Jim Shank, a cherished member of WWE’s production team for over 26 years, passed away last week following a battle with colorectal cancer. On Monday, numerous WWE superstars and insiders paid tribute to him, with “WWE Raw” broadcasting a memorial graphic in his honor.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared the graphic on X (formerly Twitter), praising Shank as a consistent presence behind the scenes and a vital teammate who helped bring WWE events to life. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce also expressed his gratitude for Shank’s friendship, calling him an “unsung hero.” Rusev and Nattie joined in the tributes, with both emphasizing Shank’s selflessness and essential role behind the curtain.
Nattie reflected, “Jim was always thinking of others and always doing things for everyone. His memory will remain in our hearts.” Pearce’s post highlighted how many hardworking WWE staffers like Shank don’t get on-screen recognition but are crucial to the company’s success.
CM Punk honored Shank on Instagram Stories with a simple “RIP” graphic and a salute emoji. Shank, who turned 60 in January, began working with WWE during the Attitude Era after joining in November 1999. In 2025, WWE staff, along with Shank’s friends and family, raised over $200,000 to help cover his medical expenses, and former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon personally donated more than $122,000 to his GoFundMe campaign.
Fan Take: The loss of Jim Shank reminds WWE fans of the immense dedication and often unseen effort behind their favorite shows. Honoring crew members like Shank shows how the wrestling world is truly a family, and recognizing these contributions can deepen appreciation for the sport beyond just the in-ring action.
