Inside wrestler Jimmy Rave’s horrific health battle after having two legs and an arm amputated when he c...

FORMER Ring of Honor wrestler Jimmy Rave died months after having both of his legs and an arm amputated following several battles with MRSA.

Rave retired from the squared circle in November 2020 after his left arm was removed.

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Months later, he would lose both of his legs following recurring battles with the superbug. Rave died at the age of 39 on December 12.

The sports entertainer was best known for his time in Ring of Honor and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, now Impact Wrestling.

He also wrestled for various promotions on the independent circuit including Full Impact Pro and NWA Wildside.

Rave, real name James Guffey, admitted having problems with drug addiction and after leaving RoH in 2009, checked into a rehab facility.

In a 2011 interview, cited by Pro Wrestling Today, Rave said: "My 2009 run, I was a complete drug addict to be honest. I didn't give a damn about wrestling because I just cared about scoring more pills and numbing myself...ROH officials saw that and rightfully said, 'hit the road'."

Years later, the Atlanta-born wrestler required an amputation after contracting an infection in his left arm, effectively ending his in-ring career.

Rave tweeted last November: “I have been very blessed for the last 21 years in professional wrestling and getting to live out my dream.

“Today, that dream has ended for me and I have a new reality.”

The wrestler said his world had “come crashing down” as doctors were forced to take action after discovering an infection.

He added: "I tried toughing it out but by the time I saw a doctor it was too late and they had to amputate my left arm above the elbow. Thus effectively ending my in-ring career."

In October, Rave shared a harrowing black and white image where he was lying on the hospital bed.

Both of his legs had been amputated. Rave's right arm was raised but his thumb was down.

He said: “Apparently it's time for me to come clean. This past June I began having trouble walking & went to my surgeon.

"He determined I had MRSA in both legs & they needed to be amputated immediately.

"Promoters can tell you along with my peers, I've had a history w/this and would cancel shows often due to this condition."

The star added: "I don't know where rumors started this was due to something else, but I hadn't been to shows for so long.

"So where did someone see me do something? I have ALWAYS been honest with my past. I went on podcasts n interviews being super candid.

"Pro-Wrestling is all I ever loved. It sucks to think that the tribe I would have died for, would say untrue things about me.

"I've gone this whole time not disclosing my legs because of this embarrassment. Sorry I fell short of your expectations. I tried … I really did."

He suffered from recurring cases of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Wrestlers are at risk of this infection due to constant skin-to-skin contact.

The bug is resistant to several antibiotics, including methicillin and penicillin.

MRSA can cause mild infections such as boils and sores, but the “superbug” can affect the lungs and bloodstream.

You can contract the bug by touching another person who has the infection on their skin, or by touching objects that have bacteria on them.

Around two percent of the population carry MRSA but most are not infected, according to researchers at WebMD.

Jimmy’s death was confirmed by his daughter Kailah and friend Bill Behren.

They said: "James was best known as Professional Wrestler, Jimmy Rave. His career, which started in 1999, continued for over 2 decades.

"Jimmy had been struggling with drug addiction for many years. His struggles resulted in the amputation of his arm, and, later, both of his legs."

A cause of death was not mentioned in the statement.

Days before his death, the sports entertainer shared a heartbreaking birthday message.

He said: "In just a few hours it will be my birthday. It’s never meant [sic] all that much but this year has been super difficult. If you wanna support here is how."

He then posted his PayPal email and his Cash App username.

Rave shared his expensive medical bill, asking fans if they could lend some support.

He said: “Thank you to all those who have been supportive of this journey thus far. Your contributions have helped in my daily living and getting life back in order. I just recently got this bill in the mail …WOW! If you can help…”

Wrestlers have expressed their condolences following Rave’s death.

All Elite Wrestling star Frankie Kazarian said: “Dammit…RIP Jimmy Rave. I’m glad we shared a ring as many times as we did.

“I’m glad we got the chance to know each other over 18 years ago. I’m glad we were friends. I’m glad that I knew you, and I will miss you. Godspeed my friend.”

Matt Hardy, one-half of the legendary tag team duo The Hardy Boyz, commented: “I wasn’t close with Jimmy Rave, but I was able to work with him on a few occasions. He was a kind, bright, talented young man.

“I’m very sad to hear about his death, especially considering he was so young & had a wife & children. I hope your soul finds peace, Jimmy.”

All Elite Wrestling said: AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Jimmy Rave. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his fans.

IMPACT added: We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Guffey, otherwise known as Jimmy Rave.

"We offer our sincere condolences to his family & friends during this difficult time. Rave made his IMPACT debut in 2002 during The Asylum Years & became a mainstay of the X-Division."

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