Professional wrestler Joe Doering, known for his success in All Japan Pro Wrestling, has died at 44 after a decade-long battle with brain cancer. Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling said he passed peacefully at 9:13am on Friday, surrounded by his family.
Joe Doering spent the better part of his adult life inside arenas, trading in impact and adrenaline—then spent the last decade fighting for time on the outside.
The professional wrestler. who competed on circuits in the United States and Canada. died at the age of 44 after a long battle with brain cancer. His passing was announced by Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling on Friday morning. with a statement that said he “passed away peacefully. surrounded by his family” at 9:13am.
“Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years. Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them. ” the message continued. “Joe is survived by his beloved wife. Lindsay. his family. and leaves behind countless friends and devoted fans around the world who will forever remember his strength. courage. and spirit. Rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten.”.
Born in 1982, Doering was trained in Windsor, Ontario and made his debut in 2004. He later broke through on the independent scene in Canada and the United States before earning what would become defining moments in Japan. In 2007, he secured his first major break with All Japan Pro Wrestling.
During his time in AJPW, Doering won the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice. He also captured the World Tag Team Championship four times. In a career that moved beyond Japan at key points. he competed in Impact/TNA. where he won the Impact tag team championship twice. He also had a brief stint in Florida Championship Wrestling. the developmental territory for WWE. before being cut less than a year after signing.
The end of his wrestling run came through a series of medical blows that gradually tightened around him. In February 2016, Doering was diagnosed with the first of three brain tumors. After surgery to remove the tumor, he missed a year of competition. He returned in 2017, splitting time between TNA and AJPW, until a second tumor was discovered in 2022.
That second tumor ended his career in practical terms. After another surgery, Doering developed ataxia—a neurological condition marked by a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. The impact on his mobility ruled out any further athletic pursuits. A third tumor was discovered last November, and it ultimately led to his passing.
For fans who came to remember Doering for the big moments in AJPW. the timing of his death lands with a particular weight: championships. travel. and momentum on one side of the timeline. and a decade-long illness that steadily narrowed his options on the other. Now the focus shifts to the people left behind—his wife. Lindsay. his family. and the wide circle of supporters who will carry his legacy forward.
Joe Doering Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling wrestling death brain cancer ataxia All Japan Pro Wrestling Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship World Tag Team Championship Impact TNA Impact tag team championship Florida Championship Wrestling