San Francisco, California – The wrestling world mourns the loss of veteran wrestler “The Shooter” Tony Jones, known for his appearance in the documentary “Beyond the Mat.” Jones passed away at the age of 53, with the cause of death still under investigation. His hometown promotion, All Pro Wrestling, confirmed the sad news.
Born to an African-American father who served in the US military and an Asian mother, Jones grew up in the San Francisco area. His athletic journey began at Archbishop Riordan High School, where he excelled in amateur wrestling, football, and track and field. Continuing his passion for wrestling at San Francisco State University, he graduated with a degree in broadcasting in 1995.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 270 pounds, Jones ventured into professional wrestling by training at Roland Alexander’s All Pro Wrestling school. His debut came in January 1997, propelling him into a career that would see him reach new heights in the industry.
Throughout his wrestling career, Jones made appearances in various promotions, including All Pro Wrestling in California. His talent and dedication earned him recognition in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Top 500 rankings, reaching as high as #222 in 2003.
Jones’s wrestling journey was also chronicled in the documentary “Beyond the Mat,” capturing a pivotal moment in his career as he pursued opportunities in major wrestling organizations. Despite the challenges he faced, Jones remained committed to his passion for wrestling.
In addition to his professional wrestling pursuits, Jones also faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter Selina in 2000. Despite the hardships, Jones continued to wrestle, showcasing his resilience and love for the sport.
Jones’s impact on the wrestling community was evident in the outpouring of tributes from fellow wrestlers and fans. Colleagues like Frankie Kazarian and Mike Bucci remembered Jones as a dedicated and humble individual, highlighting his contributions to the wrestling world.
As the wrestling community mourns the loss of “The Shooter” Tony Jones, his legacy lives on through the memories and moments he shared with fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Funeral arrangements for Jones have yet to be announced as friends, family, and fans honor his memory in the days to come.