Sadly, neither his career or his life was as long as it should have been, but Tough Enough III co-winner Matt Cappotelli made a quite an impresion on the wrestling business and those who work in it during his 38 years. Following his death on June 29 at the end of a long cancer battle, tributes are hitting the internet from all over. Here are some of those:
WWE’s official statement is here.
It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of former @WWE superstar & #OVW trainer Matt Cappotelli. https://t.co/qfKEbzZpkn pic.twitter.com/KfdYvjorgW
— OVW Wrestling (@ovwrestling) June 30, 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
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
I am heartbroken to learn we have lost Matt Cappotelli. I am honored to have known him, and to have shared a ring with him on RAW. He was truly special. Kind, humble, strong, and giving. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/RP5XSOO7XP
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) 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 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
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
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
Terrible news. Awesome guy who ALWAYS had a smile and a positive attitude. https://t.co/46JWxL0IzV
— Todd Grisham (@GrishamMMA) June 29, 2018
Matt Cappotelli was what every young hopeful should strive to be. Positive, passionate and hard working. I was fortunate to know him during his early OVW days and he always had a giving spirit. RIP Matt...
— Tom Prichard (@drtomprichard) June 29, 2018
#TeamCapp pic.twitter.com/5qNWYUQ83M
— Brian Myers (@TheCurtHawkins) June 30, 2018
#RipMattCappotelli pic.twitter.com/nkrFqDyNaI
— JTG (@Jtg1284) June 29, 2018
RIP Matt Cappotelli. Too nice, too good, and too amazing for this industry and life itself. Blessed to have met such an amazing person who set an example that no one can ever set again. #teamcapp
— Pat Buck (@buckneverstops) June 30, 2018
Really sad to hear the passing of Matt Cappotelli. What an amazing guy with a big heart and had such a love for life and others. He will certainly be missed by those who were lucky enough to have known him.
— Charles Robinson (@WWERobinson) June 30, 2018
Rest Easy Matt Cappotelli .One of toughest guys to be part of Wrestling Business. Thoughts and Prayers to his Wife and family.
— Shannon Moore (@TheShannonBrand) June 30, 2018
There’s simply not enough characters... ~PHS #RIPMattCappotelli
— Elijah Burke (@DaBlackPope) June 30, 2018
As I deplane to board I won’t ask why, deep in thought reflecting as I enter the sky, I’ll only smile and rejoice as I...
Posted by Elijah Burke on Friday, June 29, 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
Matt Cappotelli was a good guy. Sad news.
— M@ (@Matt_Striker_) June 29, 2018
Hug the people you love.
Forgive your debtors.
Don't let small things get in the way of being good to one another.
Matt Cappotelli was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He was also just as tough fighting his battle with cancer over the years, while maintaining his positive and fearless attitude.
— Justin Roberts (@JustinRoberts) June 29, 2018