Bodyslam is saddened to report the passing of IMPACT Wrestling co-founder and internet wrestling news pioneer Bob Ryder.
Ryder is the former editor of 1wrestling.com, and spent time doing online radio work for WCW, becoming friends with Eric Bischoff. After WCW was purchased and neither he or Jeff Jarrett were hired by the WWE, the two went on to create the then NWA-TNA. Ryder is credited with coming up with the weekly PPV model with Jarrett and continued to remain with the company even after Dixie Carter purchased the promotion as their travel coordinator.
Ryder was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, and continued to work locally for the company as his treatment and illness prevented him from traveling with the company.
The Wrestling Observer has reported that police found Ryder in his home today in Nashville. He had told friends and colleagues he suffered a fall at home yesterday but said he was fine. When the calls and texts ceased, the company sent someone to do a wellness check and when no one answered the door, the authorities were called.
Bodyslam extends their condolences to his friends and family at this time.
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