Earlier today, the professional wrestling world was given the tragic news that Ryan Smile, an independent star from the United Kingdom, passed away. His former tag team partner, Damian Dunne, made the initial announcement, taking to Facebook to do so. As detailed by Dunne, Smile had been struggling with mental health. “This is a truly terrible loss of a larger-than-life character who brightened every room he was in with his passion, energy & humour,” wrote Dunne. “Please respect the privacy of Alice & her family at this time.”
Once the news broke, the wrestling world responded with an outpouring of online memorials and tributes. Wrestlers, staff, and even promotions shared their memories of Ryan Smile. According to many, he was instrumental in helping kickstart or elevate careers. For example, WWE Superstar Mia Yim wrote on Twitter, in regard to Smile, “One of the people to help me and welcome me during my first UK tour.” Other wrestlers shared similar sentiments.
RIP Ryan Smile
So undeniably talented, such a major part of the early days of OTT, such a help to me in the beginning of my career and was a joy to be around. I hope you are at peace now ♥️ pic.twitter.com/jvdMI6P9i2
— Session Moth Martina🍻 マーティナセッション (@mothfromdaflats) October 14, 2020
Born in Birmingham, England, Ryan Smile began his professional wrestling career in 2006. The “All Day Star” first worked for Power Trip Wrestling, briefly wrestling under the name Tucker Starr. From there, Smile took his efforts around his home country. He also found himself working across Europe, including Dublin Championship Wrestling in Ireland. As the years progressed, and Smile gained experience, he became a regular competitor for organizations such as EDW and ATTACK! Pro Wrestling.
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Smile’s first major accomplishment, in wrestling, took place in 2013. In June of this year, he became the first Kamizake Pro Champion, holding the title for an impressive 490 days. He would also go on to hold gold in organizations such as Southside Wrestling Entertainment and Over The Top Wrestling, the latter of which he worked for consistently. Among his greatest accolades, however, was winning the RevPro Undisputed British Cruiserweight Championship. Smile won the title in question in November of 2017. In terms of tag team accomplishments, he held gold in SWE and Ironfist Wrestling alongside Dunne.
Our team is devastated to learn of the loss of Ryan Smile. His talent and contribution set the standard for what British/Irish wrestling was to become.
A tragic loss
RIP pic.twitter.com/QWrcmHEv1c— OTT WRESTLING (@OTT_wrestling) October 14, 2020
Smile was just as influential behind the scenes as he was in the ring. Fans may not know that he did graphic design work for Brittania Wrestling Promotions, drafting their logo. He also did similar work for OTT and TNT Extreme Wrestling. His contributions to wrestling, in various respects, can’t go ignored.
The staff at Last Word on Pro Wrestling wish to offer their condolences to the friends, family, and loved ones of Ryan Smile.
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.
