Former WWE Star Lance Cade Dead, Age 29

Image via WikipediaIn yet another startling report of a wrestling star dying before age 40, there has been shocking news reported that former WWE star Lance Cade is dead. Cade, real name Lance McNaught, was just 29-years-old at the time of his death. Reportedly, McNaught died from heart failure, but it is unknown what caused the issue exactly.

The news of his death arrived via several sources, but one of the first was Jim Ross' Twitter page. Ross tweeted:

"Multiple sources have reported that Lance Cade passed away a few hours ago of heart failure. Our condolences go out to his family & friends."

JR has also been responding to many fans' inquiries and tweets regarding Cade's death on his Twitter profile.



The WWE has also reported on this tragedy at their official website. According to WWE.com:

World Wrestling Entertainment was informed Friday morning by Lance McNaught’s father that he has passed away of apparent heart failure. WWE extends its deepest condolences to the McNaught family. Mr. McNaught was under contract beginning March 2003, performing under the name "Lance Cade," and was released October 2008. He returned to FCW, WWE’s developmental territory, in September 2009, and was released in April 2010.

Lance Cade is a former multiple-time tag team champion along with Trevor Murdoch whom both appeared on WWE Raw. The two separated at one point with Murdoch in some sort of country singer story. Cade at some points had been praised by various wrestling writers and analysts as a potential singles champion, but due to his release he never quite got into that picture.

As a fan, I was able to see Cade and Murdoch wrestling early in their debut when they appeared on an episode of Sunday Heat prior to Raw. Deepest condolences are extended to the family, friends and fans of Lance McNaught, aka "Lance Cade".

Lance Cade's WWE Release Details

Not long ago, WWE superstar Lance Cade was accompanying current World Heavyweight champ, Chris Jericho, to the ring on Raw and helping him win matches. Tuesday, the WWE announced on its website that Lance Cade had been released from the WWE.

While WWE didn't give any details on the release, Jim Ross reported on his JR's Barb-Q blog that the release was due to a personal incident which happened on a flight. Ross went on to detail an event where Cade suffered an apparent seizure on a recent flight, requiring medical care. Raw ring announcer Lillian Garcia was nearby and able to assist Cade to a medical facility when they landed.

According to PWTorch.com:

Based on the information presented by Ross in his report and WWE subsequently releasing Cade, there is a conclusion to be drawn that it was not a medical condition that suddenly caused the seizure, but a clear violation of WWE's Wellness Policy.

"A battery of tests were run that luckily determined that there was nothing seriously wrong with the young man such as a brain tumor," said Ross. "Everyone makes mistakes, Lord knows I have made plenty in my career, but in this day and time some mistakes just simply can't be condoned. ... Under the circumstances of the situation, I don't know what other decision the WWE could have made."

Shawn Michaels Injured but Ready?

According to several mobile messages sent out by WWE to subscribers, WWE Superstar Shawn Michaels suffered an elbow injury during the latest Raw show in Missouri. The show was taped Sunday but aired Monday night on USA. The injury occurred during HBK's encounter with Chris Jericho's prodigy Lance Cade, but at the time doesn't seem to jeopardize HBK's status for Unforgiven.

From Prowrestling.net:

WWE sent out a pair of messages to their mobile subscribers regarding the injury that Shawn Michaels suffered at the Raw tapings on Sunday night. Dot Net reader Nathan Rice: "After Raw went off air WWE Mobile sent out a update on HBK and it read: 'After Raw tonight, HBK injured his left elbow thwarting an attack by Lance Cade just six days before Unforgiven. Despite the injury, HBK insists he'll compete.'"

"Ten minutes after (the first message) was sent, they sent out another one that read: 'Update on HBK's condition: Initial examination revealed that Shawn Micheals damaged his left tricep. For more details, check back with WWE.com on Tuesday.'"

If the injury is worse than originally thought, it will definitely be interesting to see what spin is put on the match he signed off on with Jericho. Obviously, Michaels doesn't want to look unable to compete after the story that has been presented, in honor of his wife and legendary WWE career. However, are we possibly creeping closer to that retirement Michaels almost had?

Do you feel Michaels should compete or stay away from the ring at Unforgiven?

Maria in Playboy, Lance Cade Injury

Maria Kanellis will be the next diva to appear in Playboy magazine. According to Let's Wrestle Blog:

"WWE Diva Maria recently did a photoshoot for Playboy Magazine. She follows in the footsteps of Sable, Torrie, Chyna, and Candice to have already posed for the publication. Usually the release date of the publication comes around WrestleMania, so don't be shocked to see her issue come out around Mid-March " (Source: Let's Wrestle Blog)

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In other news, former tag team champ Lance Cade was injured. According to WWE.com, Cade injured his shoulder during a house show in Atlanta, Georgia.

Official statement from WWE.com:

"Former World Tag Team Champion Lance Cade was injured after separating his left shoulder at a live event in Atlanta on Friday night.

According to athletic trainer Chris Brennan, the severity of Cade’s injury cannot be determined until he undergoes an orthopedic evaluation.

“Lance could be out of action for four to six weeks,” Brennan told WWE.com. “Of course, those numbers could change depending on the orthopedic evaluation.” (Source: WWE.com)"

It's amazing how the injuries continue for WWE stars, particularly in the shoulder amd pectoral area.