Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and WCW wrestling, has passed away at the age of 87. According to a news release from Turner Enterprise, he was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Upon learning of Turner's death, WCW and WWE legend Ric Flair issued a statement via X.
"So sorry to hear about the passing of the great Ted Turner!" Flair wrote. "The man that created cable before cable was cool! He created CNN and look at it now, he rolled the dice and wasn't afraid of taking risks, he won the America's Cup for sailing!"
Flair's statement continued by praising Turner for what he built with WCW, along with how well loved he was by the company's roster.
"His office looked like the Hall of Fame, which included a picture of him and Khrushchev. On top of all of that, he created so many opportunities for so many wrestlers because of his love for wrestling. Rest in peace, my friend! Thank you for the memorable personal times that we spent together."
Flair wasn't the only member of the wrestling world to pay homage to Turner following the news of his passing.
The Wrestling World Pays Tribute To Ted Turner
Eric Bischoff, who rose to fame as President and Executive Producer of WCW between 1994 and 1999, posted a short statement.
"RIP Ted," Bischoff wrote on X. "And thank you for everything."
Long-time wrestling journalist and insider, Dave Meltzer, also shared a post.
"Ted Turner just passed away at the age of 87," Meltzer posted on X. "He was among the most important people as far as the history of pro wrestling goes, and that was a very minor part of his world."
William Regal is another wrestling talent to share his condolences regarding Ted's death on social media. Regal began his North American wrestling career in WCW before going on to work with WWE and AEW.
"I'm sad to hear of the passing of Ted Turner," Regal wrote. "Ted bought me to the US and payed me and allowed me to feed my family for 6 years. Ted also took care of mine and my families green cards. Rest well."
Currently, there is no information regarding Ted's impending funeral. That information will likely remain private for close familiy and loved ones.
