Basketball legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away at the age of 41 on Sunday, Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash. Though Bryant didn't appear in any capacity on wrestling television, his influence went beyond basketball. Wrestlers have cited Bryant's work ethic and Mamba Mentality as the inspiration behind the drive in their careers.
As such, members of the wrestling community expressed their condolences following the tragic news.
WWE is saddened by the passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. We extend our condolences to their family, fans and loved ones. https://t.co/uI2iShWSB0
— WWE (@WWE) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe & Gianna Bryant. Whether or not you were a fan of Kobe or @Lakers, please consider donating to a cause that was important to Kobe and Gianna: development of women’s basketball programs, at any level, youth to professional. It would be a nice way to honor their memories.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 26, 2020
This is one of those days where you have to reach out to your people and tell them you love them. Nothing wrong with that.
— Malcolm Bivens (@Malcolmvelli) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was the reason I played basketball with so much love.
— Bayley (@itsBayleyWWE) January 26, 2020
I’m so sorry to the entire Bryant family.
Tonight is for you.
Kobe
— Miro (@RusevBUL) January 26, 2020
What terrible, tragic & shocking news about the passing of the legendary Kobe Bryant. My thoughts & condolences go out to his family.
— Matt Hardy in LIMBO (@MATTHARDYBRAND) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace, Kobe.
Grew up a Lakers fan. Everyday is a gift that we get to live and in complete shock of this news. Positive thoughts and prayers to @kobebryant family and friends. --
— The Big Guy (@Ryback22) January 26, 2020
The World of Sports and Entertainment Lost A Legendary Man, Father, Husband, Son, Businessman and Philanthropist. Words cannot Undo this tragedy----
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) January 26, 2020
To the Family, Friends and Fans of Kobe Bryant Please know that He will ALWAYS BE WITH US!!
We always think we have so much time. The news about #KobeBryant is a sad reminder of how precious yet small our time here is. Condolences to his fans, friends and family.
— Mustafa Ali / Adeel Alam (@AliWWE) January 26, 2020
Tell everyone in your life that you care for that you love them.
So sorry to hear this, my deepest sympathy goes out to @kobebryant family and friends. Wow. I can’t believe this. One of the greatest players of all time #ripkobe DDP-- pic.twitter.com/Sn77VQrUTU
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) January 26, 2020
This is wild.. RIP Kobe ---- https://t.co/RsIsievLfr
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) January 26, 2020
Damn. #RIPKobe
— The HBIC (@MiaYim) January 26, 2020
Heartbreaking ---- #RIPKobe
— The Virtuosa (@DeonnaPurrazzo) January 26, 2020
Heartbreaking. -- My heart goes out to his family, friends, supporters and all those whose lives he touched. https://t.co/K3ByMgbUWY
— Kacy Catanzaro (@KacyCatanzaro) January 26, 2020
Holy shit. RIP Kobe
— Killian/Damo (@KillianDain) January 26, 2020
One of the best to ever play the game
Kobe is my favorite basketball player ever. I’ve always admired and tried to emulate his approach to the game amongst many other things.
— Mike Rallis (@riddickMoss) January 26, 2020
Thank you for the example you set, and for the memories I’ll never forget Black Mamba. Rest In Peace.
Life is so precious, man. Take the time to tell your loved ones you love them. Give them a hug, a kiss, be present. Enjoy the crap out of them.
— Miracle (@RealMikeBennett) January 26, 2020
You can work decades being the best, building your empire, and just like that - it’s over. We spend much of our lives working and preparing for the future and a “someday” that sadly isn’t always guaranteed. Live and love like nothing beyond this very moment is a given. #RIPKobe
— Austin Aries (@AustinAries) January 26, 2020
I’m just numb. In shock. Most of all devastated and sad beyond words. Kobe Bryant was an absolute legend in the NBA, an icon, a hero to SoCal and millions around the world but most importantly a husband and father. This is utterly crushing. --
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) January 26, 2020
Kobe -- pic.twitter.com/4INx3Erl41
— enlightened charlatan (@therealec3) January 26, 2020
Woah..... no way https://t.co/9jJnAZiQSF
— 11:11 OUT NOW! (@itsLioRush) January 26, 2020
I just heard about the horrific horrible news about #KobeBryant death. Prayers with his family & fans. -- #RIPMAMBA
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) January 26, 2020
Dear God, the news about Kobe Bryant is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace, sir.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe Bryant. This is unreal.
— Charly Caruso // Arnolt (@CharlyOnTV) January 26, 2020
I am in shock. I can’t believe it... a true legend is gone. One of my idols though out the years I played basketball. RIPhttps://t.co/xThSUJSrM1
— Brooke Adams (@RealBrookeAdams) January 26, 2020
The Black Mamba ----
— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) January 26, 2020
#24
Why
— ---- TJ Perkins ---- (@MegaTJP) January 26, 2020
Life is short
— Eddie Kingston (@MadKing1981) January 26, 2020
Absolutely devasting news! RIP. Legend -- https://t.co/wFaVS5gdcn
— Alyse Zwick (@AlyseAshtonWWE) January 26, 2020
Tragic News@kobebryant
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) January 26, 2020
My generation everybody wanted to be like Mike#KobeBryant was the only one who did@Lakers pic.twitter.com/xqZNlBdWGh
I’ve never been more deeply cut by the death of a non family member or close friend. My freakin hero is gone. Can’t process this. #Kobe --
— Scorpio Sky (@ScorpioSky) January 26, 2020
Fightful would like to send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Kobe Bryant.
