The world of professional wrestling paused Monday night to remember Jim Shank, a veteran WWE production crew member who passed away last Friday at the age of 60 following a battle with colorectal cancer. The February 9th episode of concluded with an on-screen tribute honoring Shank’s more than 26 years of service to the company.
Shank, who joined WWE in during the height of the Attitude Era, rose to become the company’s Technical Operations Manager. His role was critical to WWE’s modern production, overseeing the operation of remote-controlled and robotic camera systems that have become integral to the televised wrestling experience. Colleagues consistently described Shank as widely respected and deeply appreciated within the organization.
The outpouring of support for Shank extended beyond the WWE broadcast. Last year, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover the costs of an emerging treatment for his cancer, raising over $200,000. Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon personally contributed more than $122,000 to the effort, demonstrating the high regard in which Shank was held even at the highest levels of the company.
Tributes poured in from across the wrestling world following the news of Shank’s passing. Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE’s Chief Content Officer, shared the tribute graphic from on social media, writing that Shank was a “fixture backstage and an incredible teammate” who helped “create the magic” of WWE’s live events.
Adam Pearce, the General Manager of , echoed those sentiments, calling Shank an “unsung hero” and a respected member of the WWE family for years. “I thank you, Jimmy… for your talents, your time, and most importantly, your friendship,” Pearce posted.
The respect for Shank wasn’t limited to those in management positions. Veteran wrestler Rusev (Miro) also shared the tribute graphic, while fellow performer Nattie Neidhart (Natalya) described Shank as someone who was “always thinking of others, always showing up for everyone else.” She added that his memory would “stay in our hearts.”
Current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk also acknowledged Shank’s passing, sharing the “RIP” graphic on his Instagram story with the message, “Rest easy my friend,” accompanied by a saluting emoji.
Shank recently celebrated his 60th birthday in , just a month before his death. His passing marks a significant loss for the WWE production team and the wider wrestling community. He is remembered not only for his technical expertise but also for his dedication, kindness, and the positive impact he had on those around him. His contributions, though often behind the scenes, were essential to delivering the spectacle that WWE fans have come to expect.
The tribute on served as a final acknowledgment of Shank’s lasting contributions and the many lives he touched during his decades with the company. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within WWE for years to come.
