On Saturday evening, Brodie Lee’s wife shared on Instagram the tragic news that her husband, real name Jonathan Huber, had passed away aged 41. He had been on hiatus from AEW after receiving treatment for a lung infection at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Once this unfortunate news broke, the wrestling world began mourning, and below are several tributes paid by those lucky enough to have known him.
It’s Saturday. You know what that means… Backstage in Mexico in 2015. Brodie was annoyed that he didn’t have his own merch t-shirt, so one of the brothers got a bunch made in his honor. We all wore them in tribute to the dude, cause everybody loved him. Just a wonderful man!
Chris JerichoYou were my best friend. My brother, my partner, my Terry Gordy. We changed this whole game because we refused to do it any way but OUR way. We were always at our best when we were a team I think we both knew it. We fought like brothers because we were. I’m so goddamn pissed. This isn’t how it was supposed to be, it was supposed to be us fat, bald and useless running Wyatt Family spots in high school gyms in our 70’s. Where do we go now? What do I do knowing I’ll never hear your condescending sarcasm as I am riding high. I miss you so fucking much already. I would do anything just live through our worst moments again I can’t believe you’re gone. I’m so sorry brother. I’m so sorry. You will always be a part of me, whether I like it or not without you everything is different and I hope Amanda truly knows that I am here not just to say it but because I love them too. I will make sure your son knows the incredible man you were. Not the legends people will tell but the real you that very few people got to see. I promise I’ll put him over clean in dark matches when he’s old enough just like I promised. 😉I’m hurting so bad. I wish I had a chance to say goodbye. But then again, it’s Saturday and you know what that means…. save me a seat next to you wherever you are, that’s where I belong. I’ll be there when it’s my time. Goodbye forever Brodie. I love you
Windham
Bray WyattI’m devastated by the loss of Jon Huber, known to fans as Mr. Brodie Lee, formerly Luke Harper. Jon was a great man. His family came first, his loving wife Amanda & their sons Brodie + Nolan. He loved wrestling & was great at it, he loved you fans. Please keep him in your hearts.
Tony KhanI’m so deeply sorry for the loss of Jon Huber. We bonded over the love of our children. He was a true family man.
Stephanie McMahonAmazing talent …. Better human being, husband and father.
Triple HIn utter disbelief hearing of the passing of Brodie Lee. I’m unable to process this. I can’t believe it.
Sami ZaynI hope you all get to know someone like Jon. He was the biggest family man & someone who made me laugh daily. I’ll miss him every day for the rest of my life. I love you, Brodie, and I thank you so much for loving me.
Big EI love and miss you Jon. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my family. We all love you so very much. You were such a great man. It’s been my pleasure and privilege to know and work with you. Your family is our family now. We will watch over them. Rest now friend.
Brandi RhodesI’m shattered over Brodie’s passing. He was full of life with a wife & young children he loved. A devastating reminder of how fragile life is. Rest well, friend. #RIPBrodieLee
Matt HardyJon was one of the best men I have ever met. His dedication to his family, his friends, and his craft were second to none. He was a real human person, the highest possible compliment, and the world is worse off without him. Rest easy, Big Rig. #RIPBrodieLee
ExcaliburWas a true honor every time we locked horns. You were a damn great man, husband and father. This stings. You will be sorely missed Jon. I will always remember out times together. #RIPBrodie #RIPJonHuber
Dustin Rhodes Words do not describe the sadness we all feel today. He was special both in and out of the ring. #RipBrodieLee
Tony SchiavoneLee began his career by backyard wrestling before working independents, most notably CHIKARA, in 2007 and would wrestle for Ring of Honor in 2008 and 2009. These appearances put him on WWE radar, and Vince McMahon’s company would sign him in 2012. He began working for Florida Championship Wrestling, their developmental territory under the name he became famous under, Luke Harper, and become part of the Wyatt family. The group was massively successful between 2012 and 2014, but in a move that shocked many fans, WWE split them by having Bray Wyatt saying he was setting Harper and Rowan free. This lead to Lee winning the Intercontinental Championship, but eventually, his singles push stalled, and WWE reunited the Wyatt family. After failing to recapture their initial run’s magic, Lee would be repackaged as one of The Bludgeon Brothers tag team along with Rowan.
After being unhappy with his push in WWE and lack of creative direction, Lee requested his release from the company in April 2019 but was denied. Adding insult to injury, WWE added six months to his contract due to the time he’d missed due to injury. WWE would go on to release him in December 2019.
Once his non-compete clause expired, he debuted on for AEW on Dynamite as The Exalted One, the Dark Order’s mysterious leader, and challenged AEW World Champion Jon Moxley at Double or Nothing for the title. Despite losing Moxley, he’d continue to be heavily pushed and won the AEW TNT Championship from Cody Rhodes and held the title for 55 days (46 days recognized by AEW). His last-ever match was him dropping the title back to Cody in a violent and highly entertaining Dog Collar match on the October 7th episode of Dynamite.
At this time, our thoughts are with his widow and two young sons Brodie and Nolan. #RIPBrodieLee #RIPJonHuber
