Jeff Gaylord Passes Away At Age 64

2023 has not been a good year for pro wrestling fans, as we have sadly lost a few legends and pro wrestling veterans already. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of former wrestler Jeff Gaylord, who passed away at the age of 64.

The news was announced by his brother Joel Gaylord who shared that Jeff had passed away after a brief illness.

“I am very very sad to report that my brother, Jeffrey Scott Gaylord passed away after a short illness. He was 64. He was a member of a Shawnee Mission South State Champion Football team. He graduated on to professional football where he played for several years. Jeff matriculated to the entertainment industry and was a professional wrestler for many years. Recently he was doing outreach work for his church and provided warm clothes to folks living off the grid on the streets of Denver. We miss him dearly; however, we are content with the knowledge that Jeff is enjoying the Precious Gift of Eternal Life!”

Jeff Gaylord was a former member of the Shawnee Mission South State Champion Football team and went on to play professional football for several years. However, after a serious knee injury ended his football career, Jeff transitioned to the entertainment industry and began his professional wrestling career in 1985.

Jeff Gaylord first made a name for himself in Bill Watts’ Universal Wrestling Federation promotion, where he spent four years before moving on to World Class Championship Wrestling in 1989. While in WCCW, Jeff took on the persona of the Missouri Tiger, paying homage to his college football days. He later found success in the United States Wrestling Association, winning the USWA Tag Titles on two occasions with Jeff Jarrett.

Despite retiring from wrestling, Jeff Gaylord remained active in his community and was involved in outreach work for his church, providing warm clothes to those in need in Denver who were living off the grid.

Gaylord’s passing has left a void in the wrestling community and his brother Joel shared that while they miss him dearly, they are comforted in knowing that Jeff is now enjoying the precious gift of eternal life. Jeff’s legacy as a talented wrestler and a caring member of his community will not be forgotten.