Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
PWInsider.com is sad to report that longtime Northeastern independent wrestling referee James Fordside, who worked for EVOLVE, Big Time Wrestling, FTW and many other promotions, passed away this week, several years into his battle with cancer.
In 2020, Fordside was diagnosed was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that impacts the bones and surrounding tissues. Fordside, at the time expecting his first child with his wife, underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his shoulder. A GoFundMe Campaign was launched that a number of major names in the pro wrestling world contributed to, greatly assisting Fordside's family.
The NWA's Bryan Idol, who worked closely with Fordside and was extremely close with him, wrote, "I/ve never seen anyone put up such a fight! He was given a very limited time several years ago, and not only did he outlast his prognosis, he accomplished many of his dreams in the process! A fun one was seeing every MLB stadium in the USA. Another was being a pizza eating champion! However, his most profound and meaningful one was conceiving and being there for the birth of his daughter and helping raise her in her earliest years. Although he had to leave behind his family, James imparted them with a lesson in triumph - that love and heart can carry you far beyond places anyone believes you can possibly go. James was one of the few people in my life who was a true bro, who always had my back and who always took one for the team. I asked ridiculous favors from him in the name of wrestling and he never let me down! I'm glad even though his life was cut short by tragedy, he was able to live out his dreams. As we all know in today's world, there are plenty of others that aren't as lucky! I cant help but smile when i think about some of our inside jokes...the 9 am beer at the karate school, his intelligent trolling, or the fact that he rush counted a 3 count in a huge match of mine because deep down he wanted me win in that moment so badly! I spoke to him recently and expressed all this, so I take comfort in the fact that he knows how much he meant to me."
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
