In a shocking announcement on Saturday night, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) announced that Jon Huber – better known to AEW and US indie fans as Brodie Lee, or as Luke Harper in the WWE – had sadly passed away. Huber had just turned 41 last week. According to his wife’s Instagram, Huber passed away from a “non Covid related lung issue”.
#RipBrodieLee pic.twitter.com/wBdvPO5F9Y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 27, 2020
Jon Huber began his pro wrestling career in 2003, originally starting out as a backyard wrestler before becoming Brodie Lee on the US indies with NWA Upstate in his hometown of Rochester, New York in 2004. By 2007, he had become a prominent prospect in the US indies, and made his debuts with the likes of CHIKARA and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW). The following year, in 2008, he joined Ring of Honor, where he became part of the stable Age of the Fall, which featured Jimmy Jacobs, Tyler Black (future WWE Superstar Seth Rollins), and others. In 2010, he made his debut with EVOLVE Wrestling as well as his Japanese debut, where he joined Dragon Gate as part of the Blood WARRIORS group that also included CIMA, Ricochet, Uhaa Nation (Apollo Crews), BxB Hulk, Akira Tozawa, and others.
In 2012, he signed with WWE, initially reporting to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) and then NXT, where he was rebranded as Luke Harper. He joined Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan in the new Wyatt Family stable, capturing the NXT Tag Team Championship with Rowan in 2013. That July, the Wyatt Family made their main roster debut, attacking Kane in July, and would go on to become one of the WWE’s most popular stables, with high profile feuds against The Shield throughout their early years. In 2014, Harper became the first of the stable to strike singles gold, when he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship and won the SmackDown Tag Team titles in 2016 alongside Wyatt and brief member Randy Orton. Following the family’s demise, he would capture the SmackDown tag titles once again, reunited with Erick Rowan as The Bludgeon Brothers. Following multiple stops and starts, Harper was eventually released from the WWE in December of 2019.
In March of 2020, he made his debut with AEW, returned to the name of Brodie Lee, where he was revealed as the leader of the mysterious cult-stable Dark Order. He instantly became one of the company’s top stars, defeating Cody Rhodes for the AEW TNT Championship in August. His last appearance for AEW was his TNT title loss to Cody Rhodes on October 7, 2020.
This was my Bday, which I share with Doc. Brodie & Miro photobombed us & we all shared a great laugh.
I’m shattered over Brodie’s passing. He was full of life with a wife & young children he loved. A devastating reminder of how fragile life is. Rest well, friend.#RIPBrodieLee pic.twitter.com/3p5BH18YIr
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/callmekrisstat/status/1343009253297164289
This is beyond terrible.
Heartbreaking.
The time I spend with Brodie, he was always such an absolutely amazing person.
Love, prayers, and positive vibes to his family.
I’m so sorry for you loss.#RIPBrodieLee https://t.co/HMbsUpk1MT
— Death Machine (@TheSamiCallihan) December 27, 2020
#RipBrodieLee one of the hardest news to hear. I will keep your family in my prayers. You were an exceptional human being😭 https://t.co/3WQDG7OAqh
— Thunder Rosa (@thunderrosa22) December 27, 2020
Last Word on Pro Wrestling sends its condolences to Jon Huber’s family, friends, and fans during this time.
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