PWInsider first reported the news that former Ring of Honor World champion Xavier died unexpectedly late Saturday or early Sunday (Aug. 15 - 16). ROH confirmed it a short time later.
Ring of Honor is saddened to learn of the passing of former ROH World Champion Xavier (John Bedoya). https://t.co/GOdCjKTZa0
— ROH Wrestling (@ringofhonor) August 17, 2020
ROH extends its deepest condolences to Xavier’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/eNUlbW10yu
Xavier began on the New York City independent scene in the late 1990s, and worked with ROH from the company’s inception. In 2002, he defeated Low Ki to become their second ever champion. His run on top lasted for six months, as he defeated the likes of AJ Styles, Paul London, and Jay Briscoe before losing the belt to Samoa Joe in 2003.
He continued to work with ROH for several years, and was booked for a return match this spring at a “Past vs. Present” show that had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
There’s no word on cause of death. Xavier’s friends and colleagues have been paying tribute to him on social media:
I'm just learning now of the death of Xavier. He was the second ever ROH champion, and very highly respected by his peers. So sad to lose someone so young. #RIPXavier pic.twitter.com/1CXVhw4xC0
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 17, 2020
Rest In Peace Xavier. Thank you for the matches, both as opponent and partner. You will be missed.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) August 17, 2020
So sad to hear about Xavier’s passing. Can’t believe it. He was so young, talented & such a nice person. He will be missed. Condolences to his family & friends. I knew him since I first started wrestling. I hate that I can’t that one pic of us, just 2 babies happy to wrestle. RIP
— (@Zelina_VegaWWE) August 17, 2020
I have no words. RIP Xavier
— Eddie Kingston #BlackLivesMatter (@MadKing1981) August 17, 2020
Ugh. Very saddened to hear of the passing of John “Xavier” Kirius. He was always a very cool person and a great athlete. I had several memorable matches with him. Especially in the mid 2000’s for Jersey All Pro Wrestling. Heartbreaking. Godspeed my friend.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) August 17, 2020
Saddened to hear that John Xavier passed away. Always so kind and gracious. Fun person to be around and truly one of the good guys. God bless John. RiP.
— Abyss (@TherealAbyss) August 17, 2020
Damn, I'm so sadden by this. #xavier the all around best, was my 1st ever favorite and intro into the indy/ROH world. X was drastically underrated & someone I was stoked to befriend after gaining him as a fan of my own. He gave me the green light using "kiss you x goodbye" pic.twitter.com/Y63MnnXFjW
— Brian Cage (@MrGMSI_BCage) August 17, 2020
Very sad to hear of the passing of John Xavier. He was the 2nd ever @ringofhonor World Champion and was scheduled to come back to ROH at Past Vs Present in March before the event was canceled. My condolences to his friends and family. May he Rest In Peace.
— Rhett Titus (@RhettTitusANX) August 17, 2020
Man, gone way too soon.
— Ian Riccaboni (@IanRiccaboni) August 16, 2020
Always so nice when he'd swing by NYC for ROH events. Unheralded and under aporeciated. Was looking forward to calling his comeback match in ROH.
Rest in Peace, Xavier. https://t.co/UH96AJh2zK
On behalf of the entire Cageside Seats community, we extend our condolences to his family & friends, and everyone who is missing Xavier today.