Jon Huber, the talented professional wrestler known for acting as Luke Harper for World Wrestling Entertainment, died on Saturday.
He was 41 years old.
His wife Amanda Huber announced the news of his death via Instagram on Saturday night. She said the cause of death was due to “a lung problem unrelated to Covid”.
“My heart is broken,” read the caption. “The world saw him as the incredible [Brodie Lee] but he was my best friend, my husband and the best father you have ever met. No words can express the love I feel or how broken I am now. “
All Elite Wrestling President and CEO Tony Khan tweeted his condolences: “I am 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 beloved wife Amanda and his children Brodie + Nolan. He loved wrestling and he was great at it, he loved the fans. Please keep it in your hearts. “
WWE shared his thoughts on Huber’s death on the company’s website: “Known as Luke Harper and Brodie Lee in the ring, Huber found success at all stages of his sports entertainment career, as his soft speech, but his imposing presence helped to create countless admiration -Inspiring moments in the ring. After a highly decorated race on the independent circuit, Harper debuted on the NXT as a threatening performer for the Wyatt Family. Harper had a dominant team with Rowan that would lay the foundation for success in the future championship. “
Huber executed as Luke Harper, part of the Wyatt family who flanked and protected his leader Bray Wyatt, received praise from the wrestling world and his fans. As a supporting character to Wyatt’s drive, Harper’s crazed eyes, huge beard, creepy demeanor and incredible performance in the ring often stole the show. During his time in the WWE, he was Intercontinental Champion and SmackDown Tag Team Champion.
WWE launched Huber in December 2019 before joining All Elite Wrestling as Brodie Lee in March 2020. As “The Exalted”, Lee led the Order of Darkness faction and immediately challenged Jon Moxley (Dead Ambrose in WWE) to a championship in “Duplo ou Nada” PPV. He later defeated Cody Rhodes for the AEW TNT Championship before falling back to Rhodes in October.
Born in Rochester, NY, Huber won his tracks on the independent circuit as Brodie Lee, performing in Chikara, Squared Circle Wrestling, Ring of Honor, Dragon Gate USA and Dragon Gate in Japan. He then signed a development contract with Florida Championship Wrestling and NXT before its WWE debut in 2013.
Huber’s wife Amanda and the wrestling world expressed their condolences for his death on Saturday night: