The wrestling community is in mourning following the passing of Jeremy Laymon, known to fans as Jax Dane, a two-time NWA National Heavyweight Champion and former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion. Dane died on December 25, 2024, at the age of 48 due to complications from a heart attack suffered in late November.
Dane made his wrestling debut in 2012 with NWA Houston, teaming with Raymond Rowe (now Erik of WWE’s War Raiders) as part of The Path of Resistance. His career quickly gained momentum, leading to appearances in NJPW, where he shared the ring with stars like KUSHIDA, Shelton Benjamin, and the duo of Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.
In 2015, Dane reached the pinnacle of the NWA, simultaneously holding the NWA National Heavyweight Championship and the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. His Worlds Heavyweight Title reign, which lasted an impressive 419 days, saw him defeat legendary talent Hiroyoshi Tenzan to claim the gold, marking one of the longest reigns in modern NWA history.
Dane’s career included stints in high-profile promotions such as Ring of Honor, IMPACT Wrestling (as Wilcox), and Ohio Valley Wrestling. Returning to the NWA in 2020, Dane captured the NWA National Heavyweight Championship twice more and remained active in the ring, most recently appearing on the October 26, 2024, episode of NWA Powerrr.
Reflecting on his tag team partnership with Dane, NWA veteran Tim Storm shared:
“Very few people have been as influential to my wrestling career as Jax. He was completely unselfish. That is no more evident than in our current tag team. He put me squarely on his shoulders and made it happen.”
Dane’s contributions to the wrestling industry will be remembered as both impactful and enduring. The National Wrestling Alliance and fans worldwide bid farewell to a true champion.