Famed German Independent Wrestler John “Bad Bones” Klinger Passes Away At 40
Well-known German wrestler John “Bad Bones” Klinger passed away in Bremen, Germany on Monday, May 20, just 6 days after he turned 40.
“We say goodbye to “Bad Bones” John Klinger,” Westside Xtreme Wrestling (WxW) wrote on X.
“John Klinger was one of the defining wrestlers at wXw for over a decade. He won all of the major titles at wXw and won both 16 Carat Gold and Shortcut to the Top,” said a representative from the professional wrestling championship organization.
The spokesperson concluded, “In his almost 450 matches in the wXw ring, he always worked hard and did his best to excite his fans. At just 40 years old, John died far too early, shortly before his planned retirement. We wish his family and friends strength in this difficult time.”
The international grappler’s career spanned two decades. As a professional wrestler, Klinger participated in various independent promotions across the world, including events in England, Europe, and the US.
He is best known for his work at WxW where he bagged multiple titles in Independent Circuits, including World Wrestling Champion (3 times), World Tag Team Champion (2 times), and Shotgun Champion (2 times).
The wrestler is also known for three stints in Total Nonstop Action (TNA) between 2011 and 2017.
The news of the legendary star’s demise has left the wrestling community in mourning., especially since he planned on retiring in September. The former TNA star, self-proclaimed as the “Best in Europe,” also defeated ex-WWE superstar Flash Morgan at PWT’s Blast From the Past event on May 11.
That was just 9 days ago!
Morgan reacted to the respected veteran’s untimely passing on X. “I only wrestled him 9 days ago. Was talking to him in Poland after the match about how he was gonna retire in September and was happy with what he’d achieved and was happy to step away on his own terms. Life can be so cruel. Rest in peace John,” he wrote.
Other wrestlers expressed their condolences on social media.
Corey Graves, a play-by-play commentator on WWE Smackdown, paid tribute by penning, “Man, I just heard the news about John ‘Bad Bones’ Klinger. What a gem of a human. I had so much fun wrestling/traveling with John back in our NWE days in Europe. My condolences to all of his friends and family.”
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis also shared a note on X, mentioning Klinger’s disposition. “RIP John Klinger. So many times I arrived tired and weary in a foreign land, and Bad Bones was a friendly face that I was relieved to see; whatever weird wacky adventure awaits, we’re here together. That’s a unique bond that only brothers and sisters in our wrestling fraternity understand. A great guy, gone too soon. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. RIP Brother,” he posted.
TNA legend Daniels relayed his sympathies with, “Rest in Peace ‘Bad Bones’ John Klinger. I’m glad we got the chance to share the ring, good sir. My sincere condolences to his family.”
Klinger’s cause of death is unknown.
The pro-wrestling superstar is survived by his wife, Svenja. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in May 2023.
