Jonathan Huber, known professionally as Brodie Lee and Luke Harper, was an American professional wrestler born on December 16, 1979, in Rochester, New York, who became one of the most respected performers in professional wrestling before his untimely death on December 26, 2020, at age 41. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 275 pounds, Huber combined the size and power of a traditional big man with remarkable agility and technical ability that defied expectations for someone of his stature. He performed as Luke Harper in WWE from 2012 to 2019, becoming best known as a core member of The Wyatt Family alongside Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan, winning multiple tag team championships including the NXT Tag Team Championship, WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship during a singles run. After departing WWE in December 2019, he joined All Elite Wrestling in March 2020 as Mr. Brodie Lee, the revealed leader of The Dark Order faction. He captured the AEW TNT Championship in August 2020 before being hospitalized in October with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This mysterious lung condition tragically claimed his life just two months later, leaving behind his wife Amanda and two young sons.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Huber was born on December 16, 1979, in Rochester, New York, making him a Sagittarius who grew up in upstate New York. He attended McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, where he played lacrosse for four years, demonstrating the athleticism that would later serve him well in professional wrestling. Details about his parents and early family life remain relatively private, though it is known he had a brother who also became a professional wrestler.
Growing up in Rochester, Huber developed a passion for professional wrestling and dreamed of making it his career. His imposing physical presence combined with surprising athletic ability made him a natural candidate for the business. He stood 6 feet 5 inches tall and eventually reached 275 pounds of solid muscle, giving him the physical tools needed to succeed as a big man in wrestling while possessing agility that would become his trademark.
Independent Wrestling Career Beginnings
From 2003 to 2012, Huber worked under the ring name Brodie Lee on the United States independent wrestling circuit, building his reputation across numerous promotions. He made his professional wrestling debut for Roc City Wrestling and competed extensively for NWA Upstate, Ballpark Brawl, Keystone Championship Wrestling, NWA Empire, Empire State Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Unplugged, and Far North Wrestling. These early experiences provided invaluable training and allowed him to develop his in-ring style and character work.
Huber also worked for Combat Zone Wrestling and appeared for several other smaller independent promotions throughout the northeastern United States. These years of grinding on the independent scene, often performing for small crowds in high school gymnasiums and VFW halls, built his work ethic and prepared him for the opportunities that would come later in his career. His willingness to work anywhere and constantly improve his craft earned him respect among fellow independent wrestlers.
CHIKARA and Character Development
Brodie Lee debuted for CHIKARA in 2007 under unique circumstances when he replaced Reckless Youth, who failed to appear at an event. This led to Lee spending significant time as a big man in a promotion primarily filled with smaller, high-flying wrestlers. Lee used his size advantage to his advantage, bullying smaller wrestlers while using his surprising agility to keep pace with their faster-paced style, creating a compelling contrast that made him stand out.
In the land of CHIKARA’s cartoon characters, time-traveling via Deloreans, literal ants forming The Colony, and UltraMantis Black leading various cults, Brodie Lee stood out as a legitimately intimidating physical presence. His final run in CHIKARA saw him attempt to enter the 12 Large Summit tournament to become the first-ever CHIKARA Grand Champion, but he had to leave the tournament due to injury. Lee made his final CHIKARA appearance in 2012, challenging Eddie Kingston for the CHIKARA Grand Championship in a losing effort before departing for WWE.
Ring of Honor and Other Promotions
Lee also made a significant impact in Ring of Honor, one of the most respected independent promotions in the United States. He joined Jimmy Jacobs’ villainous stable Age of the Fall, which led to a memorable feud with the hardcore legend Necro Butcher. His ROH run ended after losing to Delirious when Delirious turned on The Age of the Fall, but his time there raised his profile considerably among hardcore wrestling fans.
Beyond CHIKARA and ROH, Lee worked for Squared Circle Wrestling where he became the 2CW Heavyweight Champion, demonstrating his ability to carry a promotion as a top champion. He also competed for Evolve, Jersey All Pro Wrestling where he won the JAPW Heavyweight Championship, JAPW New Jersey State Championship, and JAPW Tag Team Championship with Necro Butcher, Dragon Gate USA, and even Dragon Gate in Japan. He captured the A1 Zero Gravity Championship in Alpha-1 Wrestling, accumulating an impressive collection of independent championships that proved his versatility and drawing power across multiple wrestling styles and promotions.
WWE Developmental and FCW
Upon signing with WWE in 2012, Huber assumed the ring name Luke Harper and was sent to WWE’s developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling. FCW served as WWE’s training ground for future stars, and Harper used this time to adapt his independent wrestling style to WWE’s television format and production requirements. The transition from independent wrestling to WWE’s more controlled environment required adjustments, but Harper’s talent and work ethic allowed him to progress quickly through the developmental system.
During his time in FCW, he was identified as a prospect with main roster potential and began receiving the coaching and refinement necessary to succeed on WWE’s national television programs. His time in developmental proved shorter than many wrestlers experience, as WWE recognized his readiness for the main roster and moved him to NXT relatively quickly.
NXT and The Wyatt Family Formation
From the May 27, 2013, episode of Raw, WWE began airing mysterious vignettes promoting the upcoming debut of The Wyatt Family. The vignettes showed The Wyatt Family’s backwoods origins, presenting them as a cult-like group from rural Louisiana with sinister intentions. On the July 8 episode of Raw, The Wyatt Family made their shocking debut by viciously assaulting Kane, immediately establishing them as a dangerous new threat.
Harper made his WWE in-ring debut on the July 26 SmackDown, where he and Erick Rowan defeated Tons of Funk, the team of Brodus Clay and Tensai. The Wyatt Family consisted of the charismatic cult leader Bray Wyatt, Harper as the group’s enforcer and technical wrestler, and Rowan as the masked strongman. Harper’s character was a self-described backwoods hillbilly who served as Bray Wyatt’s most loyal follower, and his wild-eyed intensity and gray tank top became his signature look.
Main Roster Success with Wyatt Family
Over the following months, Harper and Rowan went on an impressive winning streak over numerous tag teams, establishing The Wyatt Family as dominant forces in WWE’s tag team division. Cody Rhodes and Goldust handed them their first loss on the October 11 episode of SmackDown, ending their undefeated streak. In November 2013, The Wyatt Family started a high-profile rivalry with CM Punk and Daniel Bryan heading into Survivor Series on November 24, where Harper and Rowan lost to Punk and Bryan in a tag team match that received critical acclaim for its quality.
The following month at TLC Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 15, The Wyatt Family defeated Bryan in a 3-on-1 handicap match, continuing their momentum. The group became one of WWE’s hottest acts upon their main roster arrival, with Harper’s in-ring work receiving particular praise from critics and fellow wrestlers who recognized his ability to perform at a high level despite his size. His devastating discus clothesline became one of WWE’s most feared finishing moves, often turning opponents inside out with its impact.
Tag Team Championships and Evolution
Following the addition of Braun Strowman to The Wyatt Family on Raw, the group expanded and continued feuding with top stars. At Night of Champions on September 20, 2015, The Wyatt Family defeated Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Chris Jericho in a six-man tag team match. On the October 19 episode of Raw, Erick Rowan returned to The Wyatt Family when he filled in for Harper, who was unable to appear for personal reasons.
The Wyatt Family then became involved in a feud with The Brothers of Destruction consisting of The Undertaker and Kane, building to a tag team match on November 22 at Survivor Series where the legendary duo defeated Harper and Wyatt. The next night on Raw, Harper teamed with Wyatt again to defeat The Dudley Boyz, igniting a new feud. This period showcased Harper’s versatility in working with both younger talent and established legends, proving his ability to adapt to any opponent or storyline.
Intercontinental Championship Reign
During a brief singles run separated from The Wyatt Family, Harper became WWE Intercontinental Champion, capturing one of wrestling’s most historic titles. This championship reign allowed him to showcase his abilities as a singles competitor rather than simply as a tag team wrestler or faction member. His matches during this period demonstrated his complete skill set, including technical wrestling ability, striking prowess, surprising agility for his size, and storytelling psychology.
Harper’s Intercontinental Championship run proved he could carry matches as a featured singles star, not just a supporting player in a larger group. His work rate and willingness to make opponents look good earned him respect throughout the WWE locker room, with many wrestlers specifically requesting to work with him because they knew he would deliver quality performances.
The Bludgeon Brothers Transformation
Harper and Rowan later reunited as The Bludgeon Brothers, adopting a new gimmick that presented them as destructive viking-inspired warriors wielding mallets. The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 34 on April 8, 2018, by defeating The Usos and The New Day in a triple threat match, marking their second reign with the titles. This character transformation demonstrated WWE’s continued investment in Harper and Rowan as a team, giving them new life after years as Wyatt Family members.
The Bludgeon Brothers held the SmackDown Tag Team Championship for 135 days, from April 8, 2018, to August 21, 2018, during which they dominated the tag team division with their power-based offense and intimidating presence. Their entrance, featuring them destroying furniture and props with their mallets while war drums played, became one of WWE’s most memorable presentations. The reign ended when Rowan suffered a legitimate injury requiring surgery, forcing them to vacate the championships.
Later WWE Career and Departure
The Wyatt Family, represented by Harper and Randy Orton after Orton temporarily joined the group, lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championship to American Alpha consisting of Chad Gable and Jason Jordan in a four-way elimination match on the December 27 episode of SmackDown Live. After the match, Harper and Orton showed visible tension over the loss, planting seeds for Harper’s eventual departure from the faction and setting up future storylines.
Harper’s final years in WWE saw inconsistent booking and reduced television time despite his proven abilities. He requested his release from WWE in 2019, frustrated with his lack of meaningful storylines and opportunities. WWE granted his release request in December 2019, allowing him to leave the company after seven years. His departure was amicable, with WWE acknowledging his contributions and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
All Elite Wrestling Debut
Huber made his surprise debut for All Elite Wrestling on the March 18, 2020, episode of Dynamite, reverting to his pre-WWE ring name Brodie Lee. He was dramatically revealed as the Exalted One, the previously unseen mysterious leader of the villainous faction The Dark Order, ending months of speculation about the identity of this character. Lee attacked SoCal Uncensored with the other Dark Order members, immediately establishing himself as a major player in AEW.
His arrival came during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when AEW was hosting shows with restricted or no audiences at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida. Despite these challenging circumstances, Lee’s debut created significant excitement among AEW fans and brought mainstream attention to the promotion. Tony Khan later credited Lee with revitalizing the organization during this difficult period, praising his professionalism and ability to maintain morale when the wrestling industry faced unprecedented challenges.
AEW TNT Championship Victory
After remaining undefeated for several weeks in AEW, Lee lost for the first time against Jon Moxley in a highly physical match for the AEW World Championship at Double or Nothing on May 23, 2020. Despite the loss, the match received critical acclaim and established Lee as a legitimate main event talent in AEW. Over the following months, Lee recruited new members into The Dark Order, including Colt Cabana and Anna Jay, building the faction into one of AEW’s most prominent groups.
On the August 22 episode of Dynamite, Lee quickly defeated Cody to win the AEW TNT Championship in a shocking squash match that lasted only a few minutes. The decisive victory demonstrated Lee’s dominance and elevated his status as a championship-level performer. His TNT Championship reign lasted until October 7, when he lost the belt back to Cody Rhodes in a brutal Dog Collar match that received a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, tied for the highest star rating of Lee’s entire career.
Final Match and Mysterious Illness
Lee’s last match was the Dog Collar match for the AEW TNT Championship against Cody Rhodes on October 7, 2020. The match was a violent, emotional contest that showcased both men’s toughness and storytelling abilities, with both wrestlers battered and bloodied by the conclusion. The match received widespread critical praise and demonstrated Lee’s ability to deliver in high-profile situations despite the physical toll wrestling takes on the body.
Lee had not been on AEW television since early October, with the company initially suggesting he was dealing with an undisclosed injury. Behind the scenes, however, Lee was battling a mysterious and rapidly deteriorating lung condition that would ultimately prove fatal. The wrestling world remained unaware of the severity of his condition until the shocking announcement of his death on December 26, 2020.
Illness Timeline and Diagnosis
Brodie Lee first noticed something was wrong in October 2020 when he could not finish workouts on his Peloton bike, experiencing alarming shortness of breath. COVID-19 was an immediate concern given the pandemic, but he did not have other obvious symptoms. Within a few days, he developed a high fever, though he tested negative for COVID-19 multiple times, leaving his family frustrated by the lack of answers.
He was eventually hospitalized and diagnosed with bronchitis and allergies, but his wife Amanda felt it seemed more like pneumonia. The fever went away, but his oxygen level dropped severely to 52, well below the normal level of 100 and the asthma attack level of 85, requiring him to be placed on an oxygen machine. By Halloween, his condition had deteriorated to the point where he needed to be transferred to another hospital, and the family decided on the Mayo Clinic for specialized care.
The official diagnosis was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, meaning his lungs had scarred over and the idiopathic designation meant doctors did not know why. Medical professionals believed whatever fever he experienced was his body fighting an infection in his lungs, but the high fever for several days essentially attacked his lung tissue and scarred it over, causing irreversible damage. His condition fluctuated between improving and declining throughout November, but things became drastically worse after a panic attack in late November, leading to urgent discussions about a lung transplant.
Final Days and Death
By mid-December, a new infection appeared in Lee’s lungs, identified as a common bacteria that exists everywhere but became deadly because Lee was so immunocompromised and in terrible physical condition. The bacteria grew rapidly, and his lungs were so damaged that medical professionals determined the battle had become hopeless. Amanda Huber described the final days as heartbreaking, knowing that despite all medical interventions and the hope for a lung transplant, her husband’s condition had progressed beyond saving.
Brodie Lee passed away on December 26, 2020, at age 41, just 10 days after his 41st birthday on December 16. All Elite Wrestling announced his death on social media, describing him as exceptionally respected and beloved in every way, a fierce and captivating talent, a thoughtful mentor, and simply a very kind soul. The announcement shocked the wrestling world, as very few people outside his immediate family and closest friends knew the severity of his condition.
AEW Tribute Show
On December 30, 2020, AEW presented a special tribute show titled A Celebration of the Life of Mr. Brodie Lee at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville. The entire AEW roster stood on the stage as the show opened, with Lee’s family present as a 10-bell salute tolled while Amanda Huber was shown in tears. The show featured five tag team matches with wrestlers who had personal connections to Lee, showcasing the breadth of relationships he had built throughout his career.
The show concluded with a special presentation where Lee’s wife and two young sons received a unique TNT Championship belt to honor his reign as champion. His oldest son, known as Brodie Jr. or Negative One, put his father’s boots in the center of the ring in a deeply emotional moment. A tribute video featuring numerous pictures of Lee with his family, friends, and fellow wrestlers closed the show, including images from his time in WWE, a gesture that transcended company politics. Tony Khan later stated he believed the tribute show was the most significant event in AEW’s history, and it remains one of the most cherished episodes of Dynamite in the show’s history.
Personal Life and Family
Huber married Amanda in 2011, a fellow professional wrestler who previously performed under the ring name Synndy Synn. Together they had two sons named Brodie and Nolan, born in 2012 and 2017 respectively. Following Huber’s death, eight-year-old Brodie was signed to AEW and became an honorary member of his father’s faction The Dark Order, with AEW stating that he can immediately start to perform for the company when he comes of age if he chooses.
Amanda Huber has described herself as a mama to the best boys, an AEW mental health advocate, Disney obsessed, a cat lady, dog mom, and professional wrestling lover. The family lived in Rochester, New York, before relocating to Tampa, Florida. Huber was a passionate fan of the Washington Redskins, now the Washington Commanders, and the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, reflecting his American and Canadian connections.
Wrestling Style and Signature Moves
Brodie Lee’s wrestling style combined the power moves expected from a 6-foot-5, 275-pound big man with surprising agility and technical proficiency that defied expectations. His finishing moves included the Brodie Bomb, a sitout powerbomb, and his devastating Discus Lariat, a spinning clothesline that often turned opponents completely around with its impact. The discus clothesline became one of wrestling’s most feared strikes, with fans and wrestlers alike marveling at its velocity and impact.
His signature moves included the Michinoku Driver, a Japanese-style driver, and the Truckstop, a sitout side powerslam. His full moveset demonstrated remarkable versatility, including suicide dives to the outside, various suplex variations including German suplex, dragon suplex, half-and-half suplex, and snap suplex, along with dropkicks, big boots, DDTs, powerslams, superplexes, and thrust kicks. His ability to perform moves typically associated with smaller, more agile wrestlers while maintaining the power expected from a big man made him unique and valuable in any promotion.
Championships and Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Brodie Lee accumulated an impressive collection of championships across multiple promotions. In WWE, he won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Erick Rowan as members of The Wyatt Family, the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice with Rowan, including once as The Bludgeon Brothers, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship during a singles run. In All Elite Wrestling, he captured the AEW TNT Championship by defeating Cody in August 2020.
On the independent circuit, his accomplishments included the A1 Zero Gravity Championship from Alpha-1 Wrestling, the JAPW Heavyweight Championship, JAPW New Jersey State Championship, and JAPW Tag Team Championship with Necro Butcher from Jersey All Pro Wrestling, and the 2CW Heavyweight Championship from Squared Circle Wrestling. Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Harper number 34 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2017, recognizing his consistent in-ring excellence. His collection of championships across independent, developmental, and major promotions demonstrated his versatility and ability to succeed in any environment.
Tributes and Industry Reaction
The wrestling industry reacted with shock and profound sadness to Brodie Lee’s death. Wrestlers from WWE, AEW, Impact Wrestling, and independent promotions shared tributes on social media, with many describing him as one of the kindest, most generous people in the business despite his intimidating on-screen presence. Jon Moxley recorded an emotional video tribute expressing difficulty finding words to describe his grief and the loss to the wrestling community.
Bray Wyatt, whose name will always be closely linked to Brodie Lee through their work as The Wyatt Family, was visibly shaken by the news. Taking to Instagram, Wyatt shared memories of their time together, calling it the best period of their careers and describing Lee as a brother. Before his own untimely passing in August 2023, Wyatt deeply mourned the loss of his Wyatt Family brother, demonstrating the genuine bond formed between them beyond scripted storylines.
Legacy and Impact
Brodie Lee’s legacy extends far beyond his championship accomplishments and memorable matches. He is remembered as a dedicated family man who prioritized his wife and children above all else, a mentor who helped younger wrestlers develop their skills and navigate the business, and a genuinely kind person who treated everyone with respect regardless of their position in the industry. His willingness to work with anyone and make them look good earned universal respect among his peers.
His work revitalized The Dark Order faction in AEW, transforming them from comedic jobbers into a credible faction that remains prominent years after his death. The Dark Order continues to honor his memory, and Brodie Jr.’s occasional appearances with the group keep his father’s spirit alive in AEW. His sudden death at age 41 from a mysterious lung condition shocked the wrestling world and highlighted the fragility of life, reminding fans and wrestlers alike to cherish their time together.
Amanda Huber’s Advocacy
Since her husband’s death, Amanda Huber has become a mental health advocate within AEW and the broader wrestling community. She has spoken openly about the grief process, the challenges of raising two boys without their father, and the importance of mental health support for wrestling families who face unique pressures and challenges. Her willingness to share her family’s story has helped others dealing with sudden loss and grief.
Amanda has also described the timeline and details of her husband’s mysterious lung condition on the AEW Unrestricted podcast in January 2021, providing transparency about what happened during those final months. Her openness has raised awareness about idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for respiratory symptoms. She continues to keep her husband’s memory alive through social media posts celebrating his life and legacy while building her own identity beyond being Brodie Lee’s widow.
Brodie Jr. and The Dark Order
Brodie Lee’s oldest son, known affectionately as Negative One or -1 in AEW, has become an honorary member of The Dark Order faction his father led. At just eight years old when his father passed, Brodie Jr. has made several appearances on AEW television and pay-per-views, including being part of Team Rhodes at SummerSlam in August. AEW has stated that Brodie Jr. can immediately start performing for the company when he comes of age if he wishes, essentially granting him an open contract for the future.
The Dark Order members have embraced their role as honorary uncles to Brodie Jr., maintaining connections with the family and ensuring that Lee’s sons grow up knowing how much their father was loved and respected. Brodie Jr.’s occasional appearances, where he directs The Dark Order members and recreates some of his father’s mannerisms, provide bittersweet moments that celebrate Lee’s life while acknowledging the tragedy of his absence.
Continued Recognition and Memorials
Brodie Lee’s memory continues to be honored across the wrestling industry. AEW features him in the video game AEW Fight Forever under his Mr. Brodie Lee name as a legend character, allowing fans to play as him virtually. WWE has included footage and images of Luke Harper in various retrospectives and documentaries, acknowledging his contributions to the company despite working for a competitor at the time of his death.
Wrestling promotions observe the anniversary of his death on December 26 with social media tributes and moments of recognition. The wrestling community has embraced the phrase It’s Saturday, you know what that means, a catchphrase associated with Brodie Lee and The Dark Order, keeping his catchphrases and personality alive in wrestling culture. His influence persists through the wrestlers he mentored, the faction he led, and the family he left behind who continue to participate in the wrestling community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Brodie Lee and why was he famous?
Brodie Lee was the ring name of Jonathan Huber, an American professional wrestler born December 16, 1979, who became famous as Luke Harper in WWE from 2012 to 2019 as a member of The Wyatt Family and later as Mr. Brodie Lee in All Elite Wrestling in 2020 where he led The Dark Order faction and won the AEW TNT Championship. He tragically died on December 26, 2020, at age 41 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, shocking the wrestling world.
How did Brodie Lee die?
Brodie Lee died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on December 26, 2020, at age 41, a mysterious lung condition where his lungs became severely scarred. He first noticed breathing problems in October 2020, was hospitalized with dangerously low oxygen levels of 52 compared to the normal 100, and despite treatment at the Mayo Clinic including discussions about a lung transplant, a bacterial infection in his compromised lungs proved fatal in late December.
What was Brodie Lee’s real name?
Brodie Lee’s real name was Jonathan Huber, born on December 16, 1979, in Rochester, New York. He performed under the ring name Brodie Lee on the independent wrestling circuit from 2003 to 2012, was renamed Luke Harper when he joined WWE in 2012, and returned to using the Brodie Lee name when he signed with All Elite Wrestling in March 2020.
Was Brodie Lee married and did he have children?
Brodie Lee married Amanda Huber, a fellow professional wrestler who performed as Synndy Synn, in 2011, and they had two sons together named Brodie born in 2012 and Nolan born in 2017. Following his death, eight-year-old Brodie was signed to AEW and became an honorary member of his father’s faction The Dark Order, with AEW offering him the opportunity to perform when he comes of age if he chooses.
What championships did Brodie Lee win?
Brodie Lee won the NXT Tag Team Championship and WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice with Erick Rowan as members of The Wyatt Family and later The Bludgeon Brothers, the WWE Intercontinental Championship during a singles run, and the AEW TNT Championship by defeating Cody in August 2020. On the independent circuit, he captured championships in Alpha-1 Wrestling, Jersey All Pro Wrestling including the heavyweight and tag team titles, and Squared Circle Wrestling.
What was The Wyatt Family?
The Wyatt Family was a villainous cult-like faction in WWE that debuted on July 8, 2013, consisting of leader Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper as the enforcer, and Erick Rowan as the masked strongman, with Braun Strowman later joining in 2015. The group was presented as backwoods characters from rural Louisiana with mysterious, sinister intentions, and became one of WWE’s hottest acts upon their main roster arrival, winning multiple tag team championships and feuding with top stars.
What was Brodie Lee’s finishing move?
Brodie Lee’s primary finishing moves were the Discus Lariat, a devastating spinning clothesline that often turned opponents inside out with its impact, and the Brodie Bomb, a sitout powerbomb. His discus clothesline became one of wrestling’s most feared strikes due to its velocity and impact, despite Lee standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 275 pounds, demonstrating surprising agility for someone of his size.
When did Brodie Lee debut in AEW?
Brodie Lee made his surprise debut for All Elite Wrestling on the March 18, 2020, episode of Dynamite, where he was revealed as the Exalted One, the previously mysterious unseen leader of The Dark Order faction. His debut came during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when AEW was hosting shows with restricted audiences at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, and Tony Khan later credited Lee with revitalizing the organization during this challenging period.
What was the AEW Brodie Lee tribute show?
The AEW Brodie Lee tribute show titled A Celebration of the Life of Mr. Brodie Lee aired on December 30, 2020, at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, featuring the entire roster standing on stage for a 10-bell salute with Lee’s family present. The show included five tag team matches with wrestlers who had personal connections to Lee and concluded with his wife and sons receiving a unique TNT Championship belt, followed by a tribute video featuring images from throughout his career including WWE footage.
How old was Brodie Lee when he died?
Brodie Lee was 41 years old when he died on December 26, 2020, just 10 days after his 41st birthday on December 16, 1979. His death from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis shocked the wrestling industry as very few people outside his immediate family and closest friends knew the severity of his condition, with AEW having suggested he was dealing with an undisclosed injury during his absence from television since early October.
What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and the idiopathic designation means the cause is unknown. In Brodie Lee’s case, doctors believed his high fever while fighting a lung infection caused his body to attack his lung tissue, scarring it over, with his oxygen levels dropping to 52 compared to the normal 100, and a subsequent bacterial infection in his immunocompromised state proving fatal.
Who was Luke Harper in WWE?
Luke Harper was the ring name Jonathan Huber used in WWE from 2012 to 2019, where he portrayed a backwoods hillbilly character and became best known as a core member of The Wyatt Family alongside Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan. He won the NXT Tag Team Championship, WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice including once as part of The Bludgeon Brothers, and the WWE Intercontinental Championship before requesting and receiving his release in December 2019.
What is The Dark Order in AEW?
The Dark Order is a villainous faction in All Elite Wrestling that Brodie Lee was revealed to lead as the Exalted One on March 18, 2020. Lee transformed the group from comedic jobbers into a credible faction, recruiting members including Colt Cabana and Anna Jay, and the group continues to honor his memory years after his death with his son Brodie Jr. serving as an honorary member and occasional on-screen presence.
Did WWE acknowledge Brodie Lee’s death?
WWE acknowledged Brodie Lee’s death despite him working for competitor AEW at the time, with the company releasing a statement recognizing his contributions and expressing condolences to his family. AEW’s tribute show on December 30, 2020, included numerous images and footage from Lee’s time in WWE as Luke Harper, a gesture that transcended company politics and recognized that celebrating his life was more important than promotional divisions.
What was Brodie Lee’s wrestling style?
Brodie Lee’s wrestling style combined the power moves expected from a 6-foot-5, 275-pound big man with surprising agility including suicide dives, dropkicks, and various suplex variations that defied expectations for someone of his size. His devastating discus clothesline and Brodie Bomb powerbomb served as finishing moves, while his technical proficiency, striking ability, and storytelling psychology made him one of wrestling’s most complete performers regardless of promotion.
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