IMPACT Wrestling star Joe Doering has revealed he is battling brain cancer for a second time.
The 40-year-old wrestler – who was first diagnosed with the disease in 2016 and returned to in-ring action the following year after treatment – has confirmed he is once again fighting the illness.
He said in a statement: ‘They told me in 2016 that I would never wrestle again, and I proved them wrong. Guess I’m going to have to do it again.
‘I try to not get too sad or emotional about it. Staying positive really helped me the first time, and that’s what I’ll do again.’
Doering is stepping away from wrestling to focus on his health, having told IMPACT management that his cancer had returned while he was at last weekend’s TV taping at The Factory in Dallas, Texas.
He added: ‘Please keep me in your thoughts and spirits. I hope to get back in the ring again very soon. To the IMPACT Wrestling locker room: you are family to me and I look forward to seeing you again very, very soon.’
In 2016, the two-time IMPACT Wrestling World Tag Team Champion underwent successful treatment including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
At the time, he was told by his doctors that despite his remarkable recovery, the disease could return and he should still ‘remain vigilant’.
Scott D’Amore – IMPACT Wrestling Executive Vice President – commented: ‘I know our fans and the wider wrestling community will join everyone at IMPACT in keeping Joe and his wife Lindsay in their thoughts and prayers.
‘Joe loves pro wrestling and we all look forward to him returning to action when he’s ready.’
Fans and fellow wrestlers have paid tribute to Doering following the heartbreaking news, including Davey Richards, who described him as a ‘true warrior’.
And IMPACT’s Sami Callihan tweeted: ‘On a real note. @bigjoedoering is one of my favorite people in the business. A true locker room leader and an amazing person. All the positive vibes his way.’
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