“Shooter” Tony Jones has passed away at the age of 53 via POST Wrestling. It has been noted that Jones was best known for his appearance in the 1999 documentary ‘Beyond The Mat’, in which he featured with tag partner and trainer Mike Modest.
Jones played a pivotal role in California promotion All Pro Wrestling, where he began his career. The promotion’s head, Markus Mac, paid tribute on Saturday night, writing:
“I am very saddened to learn about the passing of ‘Shooter’ Tony Jones. Tony was such a caring member of the All Pro Wrestling community.
A standout amateur, a stellar pro, a great friend and more important than anything… a five star father.
I first met Tony in 1997 as a fan at Gym Wars. Being a Daly City head, I’d see him around a lot. I was honored that our kinship grew onto brotherhood. My most sincere condolences go out to all of Tony’s family, friends and fans.
Shooter, thank you for everything. I salute your service not just in the ring, but in life. Enjoy paradise with your baby girl. I love you brother.”
Jones lost his infant daughter, Selina, in 2000. He hailed from San Francisco, California and spent his younger years at Archbishop Riordan High School where he excelled in wrestling and football.
He continued his amateur wrestling career at San Francisco State University, graduating with a degree in broadcasting in 1995. He soon leaned to professional wrestling, training at the All Pro Wrestling school in 1996 and making his public in-ring debut in January 1997.
Soon after, Barry Blaumstein featured Jones in his documentary ‘Beyond The Mat’, which showed Jones and his tag partner Mike Modest in their 1998 World Wrestling Federation try-out match.
Jones made a handful of sporadic appearances for the WWF but was most closely associated with California-based promotions including XPW and especially APW. He formally retired in 2009 but made a select few appearances, including several for APW in 2017.
Other tributes include those from on-screen WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce.
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