The US indie scene – more specifically the tightknit New York/New Jersey area – was hit with some shattering news on Saturday, when it was revealed that Matt Travis, a rising star with House of Glory (HOG) who had also made a name for himself in appearances for Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) and Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), had passed away. Travis was the victim of a hit and run accident and died due to the injuries. He was only 25 years old.
R.I.P. Matt Travis
A passionate, rising star with a big heart and a world of potential
You will be missed 🙏 pic.twitter.com/LT5fhpugVP
— GameChangerWrestling (@GCWrestling_) November 10, 2019
Matt Travis had only been in the business for a few years, but he knew it was destined to be his calling. “Wrestling is my lifeline,” he told VICE Magazine this past January. “Every night I come home and hear how someone got shot… like, what if I’m next? But with wrestling, I feel like, finally, I have a shot.”
A student at House of Glory, he was also an early star with CZW Dojo Wars starting in 2016. He would work for CZW Dojo Wars from 2016 through 2017, before making his main CZW debut at Night of Infamy in November of 2018.
Throughout his HOG career, he had a strong connection to another emerging talent in Ken Broadway. The two young stars were involved frequently, sometimes as rivals and sometimes as tag team partners. At CZW Tournament of Death 18 this year, the two teamed up for the last time, in a loss for the CZW World Tag Team titles against The REP (Nate Carter & Dave McCall).
Banks also found himself on the radar of GCW, who began using Banks as far back as The Art of War in 2017, teaming with Broadway to face GCW Tag Team Champions Private Party (who have since become stars with AEW). He appeared on multiple GCW events over the years, including a fantastic match against Jimmy Lloyd at GCW’s Tribute to Homicide this past July.
Travis Banks was just hitting his peak and his intensity and passion for the business made him a star everywhere he wrestled. His future was looking brighter than ever. He last wrestled for House of Glory at High Intensity 8 this past August, where he failed to defeat Mantequila for the HOG Crown Jewel title.
Last Word on Pro Wrestling sends our collective condolences to the family, friends, and peers of Matt Travis during this sad time.
CZW is heartbroken to learn of Matt Travis' tragic passing. He will always be considered part of the Combat Zone family and we send our deepest condolences and love to everyone lucky enough to know him. RIP Matt ❤ pic.twitter.com/a8C5KoRpcG
— CZW: Combat Zone Wrestling (@combatzone) November 10, 2019
Matt Travis was a unique, energetic performer.
His energy & passion made it to where you couldn't help but root for the guy even when you wanted to boo him for being a jerk.
We are fortunate to have spent a small part of the journey with him.
We will miss you Matt. Love you.
— EVERY THURSDAY – $5 – Voorhees NJ – 8:30pm (@CZWDojoWars) November 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/Santana_Proud/status/1193305682591854592
https://twitter.com/AmazingRed1/status/1193301336348999680
The Last Message I got from @MATT___TRAVIS we really lost one of the good ones! I’m happy I was able to work with him and call him a friend. You be missed RIP Matt pic.twitter.com/RNK13J1jmA
— Jimmy LLoyd (@TheJimmyLLoyd) November 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/SilverNumber1/status/1193310921227198465
https://twitter.com/cashflowKB/status/1193343301480529920
I am HURT about Matt Travis. His passion matched my passion for this business. His love matched my love for this.
When we argued, we argued out of love. We believed in each other. We pushed each other.
My condolences to his family. This is a huge lost to the NYC community.
— Faye Jackson (@fayejackson419) November 10, 2019
I just read about the passing of pro wrestler Matt Travis.
I didn’t know Matt but I’ve been reading about him in posts by his friends and colleagues. He seemed like a great guy.
To his fans, friends and family, I want to say I am sorry for your loss.
Take care of one another.
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) November 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/AnthonyGangone/status/1193338523786592257
RIP Matt Travis. Sending my condolences to your family and the NYC Indy community.
— Michin 미친 (@MiaYim) November 10, 2019
I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless. @MATT___TRAVIS was my homie & and outstanding human being. He was going to come to my Coast and work a match with me soon. We always talked about it. This fucking sucks. Love you bro. Always. Rest easy
— LA MOSCA (@EliEverfly) November 10, 2019
Wow.. just heard the horrible news regarding @MATT___TRAVIS. Always a pleasure to be around in the locker room and just a stand up dude.
Rest easy, man. ❤️
— Tony Deppen (@Tony_Deppen) November 10, 2019
I got to work with Matt Travis once in a match. Just a young kid trying to find his way in the wrestling world taken. God bless his family n friends and curse the piece of trash driver that hit him n ran. Demons and karma will be on your back forever you piece of shit.
— Chris Dickinson – クリス・ディキンソン (@DirtyDickinson) November 9, 2019
REST IN POWER MATT TRAVIS. One of the few real ones left in the game today. Nothing but love and respect.
— DG (@GarciaWrestling) November 9, 2019
Just read about the passing of Matt Travis and I’m absolutely crushed.
Every time I ran into Matt he was humble, hungry, and had unlimited potential. On top of all of that he was an amazing dude.
Thoughts and prayers to all of his friends and family. Heartbreaking.
RIP.
— Death Machine (@TheSamiCallihan) November 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/TremontCZW/status/1193370818442596352
I know you were with me tonight. I love you big bro. Our last conversation we had motivated me more then you know. I’ll miss you so much. I love you. RIP @MATT___TRAVIS 💕😔🙏🏽
— KC Navarro (@KCwrestles) November 10, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Matt Travis. To our HOG brothers we are here for you. So sad.
— NYWC (@NYWCWRESTLING) November 10, 2019
I am deeply saddened to hear if the passing of Matt Travis. Matt is someone i spend time with and became more then just a wrestler. He was my friend.and a good worker. I will miss you Matt #ripmatttravis
— DJ HYDE (@DJHyde_1) November 10, 2019
