Wrestlers And Promotions Pay Tribute To Daffney
Dozens of tributes to Daffney Unger (Shannon Spruill) are coming in from around the world of professional wrestling.
As noted, it was announced today by Daffney's close friend Lexi Fyfe that the former WCW/TNA star has passed away at the age of 46 after she posted an Instagram Live video on Wednesday night where she appeared to be suicidal.
Fyfe told TMZ Sports that Daffney had been battling mental issues prior to her death. She urged anyone going through similar issues to get help. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
The Scream Queen worked from WCW from 1999-2001, and then worked for TNA/Impact Wrestling from 2008-2011. The former WCW Cruiserweight Champion also worked for SHINE, ROH, and other promotions, and it's clear that she touched many of her peers by the number of social media tributes coming in.
Impact paid tribute to Daffney on Twitter and sent condolences to her friends & family.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shannon 'Daffney' Spruill. We offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family," Impact wrote.
The NWA remembered Daffney as a truly special soul in the business of pro wrestling.
They wrote, "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. RIP Daffney, you will be missed."
AEW also paid tribute to Daffney, writing, "AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of Shannon Spruill. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and her fans."
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley paid tribute to his friend and said she was far ahead of her time.
"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 If you're hurting and thinking of doing harm to yourself, please know that help is available. 800-273-8255," Foley wrote.
"Crowbar" Devon Storm had a memorable run with Daffney in WCW, and appeared with her on the indies. He recalled how some of the best times from his career were with Daffney, and how they appreciated each moment.
"One of the most enjoyable and fun times of my career was working with Shannon at my side. We had *FUN* Neither of us could believe the blessing that we were given – the opportunity to perform on the grand stage of WCW. Each and every moment was appreciated by us. And we tried to make every moment *FUN* 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. [foldedhands emoji]," Crowbar wrote.
WWE Producer Shane Helms recalled working with Daffney in WCW. He posted a clip of Daffney hitting him with a Frankensteiner on WCW Thunder and wrote, "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"
Cedric Alexander also recalled working with Daffney early in his career. He wrote, "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. You are loved and missed #RIPDaffney"
Shayna Baszler also praised Daffney as being ahead of her time, writing, "Daff was ahead of her time. And mental health isn't a joke. #RIPDaffney"
Francine was also very close with Daffney, and described her as being like a sister. She wrote, "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 [broken heart emoji]"
Dakota Kai recalled how Daffney helped her during her first indie tour of the United States. She wrote, "During my first tour of the states, I was terrified. Daffney made everyone feel loved, welcomed and was such a truly beautiful soul [broken heart emoji] To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones."
Paige is another who said Daffney was ahead of her time. She also commented on looking up to Daffney. She wrote, "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"
Shotzi Blackheart posted a similar tribute to Daffney as she wrote, "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! [broken heart emoji]"
CM Punk didn't mention Daffney directly but he encouraged everyone to take care and ask for help if you need it. He wrote, "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."
Below are more Daffney tributes from WWE On FOX, WWE On BT Sport, Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Alexa Bliss, Scarlett, Dustin Rhodes, Tegan Nox, Indi Harwell, Gail Kim, Lio Rush, Frankie Kazarian, Melina, Eddie Edwards, Davey Richards, Velvet Sky, Ember Moon, Lita, Titus O'Neil, Taeler Hendrix, WWE NXT Women's Champion Raquel Gonzalez, Matt Hardy, Angelina Love, Taz, Alicia Taylor, Big E, Cezar Bononi, Big Swole, The Blue Meanie, WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Natalya, Dax Harwood, Ricky Morton, Samuray del Sol, Kane, Franky Monet, Brandi Rhodes, Shannon Moore, Mandy Rose, Mikey Whipwreck, Kayla Braxton and Diamond Dallas Page:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shannon "Daffney" Spruill. We offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family. pic.twitter.com/XSpY6X9xbQ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 2, 2021
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.
RIP Daffney, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/RwHGy8aDyb
— NWA (@nwa) September 2, 2021
The Scream Queen. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/4IvHdgtxG4
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) September 2, 2021
The thoughts of everyone at BT Sport are with the family and friends of Shannon Spruill, known to wrestling fans as Daffney.
The former WCW and Impact Wrestling star has tragically passed away at the age of 46.
1975 – 2021 pic.twitter.com/mkxTgaDIHS
— WWE on TNT Sports (@wweontnt) September 2, 2021
Such sad news that the wrestling world has lost another beloved veteran in @screamqueendaff. Daffney will be missed by countless fans, friends, and colleagues, and we send our condolences to every one of them. pic.twitter.com/JEnBsNLEut
— PWI (Pro Wrestling Illustrated) (@OfficialPWI) September 2, 2021
Daff was ahead of her time. And mental health isn't a joke. #RIPDaffney
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) September 2, 2021
You are not alone.
RIP Daffney 💔
— Scarlett Bordeaux (@Lady_Scarlett13) September 2, 2021
RIP #Daffney. Heartbreaking news. Damn
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) September 2, 2021
RIP Daffney. This is so, so sad.
You are never alone. You are loved. https://t.co/oZ0BNZxS1P
— Indi Wrestling (@indi_hartwell) September 2, 2021
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
— Nixon Newell (@TeganNoxWWE) September 2, 2021
So incredibly sad to hear the news about Daffney/Shannon. Heartbreaking to know that she felt so alone and in that dark space. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to others. You're never alone. ❤️❤️❤️ #RIPDaffney
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) September 2, 2021
I've always felt that people with the biggest hearts are often the ones that feel the most pain. Finding out about Daffney seems to prove that. 💔
My sympathy goes out to everyone especially her family. Her work and beautiful soul will always be in our hearts. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/sVMHEgfZ1E
— 🄼🄴🄻🄸🄽🄰 (@RealMelina) September 2, 2021
Every month should be #SuicidePreventionMonth
We all need to try harder. We gotta be better about lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down.
We are in this togetherWe all need some help sometimes.
You are not alone #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/6S4OqumEAw— Edward Edwards (@TheEddieEdwards) September 2, 2021
Rest in eternal peace my sweet, sweet, Angel friend. You were such an amazing, funny, loving, caring person, and I'll never ever forget you.
I love you always, @screamqueendaff 🙏🏼💜My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of this beautiful soul.#RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/R3NEjjSw5F
— Velvet Sky (@VelVelHoller) September 2, 2021
I did not have the pleasure of knowing @screamqueendaff but my heart breaks for her & everyone who did know her. Mental health is so very important & it's important to always choose kindness. #RIPDaffney https://t.co/DeI7azdPjH
— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) 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.
You are loved and missed#RIPDaffney
— PRIME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) September 2, 2021
My heart hurts. Daffney was a beautiful person. I'll always remember her infectious laughter and voice, and the way she beamed when she entered the room and much more
If you need help you aren't alone
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255#RIPDaffney #screamqueen— Athena is ROH and All Elite! (@AthenaPalmer_FG) September 2, 2021
So heartbroken to hear of the tragic news of @screamqueendaff She was such a special person. Please look out for each other. 💔RIP Daffney
— Amy Dumas (@AmyDumas) 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
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
It's terrible & heartbreaking to hear the news about Daffney's passing. My thoughts & prayers go out to her family & closest friends right now.#RIPDaffney
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) September 2, 2021
RIP Daffney 💔
check on your people!— Raquel (@RaquelWWE) September 2, 2021
So sad to hear this horrible news
about the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger
@screamqueendaff ...Daffney was such a nice person, so talented but just really nice. #RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9tnpdw6Btv— taz (@OfficialTAZ) September 2, 2021
My dear, sweet beautiful friend @screamqueendaff
We love you so much and miss you so much already. Thank you for being so fun to work with, hang out with, be friends with and do this crazy wrestling world thing with. I pray you are at peace now 🙏🏼❤️ #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/XL6NzpFcJg— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) September 2, 2021
I am so sorry, my friend. Absolutely gutted. Those who knew you, knew how incredibly special you were. 💔💔 #Daffney #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/Fd0ZUqPxLV
— Alicia Taylor (@AliciaTaylorWWE) September 2, 2021
I'm so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger.
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
— Ettore "Big E" Ewen (@WWEBigE) September 2, 2021
I have never said this before:
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.
— Cezar Bononi (@CezarBononi_) September 2, 2021
I wish I didn't have to say this. Rest In Peace Daffney. You were a sweet soul. You are loved. You are missed. This is a rough one. My heart aches for her family. 💔 https://t.co/Z7j88IXDhK
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) 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 💔
To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones.
— 𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑 🎮 (@ImKingKota) September 2, 2021
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
— Dax FTR (@DaxFTR) September 2, 2021
One of the most enjoyable and fun times of my career was working with Shannon at my side. We had *FUN* Neither of us could believe the blessing that we were given – the opportunity to perform on the grand stage of WCW.
Each and every moment was appreciated by us.— CROWBAR (@wcwcrowbar) September 2, 2021
And we tried to make every moment *FUN*
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. 🙏🏻— CROWBAR (@wcwcrowbar) September 2, 2021
Rest In Peace, Daffney Unger. 💔
If you or anyone you know have those thoughts, please reach out.
Life is precious.— Ricky Morton (@RealRickyMorton) 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
May you Rest In Peace. My condolences to her friends and family 🕊 #rip #daffney pic.twitter.com/2wLlaQyWoO
— Samuray Del Sol® "Manny $" (@gloat) September 2, 2021
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Daffney. She was a very talented performer who dedicated a lot of her life to entertaining others through her performances in the ring. I am sending my deepest condolences to her family and keeping Daffney in my prayers. pic.twitter.com/yWBnHl8LH6
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) September 2, 2021
So very sad. Pray for Daffney's loved ones.
Mick is is right. If you need help, please call 800-273-8255. https://t.co/YL4guIESJP
— Kane (@KaneWWE) September 2, 2021
Be kind, hug your loved ones a little tighter today and always. RIP Daffney https://t.co/c8bCBVJEId
— TAYA VALKYRIE (@thetayavalkyrie) 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
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
RIP Shannon 🙏🏻 @screamqueendaff
Very heartbreaking news, mental health is no joke, you are not alone. There is always someone you can talk to, don't be afraid. https://t.co/jzrlnaSFxL— Mandy (@mandysacs) September 2, 2021
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
Rest In Peace @screamqueendaff. You were an amazing person and were (and still are) loved by so many. Wherever you are, I hope you can see all the outpouring of love for you & that you are now pain free. Rest In Peace Shannon. See you down the road. 😢
— 🔥Mikey Whipwreck🔥 (@MikeyWhipwreck_) September 2, 2021
Mental health is real. You never know how close someone is to the edge, which is why it's important to use your platform and your voice to lift people and not tear them down. I never knew @screamqueendaff, but from what I've heard of her, she will be extremely missed. RIP.
— Kayla Becker (@TheKaylaBecker) September 2, 2021
I was super bummed to hear that Shannon Spruill aka Daffeny Unger @screamqueendaff died last. I knew her before she was in the business. She was dating a friend of mine. I was very happy for her when she got her break in WcW and continued on to TNA. Hugs RIP Scream Queen DDP
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) 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