SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The wrestling community mourns the loss of former WWE star Tony Jones, known as ‘The Shooter,’ who passed away at the age of 53. Tony, a towering figure at 6ft 5in, had a successful career in the ring, holding the title of APW Universal Heavyweight Champion and making multiple appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment in the late 90s and early 2000s.
His legacy was also immortalized in the 1999 documentary ‘Beyond the Mat’ by filmmaker Barry W Blaustein, where he was featured alongside his tag team partner, Mike Modest. The news of Tony’s passing was confirmed by All Pro Wrestling, expressing their deep sadness and condolences to his family and fans.
Details surrounding Tony’s death have not been disclosed at this time. Fans and colleagues alike took to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to the talented wrestler, highlighting his impact on both the wrestling community and in the lives of those who knew him.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Tony was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in wrestling, football, and track. His passion for the sport led him to pursue a degree in broadcasting at San Francisco State University before diving into professional wrestling training at Roland Alexander’s All Pro Wrestling school.
Throughout his career, Tony’s dedication and hard work earned him a spot in the ‘Pro-Wrestling Illustrated’ Top 500 rankings, climbing the ranks from 1998 to 2004. Tragically, Tony faced personal challenges with the loss of his daughter, Selina, in 2000, a loss that deeply affected him and fueled his love for the sport even more.
Despite the ups and downs, Tony remained a beloved figure in the wrestling world, remembered for his talent, resilience, and passion for the sport. As the wrestling community mourns his passing, his legacy lives on through the memories and stories shared by those who knew and admired him.