Former WWE and AEW wrestler Jaka dies due to heart attack

Overview

• Former WWE and AEW wrestler Jonathan “Jaka” Echevarria has died at 39 after a heart attack.
• He was a celebrated performer across WWE, AEW, Evolve, and independent promotions.
• Tributes, donations, and heartfelt messages have poured in from the wrestling community.

Jonathan Echevarria, aka Jaka, has died at the age of 39. He was hospitalised earlier this month in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack and was in the ICU. His sister had created a GoFundMe page for him a few days back when he was hospitalised to cover medical costs.

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Beyond Wrestling, where Jaka performed in 2019, confirmed the news through their X post and wrote: “The Original Ace. RIP Jaka.” Jaka began his wrestling career in 2007 and wrestled in Chikara, Evolve, AIW, JAPW, GCW, CZW, C4 and PROGRESS Wrestling apart from WWE and AEW.

He was a two-time tag team champion on the Evolve brand, which is now owned by the WWE. He appeared in a WWE show to defend the title belt in 2018.

Jaka last wrestled during the BRCW Challenge Accepted 2 event in a three on one two Handicap match for the BRCW Cruiserweight Title. He and his The Island Kings partner Sean Maluta teamed with Neil The Heel and lost the match against Jonny Fairplay & Oddyssey.

Tributes and Support Pour In for Jaka

Jaka teamed up with Sean Maluta and appeared during the 33rd episode of AEW Dark: Elevation in 2021. They lost to Inner Circle’s Ortiz and Mike Santana. Jaka was a part of a stable named “Team Pazuzu”, along with Ortiz and Santana. 

Santana took to X to express his grief and wrote, “I have no words right now. Truly Gutted.”

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AEW wrestler Penelope Ford made a post on Instagram and wrote, “One of the funniest, kindest and insightful humans I was blessed to have known.”

The GoFundMe page that was set up by his sister has so far raised around 28K USD of the 45K USD goal. AEW owner Tony Khan has donated 5K USD, while AEW wrestler Jack Perry has contributed 1000 USD.