Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Ring of Honor ring announcer Bobby Cruise wrote the following remembrance of Shannon "Daffney" Spruill. PWInsider.com is reprinting with Cruise's permission.
If you heard me on during the first hour of SiriusXM “Busted Open on Friday, you know I’m not having the easiest time with all of this. It has taken me this long to write this but I want to do it because I want anyone reading this to know how much Shannon meant to me, just like I know she did to many others. If you had Shannon as a friend in your life, you were very fortunate. If, like me, you had Shannon in your life as a close friend & confidant, you were blessed.
Shannon was someone that I had a “crush” on from afar, from just watching her on TV during the WCW days. Later, she came to hang out at an ROH event in Houston and someone got word to her about the schoolboy type crush I had. We talked a little & we exchanged numbers that day to stay in contact. Over time, we became closer friends. One day, ROH was holding an event near her and my daughter Sara was with me so we met up with Shannon that day for lunch. I think that’s when our friendship became closer. We’d talk often which she knew wasn’t my thing as I don’t like talking on the phone but when she called, I’d talk for 90 minutes sometimes. We’d rarely talk about wrestling, much more about life. She had her struggles with health both physical & mental, but she always had the attitude she would get through it all and I never doubted that she would. Shannon had a legit heart of gold, even after being dealt bad luck numerous times.
Over the years, we’d meet up when possible. A few years ago, at an ROH event in New Orleans, we were having the final of the women’s tournament. ROH creative had wanted the other tournament competitors to be surrounding the ring for the match. Knowing Shannon was already going to be in town, I threw out the idea of her also being there since she was a part of the early days of ROH. Creative agreed and that was the one and only time that I got to introduce her. There was another time when ROH was going to be in Atlanta and I told her she should come. She was a little hesitant at first but she came and she was so happy that night. Seeing old friends while meeting new people. The two of us went to grab dinner after, just us. It was a great night.
In July, we had talked about her finally coming up here to visit for a week. I had been after her to do that for quite a while but I think she thought she’d be a bother or something. Ridiculous. She finally promised that as soon as this Fall, she would come hang out for a week and just take it easy. We also would kid with each other that we should just get married someday because at least we knew we could trust each other. I have attached a screenshot of our last text about that from July.
I don’t know what happened. I don’t know why Shannon felt so heartbreakingly alone when she had so many people that loved her. She was feeling good, talking about taking classes and optimistic about the future. Just 4-5 days before she left us, she messaged me a picture of herself, Sara & I and I responded with a Purple Heart which is what I always used with her. Literally, just the other day.
I can’t say I will miss her because that doesn’t do it justice. It’s more than missing her, I don’t know that there is a word that’s fitting. I sit here typing this, knowing I have to with tears in my eyes. She was easily one of my favorite people ever. A crush from 20 years ago that became a casual acquaintance and developed into having one of the closest & most cherished people in my life.
I’m not sure what to do except to keep moving forward day by day because if I didn’t, she’d be pissed. I hope what a lot of people believe about angels is true because they will have just gained an angel with a huge heart and a sense of humor that’s irreplaceable. She’ll be over (wrestling term) up there, big time.
I Love You my screaming angel, I will think of you every day
***
If you are feeling suicidal, please ask for help. In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
***
PWInsider.com would like to make those working in the professional wrestling industry aware of Behind the Scenes, a charity organization specifically launched to help those in the entertainment industry who deal with and live the the pressures of “the show must go on” 24/7 mentality that comes with working in the performing arts genre.
Their mental health initiative page notes:
"Many people have become increasingly concerned about the rising number of suicides and the prevalence of alcohol/substance misuse within the entertainment industry. By its very nature our industry can impact your physical and emotional health due to long hours, pressure to push your body, and high workplace stress. In response, Behind the Scenes and other individuals and organizations have come together to create this initiative."
There are mental health services available for those in both the United States and Canada, including peer to peer chats, suicide prevention resources, mental health first aid training, assistance with finding a therapist and an Anonymous Online Self-Assessment Tool. All of these services are free.
You can find the Behind the Scenes' website at this link.
A special thanks to Ethan Gilson for all his help.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
