Jonathan Rechner -- better known by his professional wrestling name Balls Mahoney -- has passed away at the age of 44.
WWE made the announcement after several reports surfaced online on Tuesday night.
I am beyond sad to announce my friend ECW Original Balls Mahoney has passed away. I just spoke w/his wife. pic.twitter.com/OAs3vOmGEH
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) April 13, 2016
Debuting in 1987, Rechner made his first impact in the wrestling business as a heel a few years later under the moniker of Boo Bradley Jr while working with Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
Rechner eventually made his way to WWE as an evil Santa Claus named "Xanta Claus" but that failed gimmick only lasted for a couple of appearances before he left the promotion.
That's when he found a new home at Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where Rechner became Balls Mahoney and put on some of the most hardcore matches in wrestling history.
During his days with ECW, Mahoney was a fan favorite often times teaming up with Axl Rotten as "The Hardcore Chair Swinging Freaks" while feuding with other famous teams from the era including the Dudley Boyz.
Sadly, Axl Rotten (real name Brian Knighton) also passed away earlier this year at just 44 years of age as well.
Following his stint in ECW, Rechner returned to WWE as Balls Mahoney from 2005-08 when he was released from his contract before working on the independent wrestling circuit for several years.
Rechner celebrated his 44th birthday on Monday. There's no word on the cause of death.
Rechner is survived by his wife and his son.
