The wrestling world is mourning the unexpected loss of Dean Merton, a close friend and trainer of WWE superstar Becky Lynch. Merton, a well-known professional wrestler from Dublin, Ireland, passed away suddenly at the age of 35 on September 4. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, especially given the recent passings of wrestling legends Terry Funk and Bray Wyatt.
Becky Lynch, known for her fierce personality in the ring, revealed her softer side as she took to social media to honor her late friend. On her X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Lynch shared a heartfelt message, paying tribute to Merton’s kindness, humor, and genuine spirit. “My pal,” she began, expressing deep emotion as she recalled their shared experiences and the bond they had. “I wish you knew how special you were. You were kind and genuine and talented and hilarious. I could talk to you about anything. I’m going to miss you,” Lynch wrote.
My pal. I wish you knew how special you were.
You were kind and genuine and talented and hilarious. I could talk to you about anything. I’m going to miss you.
When I got my tryout you were one of the first people I told. I’d pick you up and we’d drive to Bray together, talking… pic.twitter.com/CsFAQQcsNw
— Rebecca Quin (@BeckyLynchWWE) September 5, 2023
Lynch and Merton grew up in Ireland, training together in freezing cold gyms. Despite the tough conditions, they found joy in their shared passion for wrestling. Merton was one of the first people Lynch informed when she got her WWE tryout. The memories of those times, filled with dreams and laughter, are now bittersweet for Lynch.
“Rest in peace,” Lynch concluded her post, indicating the depth of her grief and loss. But the wrestler also recalled the lighter moments with her friend. “I’ll miss our chats and your jokes. I won’t miss working out with you because you always killed me.” This mix of sorrow and humor reflects the unique relationship they shared, one that combined the intensity of wrestling with genuine camaraderie.
Merton was more than just a wrestling trainer; he was a volunteer at Bohemian Football Club, a beloved figure in the Irish sports community. His loss resonates beyond the wrestling world, touching everyone who knew him.
Another WWE superstar, Finn Balor, also shared a connection with Merton. Balor trained Merton in his early wrestling days, laying the foundation for his 18-year career. Merton’s wrestling journey took him across Europe and beyond, with stints in Over The Top Wrestling, Insane Championship Wrestling, and Fight Factory Pro Wrestling, among others.
His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the cherished memories of friends like Becky Lynch and the many wrestling fans he inspired. As Lynch and others in the wrestling community come to terms with this tragic loss, their shared stories serve as a poignant reminder of the bonds that tie them together, even in the face of sorrow.
The wrestling world is built on camaraderie, respect, and a shared passion for the craft. This sense of unity becomes even more apparent during times of grief, as colleagues and fans alike rally together to honor the memory of those they’ve lost. As stories and tributes pour in, they offer comfort to those who mourn, reinforcing the sense of community and support that defines the wrestling family.
As Lynch and her fellow wrestlers navigate the grieving process, they find strength in each other, leaning on the connections and friendships that have been forged through shared experiences in the ring. While the loss is deeply felt, the enduring impact of their loved one is evident in the stories, memories, and lessons that will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and fans. Through their collective memories, his legacy will live on, a testament to the enduring spirit of the wrestling community and the bonds that hold it together, even in the most challenging times.
