Details are still incoming, but the wrestling world was shocked to discover on Thursday evening that former WWE Superstar Ashley Massaro had passed away at the age of 39 years old. While the cause of death had yet to be released, TMZ reported that Massaro “was transported from her home in Suffolk County, NY to a nearby hospital where she died early Thursday morning. Officials would not reveal the cause of death at this point, but we’re told it’s being classified as “non-criminal.”
WWE Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers mourn the tragic passing of Ashley Massaro.https://t.co/tPU0iPYlMP
— WWE (@WWE) May 17, 2019
Ashley Massaro won the 2005 Raw Diva Search and went from swimsuit model to WWE Superstar almost overnight. A week after winning the contest, she debuted on the main roster when she was attacked by Candice Michelle and Torrie Wilson. And thus began a tumultuous four-year career in the WWE that had its share of high points and low points (including allegations of sexual abuse during her days with the company). She left the company in 2008 and soon after left the world of professional wrestling.
Though she would still periodically attend wrestling conventions around the US, earlier this year she declared she was making a return to the ring when she showed she was training with New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC).
Gonna be bumping around the ring starting next week at @NYWCWRESTLING 🤔 😜 super pumped n ready to see what I got left in these ole boots of mine! Those guy are the best super safe and make me feel so comfortable-if u live in tri state area n want to train-THIS IS WHERE ITS AT!
— ☆ Ashley Massaro ☆ (@ashleymassaro11) March 21, 2019
Sadly, her final tweet was her showing the excitement from answering hundreds of fan letters as she prepared for her return on Wednesday evening.
Just answered a ton of fanmail so you guys should be receiving them soon! Love ya punx🤘🏼🖤 pic.twitter.com/U1B1FJEoXK
— ☆ Ashley Massaro ☆ (@ashleymassaro11) May 15, 2019
What seemed like the beginning of a remarkable redemption story has ended with tragedy. Our condolences to the entire Massaro family and all of Ashley’s fans, friends and peers. The wrestling community came out in droves to pay their respects to their fallen sister throughout Thursday night.
Words can not express the sadness of hearing that such an amazing person is no longer with us! We will miss your amazing smile, personality and desire.
#NYWCWrestling #AshelyMassaro pic.twitter.com/WjCoXuMopj— NYWC (@NYWCWRESTLING) May 17, 2019
We are saddened to learn Ashley Massaro has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/Q0JtH8w1Yy
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 17, 2019
I can’t even begin to explain how devastated I am to hear about @ashleymassaro11 – legit one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. When we fall into a dark place it can seem like it will never change but if you are there PLEASE keep hope & reach out for help.
— Torrie Wilson (@Torrie11) May 17, 2019
I have no words. Ashley was my tag partner at Wrestlemania. My sometimes road wife. We did countless photo shoots and press days together. It seems like yesterday Ashley was a major part of my life and then our worlds changed and now she is gone. Im heartbroken for her family. https://t.co/QTcNxN3P0K pic.twitter.com/olaTWKD9JS
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) May 17, 2019
My heart is so sad for the loss of my good friend, @ashleymassaro11 . She will be missed greatly. Rest In Peace 🙏🏻 https://t.co/7CgNOt2smD
— Lisa Marie Varon (@REALLiSAMARiE) May 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1129176956556201984
I am so terribly sad to hear of the passing of Ashley Massaro. She was always so kind to me and supportive. This is an incredible loss. 💔
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) May 17, 2019
RIP Ashley Massaro. My heart goes out to her family.
Be kind to everyone because you don’t know what someone may be going through. 💙🙏🏼— Velvet Sky (@VelVelHoller) May 17, 2019
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ashley Massaro and her family. https://t.co/VybB7WTceO
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) May 17, 2019
Sending thoughts and prayers to Ashley Massaro’s family and friends. The few times I crossed paths with her, she was always beaming and kind. RIP 💜
— Madison Rayne (@MadisonRayne) May 17, 2019
Sad day
This post is horrible@ashleymassaro11 I pray for strength for your family pic.twitter.com/iDHl52G9fK— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) May 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/VickieGuerrero/status/1129190424822857730
https://twitter.com/RealBullJames/status/1129176163509780484
Ashley Massaro ❤️ Thank you for the memories.
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) May 17, 2019
ASHLEY MASSARO GOD BLESS YOU FOREVER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) May 17, 2019
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
