Today marks five years since the wrestling world lost Jon Huber, known to fans as Brodie Lee in AEW and Luke Harper in WWE, who passed away on December 26, 2020, at the age of 41.
Huber died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare lung condition that caused his sudden hospitalization in late October 2020. His death sent shockwaves through the wrestling industry, with both WWE and AEW honoring his legacy in the years since.
The beloved performer left an indelible mark on professional wrestling during his career. In WWE, he was a key member of the Wyatt Family and Bludgeon Brothers, capturing the Intercontinental Championship and SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice.
After joining AEW in 2020, he became the ruthless leader of The Dark Order and won the TNT Championship, delivering some of the best work of his career.
His widow, Amanda Huber, recently shared an emotional birthday tribute on December 16, what would have been Jon’s 46th birthday. “Happy birthday baby. I miss you all the time. I can’t believe it’s been five years of not celebrating your birthday with you,” she wrote, describing how their sons Brodie Jr. and Nolan both carry their father’s spirit and characteristics.
AEW’s December 30, 2020 “Celebration of Life” tribute episode remains one of the most beloved wrestling broadcasts in history, with Tony Khan awarding Brodie Jr. the TNT Championship for life and retiring the championship’s red strap design in Jon’s honor.
The wrestling community continues to honor Huber’s memory annually, with tributes pouring in from wrestlers across all promotions, ensuring his legacy lives on.
