Danny Havoc was such a special person.

He lived w/ me for about 3 years, a time period which he would jokingly refer to as "the best of times... the worst of times" for a myriad of reasons.

I was lucky to call him a friend for close to 15 years. Here are some of my thoughts:

Grant was super intelligent and talented. Not just like "talented", but really really talented. He could've thrived in any career he chose, but the only thing he wanted to be was a deathmatch wrestler.

He moved from Cylinder Iowa to New Jersey in 2004 to pursue his dream.

As a wrestler, he excelled. We all watched him evolve from skinny backyarder to a well polished, world traveled master of his craft. I got to referee many of his matches, most memorably perhaps against Masada at the ECW Arena, which featured the debut of gusset plates in America.

As an artist, his creativity was immeasurable. He would randomly present me (and so many others) with drawings that displayed not just his skill, but also his unique sense of humor. He made this drawing to commemorate the inaugural Nick Gage Invitational in 2015.

Grant was highly respected by his peers. He brought a level of credibility to any match or company he was involved with. When GCW was becoming a thing, we needed Danny Havoc because if he was willing to be a part of it, others would to, and the fans would follow.

I was honored that Grant was willing to be part of GCW & even after injuries prevented him from competing, I tried hard to keep him engaged.

It took a lot of nagging, but I & some of his closest friends were able to drag him out of retirement in Feb to make 1 last trip to Japan.

Looking back now, our trip to Japan serves as some form of closure.

Grant was in his element. He took great pride in his performances on all 3 nights & helped us sell out every show.

He was also thrilled to meet Matsunaga again, a man who he referred to many times as his hero.

Grant was also selfless and always advocated for his friends.

I don't know if they know this, but Grant told me he would only come to Japan if I brought Matt too. Matt was gonna be booked anyways, but I played along just to make sure he didn't add any other stipulations :)

In one of his many thesis lengthed emails (he hated talking on the phone) he told me he'd come to Japan 1 more time, but only if he could tag w/ his friend Kevin (Lucky 13).

They won't get to team up, but I intend to honor Grant's wishes by bringing Lucky to Japan w/ GCW ASAP.

Grant didn't just advocate though, he also inspired.

In the same way Grant's generation was inspired by guys like Zandig, Mondo & Wifebeater, "Danny Havoc" served as inspiration for a whole generation that would follow.

Ask around... Danny Havoc's reach is worldwide.

Grant was not in a great place over the last few years. Like all of us, he dealt with challenges on a daily basis that affected his outlook on life.

One thing that never changed however was his love & devotion to his wife, Brianne. He cherished her and spoke about her w/ pride.

Brianne sadly passed away unexpectedly on April 4th of this year.

Grant was heartbroken and grieved her loss every day since. He was overwhelmed with sorrow, and despite the best efforts of his friends and family, he was inconsolable. He loved her so much.

Losing Grant hurts alot, for alot of us. Luckily, we all have so many special memories and moments to look back on.

I'll reminisce about our competitively long winded email exchanges where he would take joy in mixing in (not so) subtle jabs with his own brand of eloquence.

I'll reminisce about the road trips we took many years ago when I was more of a nuisance than a necessity. He always tolerated & treated me w/ respect.

I'll reminisce about "Tom Draggi", his hospital room alias that he used on many occasions after a rough night in the office.

Most of all though, I'll remember Grant's spirit.

He was an underdog, but he was undeniable. He took a beating, but he always got up and came back for more.

He fought and fought and fought till he got where he wanted to be.

He was a man of principle, and a man of his word.

He was a good person and a great friend.

Thanks for everything, Grant.

I will miss you.
We all will.

See ya on the other side