Tracey Smothers has passed away at the age of 58 following a year-long battle with lymphoma.
Though never a household name, old-school wrestling fans will almost certainly have heard of the veteran grappler, who competed in every major promotion at one point or another over the course of his 30-year career. He was arguably best known for his time in ECW as a member of the FBI (Full Blooded Italians) stable.
WWE marked Smother's passing with the following statement.
WWE is saddened to learn that Tracy Smothers passed away today at the age of 58. A native of Springfield, Tennessee, Smothers teamed with Steve Armstrong, as his career began in Florida Championship Wrestling. The duo competed in WCW as The Southern Boys and The Young Pistols and were engaged in a long rivalry with The Fabulous Freebirds tandem of Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin.
After another stint on the independent wrestling circuit, Smothers began wrestling in WWE as Freddie Joe Floyd. Smothers shared the ring with icons such as Triple H and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin during his time with WWE. Later, the wrestling veteran had a memorable run with ECW.
Smothers was a very well liked and respected figure in the pro-wrestling community, and tributes have been pouring in since the sad news of his death broke earlier today.
Our deepest condolences to Tracey's friends and family. We know he's doing that silly FBI dance in a better place right now.