WWE scraps New Day’s funeral skit on NXT following death of Jay Briscoe aged 38

WWE superstars The New Day - Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston - on NXT — The New Day changed their plans in light of the tragic news (Picture: WWE)

WWE decided to scrap a funeral skit set to air on NXT following the death of Jay Briscoe.

Before Tuesday night’s episode, the company had advertised that The New Day stars Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would hold a ‘funeral’ for rivals Pretty Deadly’s shot at the NXT Tag Team Championships.

However, the segment didn’t take place in that form, and Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reports the decision was made after news broke on Tuesday that Briscoe had died in a car crash aged 38.

The reporter tweeted: ‘When word of Jay Briscoe’s passing emerged, New Day and Shawn Michaels nixed the segment, and Michaels added the Vic Joseph tribute of Briscoe to the show.’

Instead, commentator Vic Joseph informed viewers of Briscoe’s death and sent the company’s thoughts to his loved ones.

In a sombre message alongside WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, Vic said on air: ‘Booker, we were just informed of some tragic news inside the wrestling community, that Jay Briscoe has passed away. We want to take this moment to send our condolences to his friends, and his family.’

Ring of Honor wrestling legend Jay Briscoe — Jay Briscoe has died aged 38 (Picture: AEW)

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of the Ring of Honor (ROH) legend, who held the company’s tag team titles 13 times with his brother Mark Briscoe and also enjoyed success as a singles star.

NXT boss Shawn Michaels was among those to pay his respects, as he tweeted: ‘On behalf of the @WWENXT community, I would like to express our condolences to the Briscoe family for their loss.’

Kofi added: ‘Sending love and condolences to Mark and the Pugh Family.’

The news was revealed by ROH chief Tony Khan, who wrote on Twitter: ‘Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today.

‘Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We’ll do whatever we can to support his family. Rest In Peace Jamin.’

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