Chris Hero Mourns the Passing of His Beloved Mother

Chris Hero has been part of the AEW family for a while now but he has some unfortunate news to share as he announced that his beloved mother has passed away recently in a lengthy message.

Chris Hero took to Twitter and shared the sad news that his mother has passed away after a short but tough battle with cancer. He noted that his mother Mary Lou Bryant was born in 1948 in Nürnberg, Germany, to a young German woman, Anneliese, and an American serviceman, William. Shortly after she was born, the family moved to the United States, where Mary Lou grew up in Kettering, Ohio. Life wasn’t always easy for her, being half German in America during the 1950s and 60s, but she worked hard and graduated from Fairmont East High School in 1966.

Hero added that his mother always dreamed of being a mom, but it wasn’t easy. After suffering two miscarriages, she decided to try one last time with her husband, Larry Spradlin. Chris was supposed to be born on her birthday, January 30. However, on Christmas Eve, complications arose and he was born early, weighing 6 pounds, 7 ounces. From that moment, Mary Lou dedicated herself to giving her son the best life possible. She made sure he always felt loved and supported, often going out of her way to make him happy.

Chris Hero remembers his childhood as full of fun times with his mom. His mother took him to many wrestling shows, hunted for collectibles with him, and spent hours driving him around while they laughed and listened to music. She was always there for him and cheered him on in everything he did, even when he decided to become a wrestler—a dream she backed 100%.

Hero also thanked everyone who has supported him and his mother recently. He mentioned friends who cared for her dog and helped her with daily needs, as well as his AEW family, who showed him kindness during this very difficult time in his life.

Chris Hero admitted that he feels both sadness and gratitude. He’s heartbroken that he can’t ask his mom questions or make new memories with her, but he is thankful for the extra time they had together recently and that she is no longer in pain. Most of all, he remains grateful that she always let him know how much she loved and was proud of him.

“After a short and intense bout with cancer, my Mother passed away earlier this week. Mary Lou Bryant, Shawen, or Spradlin, depending on when or how you knew her, was born in Nürnberg, Germany in 1948 to a 17-year-old fräulein named Anneliese and her United States serviceman boyfriend William. Shortly thereafter, my Grandparents made the move to the United States and my Mom grew up in Kettering, Ohio. Being half German and growing up in the US in the 50’s & 60’s, as you can imagine, was a challenge.

After graduating from Fairmont East in 1966, my Mom would go on to work at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and later the Mead Corporation. My Mom wanted a child more than anything but it was easier said than done. She miscarried twice and that was crushing for her. In spite of that, she decided to try a third and final time with my father, Larry Spradlin. I was due on my Mom’s Birthday (January 30) so just imagine how terrified she was as she awoke on Christmas Eve, blood everywhere, unable to feel me even budge. A few hours later at Miami Valley Hospital William Christopher Spradlin was born. My Mom would always mention how her newborn baby boy, one month premature, 6 lbs. 7oz., made it out of the hospital before she did. She decided then & there to do her very best to give me a better life than she’d had. She would try her damndest to give me anything I ever wanted. I was an only child born on Christmas Eve and my Mom was determined to spoil me.

Memories from my childhood are jam packed with adventures with my Mom. We always had so much fun together. Anything I became interested in, she took an interest in. Comic Books. Sports Cards. Video Games. Basketball (more specifically Duke Basketball). And yes, of course, Pro Wrestling. My Mom took me to so many shows at Hara Arena (and later the Nutter Center) that I lost count. I remember trips to Wilkie’s and Waldenbooks to find wrestling magazines. I remember journeys to Children’s Palace and Toys R Us to look for LJNS & Hasbros.

I remember Traders World, countless other flea markets and garage sales where we would scour through bins for back issues & miscellaneous toys. It wasn’t just about taking me places & buying me stuff though. My Mom & I just spent so much time together driving here & there laughing & listening to music. We always had SO much fun. Mom always encouraged me and when I decided to try to become a wrestler myself, no matter how outlandish of an idea it was, she supported me 110%. She loved me and ALWAYS let me know how proud she was of me (whether I deserved it or not). My biggest fan and most devoted hype man, Mom took great pleasure in embarrassing me publicly wherever we went. I would cringe and daydream about disappearing inside of my own skin with each brag & boast but I knew it only came from a place of pride, love and admiration.

Christiane who’ve opened up their home to me SO many times in the last few years when I’ve had to zoom back to Dayton with little to no notice (not to mention adopting and rejuvenating Mom’s senior chihuahua Ms. Chula Diaz). My Mom’s tenant Lonnie who made sure she had her prescriptions & groceries when she couldn’t get them herself. My boss TK along with my friends and co-workers at AEW for their support, care and understanding. My loves Rachael, Susan, Diana and Geno- our little family has kept me safe and sane throughout maybe the most difficult time of my life. I’ve closed myself off from some friends as of late. Please don’t take it personally. I’ve just been processing it all. I love & appreciate you all.

I’m sad because I can’t ask my Mom any more questions. I’m sad that she and I can’t make any new memories. And, of course, I’m sad that there are certain regrets now that I’ll always have. I’m happy because I was able to spend some extra time with her these last few months. I’m happy that her suffering has come to a close. I’m happy that she always made sure to let me know that she loved me and was proud of me.
Mom. I’m really going to miss you. You gave me more love and support than I could handle. I’ll do my best to share that love and support with others. Thank you for everything. I love you.”

This is a undoubtedly heartbreaking time for Chris Hero and his family, and our thoughts are with them. Losing a loved one is never easy, and we extend our deepest condolences to Chris Hero and his loved ones. Fans around the world stand in solidarity with him, sending love, support, and strength during this challenging time.

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