San Francisco, California – Former WWE star Tony Jones, known as ‘The Shooter’ to wrestling fans, recently passed away at the age of 53. With a career spanning appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment and holding the title of APW Universal Heavyweight Champion, Jones made a lasting impact in the world of professional wrestling. His memorable role alongside partner Mike Modest in the 1999 documentary ‘Beyond the Mat’ showcased his talent and dedication to the sport.
All Pro Wrestling shared a statement announcing Jones’ passing, expressing their deep sadness at the loss of the former champion. While details surrounding his death have not been disclosed, fans and members of the wrestling community mourned his loss and shared memories of his contributions to the industry.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Jones was a standout athlete during his time at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco, excelling in wrestling, football, and running. After graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in broadcasting, he pursued his passion for professional wrestling, training at Roland Alexander’s All Pro Wrestling school and making his debut in 1997.
Jones’ journey in the wrestling world was documented in Barry Blaustein’s film ‘Beyond the Mat’, which followed his WWE try-out alongside Modest in 1998. Despite facing challenges and setbacks in his career, Jones’s determination and talent led to his rankings in the ‘Pro-Wrestling Illustrated’ Top 500 list in 1998 and 2004.
Personal tragedy struck Jones when his daughter Selina passed away in 2000, deeply affecting him. In a heartfelt Facebook post in 2004, he expressed his love for his daughter and how she had shown an interest in pro-wrestling, a passion they shared.
Jones’ legacy in professional wrestling lives on through the memories and impact he left on the wrestling community. As fans and colleagues honor his memory, his contributions to the industry will continue to be celebrated for years to come.