a coach, a friend and a brother. In the ring we been blood brothers for years, behind the scenes we became real brothers. And I looked up to my big brother John until the last, and I will, until the day I die. For me, you were ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD. Yesterday we loudly and funly celebrated the beginning of a new phase of life for you. We thought we had plenty of time left with each other. Instead, this party turned into a farewell party," he wrote.

Bad Bones is friends with many wrestlers from the WWE roster. He was signed to WXW when Gunther wrestled for the promotion. Although he was an independent wrestler for most of his life, he made sporadic appearances for TNA between 2011 and 2017.

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We at Sportskeeda Wrestling send our deepest condolences to John 'Bad Bones' Klinger's loved ones. Rest in Peace.