Known to ring fans as “The Shooter,” Tony held the title of APW Universal Heavyweight Champion and made several appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment in 1998, 2001, 2003, and 2007. However, he is most remembered for his part in Barry W. Blaustein’s 1999 documentary Beyond the Mat, where he costarred with 52-year-old Mike Modest, his on-off tag team partner.
“All Pro Wrestling is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former APW Universal Heavyweight Champion, ‘Shooter’ Tony Jones,” the statement from the organisation said, announcing his passing.
“God rest the shooter. Savour paradise with your infant daughter. Brother, you’re always in our hearts. Jones, Anthony “Shooter,” 1971–2024.
The Pro Wrestling Star’s Life, Death and Tributes
Tony, who is six feet five inches tall, attended Archbishop Riordan High School where he excelled in football, wrestling, and running. He was born in San Francisco.
The heavyweight was most known for his part in Barry W. Blaustein’s 1999 documentary Beyond the Mat, when he costarred with 52-year-old Mike Modest, his on-off tag team partner.
His daughter Selina’s death in 2000 saddened him and his other kid. On January 19, 2004, Tony posted on Facebook, saying, “My baby girl would have been 24 years old today.”
Every day is spent thinking about and loving her to the utmost. I’m sharing one of my previous birthday wishes with my princess because Selina just developed an interest in pro wrestling (I wonder why!). I pledge to constantly stand up for you, so please keep an eye on me. Princess, happy beautiful birthday.
“Baby girl, you have my undying love.”
The loss of “Shooter,” Tony Jones, the former APW Universal Heavyweight Champion, has left All Pro Wrestling deeply grieved.
Rest in peace, shooter. Savour paradise with your infant daughter. You have our undying affection, brother.
Anthony “Shooter” Jones (born in 1971) #RIWCmY6zDC
Supporters expressed their sorrow about the outcome on X, with one fan writing, “I attended my first-ever wrestling show at Pro-Wrestling Iron International Challenge Vol 1.”
“Shooter” Tony Jones was something exceptional, extremely gifted, and greatly underappreciated when I saw him for the first time. RIP, Tony Jones, aka “Shooter.”
“California indy wrestling mainstay,” another person said. Most would recall him from their tryout match with the WWE in “Beyond the Mat,” where he and Mike Modest faced off. And JR is advising him to build up his upper body in order to “be in the hunt.”