We can confirm that Jonathan Rechner, known better to the wrestling world as Balls Mahoney, has passed away at the age of just 44 years old. Cause of death is unknown as of this time, but he just celebrated his birthday on Monday.

Social media began talking about the news Tuesday night with many of Rechner’s former co-workers and compatriots paying tribute. 

After a run in Smoky Mountain Wrestling (Boo Bradley) and even an infamous appearance in the WWF as the evil Xanta Klaus, Rechner came to prominence as Mahoney — known for using weapons like his beloved steel chair, brawls, and teaming/feuding with similar ilk like Axl Rotten, Masato Tanaka, the Dudley Boys, and others. While never a singles titleholder in ECW, he did win the tag titles three times. 

Ironically, Rotten also recently passed away at just 44 years old.

He was part of the ECW revival by WWE, making infrequent appearances and feuding with Big Daddy V, Snitsky, and Matt Striker. He even “dated” Kelly Kelly in a very strange pairing. Rechner had competed frequently on the indies since getting cut by WWE in 2008.

He leaves behind a young son, Christopher.

We’ll have more on this story as details become available.