There was tragic news earlier today on the death of former WCW and TNA wrestler Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill at the age of 46 years old. The sad news followed a disturbing broadcast on Instagram Live last night where she threatened to harm herself.
WWE issued the following statement on Daffney’s death:
“WWE is saddened to learn that former WCW star Shannon Spruill, known to sports-entertainment fans as Daffney, passed away at the age of 46.
Spruill gained worldwide recognition when she first arrived in WCW in November 1999 as Daffney, aligning herself with David Flair and Crowbar. Shortly after making a name for herself, Daffney made history in May of 2000 when she became only the second woman to hold the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. With her signature scream and ever-changing style, Daffney would go onto become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades.
WWE extends its condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.”
Many wrestlers have reacted to Daffney’s death on social media by expressing their grief and talking about the importance of mental health. Several wrestlers tell personal stories about how much they enjoyed their time working with Daffney in WCW, TNA, and elsewhere. Others use words of high praise to describe Daffney, including inspirational, influential, special, and ahead of her time. One common theme they all share is admiration of Daffney’s overwhelming kindness.
Here is a sampling of those reactions from around the wrestling world:
AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Shannon Spruill. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and her fans. pic.twitter.com/mVJ1JyNgqe
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 2, 2021
The entire NWA would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger, a truly special soul in this business.
— NWA (@nwa) September 2, 2021
RIP Daffney, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/RwHGy8aDyb
I’m so very sorry to learn of Daffney’s passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 2, 2021
If you’re hurting and thinking of doing harm to yourself, please know that help is available.
800-273-8255 https://t.co/9AH20OjY50
My thoughts and love are with Daffney’s friends and family! She was such an amazing influence in the wrestling community, a true pioneer for us women. RIP Daffney https://t.co/kfCGClQQiT
— Tegan Nox (@TeganNoxWWE_) September 2, 2021
Don’t feel much like tweeting about wrestling today. Remember, you’re important. Ask for help. Mental, physical, spiritual, emotional. Take care of each other.
— player/coach (@CMPunk) September 2, 2021
#MentalHealthMatters because we all go through our own form of feeling alone, sad, depressed or afraid at times. #MentalHealthAwareness is sharing. Sharing because sharing can save lives. It’s saved my own as well as others around me. You’re not alone, I promise. RIP Daffney.
— Lio Rush (@TheLionelGreen) September 2, 2021
My heart is heavy right now. I have no words. I will always love you Shannon. @screamqueendaff was like a sister to me and I am beyond heartbroken. I wish I could of talked to her just one more time. I pray she finds the peace that she longed for. I love you Chickie. RIP
— Francine (@ECWDivaFrancine) September 2, 2021
Mental Health IS IMPORTANT and Nobody should be ashamed or Ostracized for Asking for and Needing Help! #RIPDaffney and To everyone that knew her my prayers and condolences To you all. If you need Help PLEASE ask For it. I’m Speaking from EXPERIENCE not hearsay Counseling WORKS!
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) September 2, 2021
RIP Daffney thank you for being my spooky inspiration. I had the biggest crush on you. I will never forget meeting you and telling you how cool I thought you were and how sweet you were to me. I scream for Daffney!
— Shotzi (@ShotziWWE) September 2, 2021
Gutted over the passing of sweet Daffney. She was always so kind to everyone I ever saw her interact with. Sending love to everyone she brought so much joy to. I know this truly hurts so much of our community❤️
— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) September 2, 2021
Daffney was apart of my career from my early days with the Highspots family. She never hesitated to show me kindness, rather it be a place to crash while on the road or just fun conversation at the gimmick table.
— PRIME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) September 2, 2021
You are loved and missed#RIPDaffney
Daffney... you was an inspiration to many people. You was one of the women I looked up to in this business. Ahead of your time, leader of the misfits and is loved by everyone that got the pleasure to meet you.. RIP queen.. Heartbreaking.. #MentalHealthMatters
— SARAYA (@RealPaigeWWE) September 2, 2021
I’m so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) September 2, 2021
If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to be a burden. Reach out for help. It saved my life. https://t.co/OInJczaaKz
And we tried to make every moment *FUN*
— “Crowbar” (for the moment) (@wcwcrowbar) September 2, 2021
She truly lit up a room and brought smiles to everyone around her.
These memories have and always will be cherished and hold a special place in my heart. Rest In Peace, God bless and love you my friend.
Rest Easy @screamqueendaff .I’m so sad to hear the news today. I have never been around Daff when she didn’t make me laugh no matter what mood I was in. You will be missed but all the amazing moments will always be cherished. pic.twitter.com/6LqTfDpw6v
— Shannon Moore (@TheShannonBrand) September 2, 2021
Daff was ahead of her time. And mental health isn’t a joke. #RIPDaffney
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) September 2, 2021
During my first tour of the states, I was terrified. Daffney made everyone feel loved, welcomed and was such a truly beautiful soul
— (@DakotaKai_WWE) September 2, 2021
To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones.
Daffney was the sweetest; always smiling. She brought so much happiness to other people’s day. ALWAYS check in on your friends. They may need you more than you know. https://t.co/qn0EWcc8H1
— Uncle Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) September 2, 2021
I have never said this before:
— Cezar Bononi (@CezarBononi_) September 2, 2021
My dad commited suicide many years ago, mental health is no joke.
Open up about your feelings, reach for help.
Help those who seek for help, make 'em look for professional help.
May God comfort Daffney loved ones in this moment.
My favorite WCW Daffney moment. Daffney was so excited that I would put her over like this. I’m pretty sure it happened because @wcwcrowbar and I were just talking about how to get her involved in the match. Daff thanking me 8 million times at least. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/hwMJmMiQMA
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) September 2, 2021
If I could recount all the times I saw you selflessly do good for others - I would! To me, that was the person you were & always will be in my eyes... RIP Daffney pic.twitter.com/EF1RYQIP6G
— Taeler Hendrix (@Taeler_Hendrix) September 2, 2021
Tonight's IMPACT is dedicated to the memory of Shannon “Daffney” Spruill. RIP. pic.twitter.com/fjIRYdlsrz
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 3, 2021
For every smile. For every time you said Nikki in a Scottish accent and made me laugh, thank you
— Nikki A.S.H , ALMOST SUPER HERO (@NikkiCrossWWE) September 3, 2021
Daff, I hope you are at peace. The sky just gained its most unique and beautiful star.
I want people to know your legacy but I want them to understand how special your spirit was
If you or anyone you know is in need of support, we hope you find these links helpful:
State-by-state suicide hotlines in the U.S.
International suicide hotlines
National Alliance on Mental Health resource page