WWE News and Rumors: Balls Mahoney Dies At 44

Former WWE star Jonathan Rechner- better known in ECW ring as 'Balls Mahoney'- has recently passed away at the age of 44. As news of his death spreads, the wrestling world honors his memories and his valuable contribution to professional entertainment wrestling.

"WWE is saddened to learn of reports that Jonathan Rechner, best known for competing in ECW as Balls Mahoney, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Rechner's family, friends and fans," WWE's official statement reads as quoted in the franchise's official website.

So far, the cause of his demise has not yet been established. He had just turned 44 last Monday before news of his death was first reported on Wednesday morning. According to Mirror UK, Rechner was reportedly suffering from a short-term illness following a hip injury after a bad fall from his New Jersey home. Other reports indicate that the wrestling star also had problems related to substance abuse involving recreational and prescription drugs.

The former WWE star and ECW icon was best remembered for his 'hardcore wrestling brand' where he toyed with dangerous theatrical stunts that often put his life on the line.

Throughout his wrestling career, Balls had acquired many characters and monikers. As reported by Hollywood Life, he started in the late 1980's and assumed a Boo Bradley character as he worked with Smoky Mountain Wrestling. Soon after, he ventured out for other opportunities and landed a career at ECW in the 1990's where he cemented his hard core brand of wrestling.

As reported by Fox Sports, Mahoney's stint at ECW included death defying stunts as he teamed up with Axl Rotten to form one of the promotion's craziest tag team known as 'The Hardcore Chair Swinging Freaks' feuding with other equally known freaks in the industry, the Dudley Boyz.

He then headed out to WWE as 'Xanta Claus'- the evil variant of the white-bearded fellow in red suit. However, his gimmick and character failed to catch on. Just three years into his WWE stint, Rechner left and continued working in independent circuits.

Mahoney's life outside the ring was as chaotic as the character he portrayed during his daring performances.

"Yes I'm nuts, yes I'm a vampire, yes I've drank my wife's blood. If I don't have my painkillers you don't even want to be f****** around me," Mahoney said in an interview in 2012 as quoted by International Business Times.

Rechner's death was preceded by the death of his long-time tag team partner, Axl Rotten, who passed away in February.