The wrestling community is mourning the loss of former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeremy "Jax Dane" Laymon, who tragically passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 48. According to reports from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Dane died from complications stemming from a heart attack he suffered weeks earlier, highlighting the suddenness of his passing during the holiday season.
Born on March 10, 1976, Laymon carved his niche within the professional wrestling world, achieving great acclaim and fostering relationships throughout his career. Jax Dane is remembered not only as one of the most celebrated wrestlers during the NWA’s Lightning One era but also as someone who dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the sport. With championship reigns, including his notable tenure as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, which lasted 419 days from August 29, 2015, to October 21, 2016, Dane left behind an inspiring legacy.
NWA President William Patrick Corgan expressed deep sadness at Dane’s passing, stating, "Jax Dane loved professional wrestling deeply and he certainly loved those he fought and rode with. I know I speak for all of the National Wrestling Alliance when saying Jax will be missed. We will do our best to honor him and make his family proud as we carry forth." Corgan's words echoed the sentiment felt across the wrestling world, as many recognized Dane not only for his talent but for his immense character and dedication to his peers.
The news of his passing quickly spread across social media, where many fans and wrestlers alike took the time to pay tribute. Among them, Dane’s stepson, Nicolas Villavicencio, shared heartfelt reflections on Facebook, writing, "Fly high pops, thank you for being there every step of the way and teaching me to be the best man I could be. You will forever be a part of my life and I will take care of my mom for ya, we will meet again." This touching tribute underscored the personal impact Dane had not only within wrestling but within his family.
Dane’s wrestling career began after he transitioned from basketball—a sport he pursued vigorously at Soddy Daisy High School and Martin Methodist College where he earned his Business Administration degree. Initially working as an account executive, it was his love for wrestling, born from the era of the Monday Night Wars, which led him to train under Dr. Tom Prichard, Nick Dinsmore, and Rip Rogers at Ohio Valley Wrestling, marking his debut as a professional wrestler in 2009.
His tenure with the NWA is particularly notable due to the significant role he played as the last champion of the old regime before the company underwent changing ownership. Dane successfully defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan at World War Gold for the title, before eventually losing it to Tim Storm. That moment marked a pivotal shift for the NWA as Billy Corgan’s Lightning One Inc. took over the promotion, which saw Dane continuing to thrive under the new hierarchy.
Besides his time with NWA, fans may recognize him from his period with Impact Wrestling, where he performed under the ring name Wilcox as part of the Veterans of War team alongside fellow wrestler Mayweather. Though his military character was due to honor family service, Dane found it challenging to portray someone he hadn’t personally been, stating, "I never did get comfortable being billed as a former soldier. I have too much respect for the military and what goes on." Despite these challenges, he enjoyed his time at Impact Wrestling and left memorable impressions among his colleagues.
Dane’s accolades extended beyond just the World Heavyweight Championship. He was also the NWA National Heavyweight champion twice and held the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship. His contribution to tag team wrestling was equally commendable, having held titles alongside tag team partner Rob Conway as The IronGodz. Across various promotions including Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Dane’s presence was felt by many, and he shared the ring with numerous notable talents.
Friends and fellow wrestlers, including his longtime partner Tim Storm, weighed heavily on the emotional toll of his passing. Storm emotionally reflected on Dane, stating, "Very few people have been as influential to my wrestling career as Jax. He was completely unselfish. That is no more evident than in our current tag team. He put me squarely on his shoulders and made it happen." This sentiment underlines how the loss reverberates through the lives of many who worked closely with him.
Jax Dane leaves behind more than just titles and accolades; he leaves behind memories cherished by his family, friends, and fans who admired him greatly. His dedication to wrestling and the relationships he forged remain everlasting legacies. The wrestling world will not forget Jeremy "Jax Dane" Laymon, who truly made his mark both inside and outside the squared circle.
