Don West Has Passed Away At Age 59
Don West has passed away at the age of 59 years old, as announced by his TNA Wrestling broadcast partner, Mike Tenay.
It was announced by Mike Tenay on Twitter that Don West passed away due to brain lymphoma cancer. He had been fighting with cancer for the last two years.
Tenay wrote this touching tribute to his late friend:
“Just heard from wife Terri that our brother @DonWestDeals will be spending New Years in heaven. Terri said D-Dub finally had to tap out from his match with lymphoma. We bonded as soon as we met, both as broadcast partners and friends. Years of great moments both on and off camera.”
https://twitter.com/realmiketenay/status/1608890721138012166
Wrestling fans are very familiar with Don West because he was one of the original TNA Wrestling announcers along with Mike Tenay when the company was formed by Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry in the summer of 2002.
Even though West didn’t come from a pro wrestling background like some renowned announcers like Jerry Lawler, Bobby Heenan or Jesse Ventura, he fit in perfectly because of his boundless enthusiasm and passion for the business. When Don West was on commentary, you just knew that he would be there to bring excitement to the broadcast.
West was TNA’s main color analyst from 2002 until the summer of 2009 when the company hired Taz and put him in the commentary position. West remained a part of TNA Wrestling for several more years.
Prior to his work with TNA Wrestling, Don was part of the Shop at Home network because he had the gift of being able to sell products. Fans that went to TNA Wrestling events while he worked there likely saw and/or heard him selling merchandise a lot because he was so great at it. They even did a parody of him on Saturday Night Live as well.
Prior to TNA, Don West was renowned for his work on the Shop at Home network that led to Will Ferrell basing a character around West on SNLhttps://t.co/V9Lqt8vdqq
— John Pollock (@iamjohnpollock) December 30, 2022
Don West also worked in radio throughout his career. West is survived by his wife Terri, who he has been married to for 30 years.
Everybody at TJRWrestling sends our condolences to the family, friends and fans of the late, great Don West.
Saddened to learn about the passing of Don West. Had great experiences every time I interacted with him. Don was one of the good guys, who was overflowing with passion & enthusiasm. My condolences go out to his family.
Love this clip of Don expressing his passion for the biz. pic.twitter.com/m8XGZbGDnS
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) December 30, 2022
IMPACT Wrestling is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Don West, one of the defining voices of our 20 year history. Don's enthusiasm and passion elevated every second he called and uplifted the spirits of everybody he crossed paths with. He will be dearly missed. #RIPDonWestpic.twitter.com/gy2s4vQDUj
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) December 30, 2022