As noted, former WWE Tough Enough winner Matt Cappotelli passed away today at the age of 38 after his second battle with brain cancer. You can read the Facebook announcement from his wife at this link.
Below is WWE’s statement on Cappotelli’s passing along with Twitter & Instagram tributes from around the wrestling world:
Matt Cappotelli passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Matt Cappotelli, a promising Superstar who was a co-winner of WWE Tough Enough III, passed away Friday at age 38.
His death was first announced by his wife, Lindsay Cappotelli, on her Facebook page.
“Today my love-my strong, sweet, beautiful love-took his last breath at 3:30 a.m. and went Home to be with Jesus exactly one year after his brain surgery,” Cappotelli wrote in her post.
Matt Cappotelli, who previously proved his athletic prowess as a member of the Western Michigan University football team, quickly made a name for himself in sports-entertainment as a co-winner of WWE Tough Enough III.
He shared the victory in 2003 with John Hennigan, who later came to be known as John Morrison. After coming out on top of the WWE reality competition, the duo quickly started their training in Ohio Valley Wrestling to become future Superstars.
Cappotelli’s OVW training was cut short in 2006 due to an initial brain cancer diagnosis that was treated one year later. Ten years after surviving the first battle, his cancer resurfaced in 2017 and worsened later in the year.
In 2017, Cappotelli spoke with WWE.com about his second bout with cancer. Despite the troubling outlook, he continued to publicly fight his illness in hopes his story might help others find the strength to keep fighting their battles, too.
“Life is the most precious gift we’re given,” Capotelli said in 2017. “If I can inspire others to not give up on the life they’ve been blessed to have, that’s what I’m trying to spread – hope.”
WWE extends its condolences to Matt Cappotelli’s family, friends and fans.
My first best friend in the wrestling business and to this day one of the best people I’ve ever known Matt Cappotelli has passed on. I’m gutted about this news. Matt inspired everyone around him especially me early in my career. He is loved and will be missed.— John Morrison (@TheRealMorrison) June 29, 2018
#RIPMattCappotelli You showed everyone what it means to never give up and to always stay positive. It was a honor to know you. https://t.co/rHsOgXIsfm— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) June 30, 2018
Crushed to hear about the passing of Matt Cappotelli. He was talented, passionate & possessed a heart of GOLD. Everyone should fight as hard as Matt fought. Condolences to his friends, family & the countless others he touched on his journey. Rest In Peace Capp.— KASSIUS (KASH-US) (@KassiusOhno) June 29, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of Matt Cappotelli. He’s was a great guy who deserved so much more. R.I.P. Brother https://t.co/42mq7ZfoGO— Shelton J. Benjamin (@Sheltyb803) June 29, 2018
RIP #MattCappotelli— Drake Maverick (@WWEMaverick) June 29, 2018
What a wonderful brave man. You fought harder than anyone could ever imagine. Rest peacefully. Condolences to the family x
Very saddened to hear that Matt Cappotelli passed away. I had the privilege of working with and getting to know Matt during my time in OVW. If everyone strived to be even half the human being Matt was the world would be a wonderful wonderful place. #RIP— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) June 29, 2018
Blessed to know Matt Cappotelli— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) June 29, 2018
since his wrestling journey began
He was more Hardcore & Tougher Enough than any person I've ever known
Glad to have reconnected w/him
He never stopped fighting or questioned his faith
Great human being pic.twitter.com/zspqy1AJPz
So saddened to hear we lost Matt Cappotelli! He was truly one of the best guys I’ve ever met in this business.— Chris Masters (@ChrisAdonis) June 30, 2018
RIP Brother https://t.co/NZjBeuD3Ey
Very sad to hear of the passing of Matt Cappotelli. Deepest condolences to Matt‘s wife and family and his fans. RiP.— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) June 29, 2018
#mattcappotelli #Warrior
Damn it damn it damn it. You suck cancer. Augh. Rest In Peace Matt Cappotelli 💔 You are the true definition of a warrior. The strength and dignity with which you fought your battle will forever be admired. God bless you and your family.— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) June 29, 2018
That being said, my heart extends to the family of Matt Cappotelli today. He taught us how to show up with love and hope despite adversity. A warrior. We are blessed to have had his energy light up our world.— Serena (@SerenaDeeb) June 30, 2018
Don’t hold back. Say "I love you" every day. Rise up. Shine your light.
I hate to hear this. Seemed like a really good guy. https://t.co/iH5kGQcn7A— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) June 30, 2018
I'm heart broken with the news of the passing of Matt Cappotelli. He is an inspiring young man that touched so many with his smile, his heart, and his faith. My love and prayers go out to Matts wife Lindsay and the family. #TeamCapp #RIPMAtt pic.twitter.com/GpZlWSfZiJ— Bill DeMott (@BillDeMott) June 29, 2018
One of the most genuine, kind people I’ve met in wrestling and life has passed away. Very sad... RIP Matt Cappotelli.— Jillian Hall (@Jillianhall1) June 29, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Matt Cappotelli and his family. https://t.co/0jLkEKIsDF— Nattie (@NatbyNature) June 30, 2018
I never had the chance to meet Matt Cappotelli but I have heard from many that he was a great person.— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) June 30, 2018
My sincere condolences go out to everyone affected by his passing.
RIP Matt Cappotelli .— Fandango (@WWEFandango) June 30, 2018
Photo: WWE
