Since Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, we have been going down memory lane watching his music videos, his live performances, and pretty much any other video of him we can find on the Internet.
Keith passed away “peacefully” with his family by his side after a 2+ year battle with stomach cancer.
We saw countless tributes online from Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Terri Clark, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Zach Bryan, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, and Reba McEntire.
One of the people or organizations that paid tribute to Toby Keith is WWE.
Their statement read,
“WWE is saddened to learn that country music star and former Raw guest host Toby Keith has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Keith’s family, friends, and fans.”
WWE is saddened to learn that country music star and former Raw guest host Toby Keith has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Keith’s family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/bvOUMuYkrQ
— WWE (@WWE) February 6, 2024
Keith was the guest host of the October 25, 2010 episode of WWE Raw.
He had a bit with the Bella Twins, Santino Marella, and Sheamus, which you can watch below. He received a custom championship belt and also watched a match ringside between Marella and Sheamus. Their spat began during the segment with Keith.
This wasn’t his first time at a wrestling event! He was part of TNA Wrestling’s very first event on June 19, 2002. TNA was formed shortly after the dissolution if World Champion Wrestling and served as a competitor to World Wrestling Foundation (WWF, which later became WWE).
Keith was on hand at the first TNA event to perform his song “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”
During his performance, he was rudely interrupted by Jeff Jarret, who is now in the WWE Hall of Fame. Jarret pushed Keith out of the way – while he was singing!
RIP Toby Keith …country star and you could say #TNA original. pic.twitter.com/wZjwfn6Zzw
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) February 6, 2024
Later in the event, Keith switched his cowboy hat for a red bandana and went to hunt down Jarret in the ring! Even the announcers weren’t sure what was going on!
He took Jarret by the neck and lifted him above his head. Keith then slammed them both backward and threw Jarret out of the ring. It was incredible!
TNA took to X to mourn Keith and remember the impact he had on not only their sport, but their company.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of country music legend Toby Keith – who appeared on the very first TNA event. We offer our condolences to his friends an d family,” they wrote alongside clips of Keith at their event.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of country music legend Toby Keith – who appeared on the very first TNA event. We offer our condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/wvrfPGBJx0
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 6, 2024
Watch the full clip below.