The sports and entertainment worlds are mourning the passing of NASCAR legend and former WWE 24/7 Champion Kyle Busch at the age of 41 after a serious illness. Busch was hospitalized on May 21, and later that day, his family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR released a joint statement confirming the news.
Busch was widely known as one of the biggest stars in modern NASCAR. Over a career that lasted more than 20 years, he became a two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, winning titles in 2015 and 2019. His aggressive driving style and competitive attitude helped him build a massive fanbase known as “Rowdy Nation.”
In the statement released after his passing, NASCAR reflected on Busch’s impact on the sport and how much he meant to racing fans around the world. Busch became one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history with victories across multiple national series. NASCAR’s statement also praised his work helping younger drivers grow through his Truck Series team ownership.
At the time of his passing, Busch was in the middle of his 22nd NASCAR season and had been expected to compete in the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 before his hospitalization.
Kyle Busch Briefly Won WWE’s 24/7 Championship In 2019
Outside of racing, Busch also had some memorable moments in WWE. Being a longtime wrestling fan, he first appeared on WWE TV as a guest host on RAW back in 2009. Years later, he briefly won the WWE 24/7 Championship during an episode of RAW in December 2019. It happened during NASCAR Champion’s Week shortly after Busch captured his second NASCAR Cup Series title.
During the segment, R-Truth was trying to escape challengers, and he approached Busch and fellow driver Michael Waltrip, who were at the ringside, to help him hide. Initially, Busch seemed to help him, but later, Waltrip unzipped his jacket to reveal a hidden WWE referee shirt, and Busch surprised Truth with a quick roll-up pin.
However, Busch only held the title for a short time because of the 24/7 Championship’s crazy rules. R-Truth later regained the championship backstage that same night.
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha, their children Brexton and Lennix, along with the rest of his family, friends, teammates, and fans across the world.
May his soul rest in peace.
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