December 26 marks the one-year anniversary of Brodie Lee‘s passing; one year ago, the former WWE and AEW star’s life was tragically cut short by a lung condition, prompting his fans and colleagues to unite and share kind words about him.
In honor of the anniversary, Mike Bennett, who worked with Lee during their time together in WWE, looked back on his friendship with the man once known as Luke Harper during an interview with Alistair McGeorge of Metro, Bennett noted that Lee was the kind of person who always bonded with people to the extent that he felt like everyone’s best friend.
“Brodie’s one of those rare people that, I realised after he passed away – everyone that had ever been around him or considered him a friend, always felt like he was their best friend,” said Bennett. “Everyone felt that way. Anyone you talk to, they felt so incredibly close to that man and that’s… that’s not just rare in the wrestling industry, that’s rare in life, to have someone that everybody connects with.”
Bennett went on to describe Lee’s personality by recalling how he never took the challenges of life too seriously.
“I just feel like with Brodie, the reason why people connected with him so much is it felt like he never took life so seriously, in a good way,” said Bennett. “I feel like in order to survive life, you can’t take it too seriously because it’s just one big game.”
Likewise, Bennett explained that Lee always found a way to make people laugh, no matter what the specific situation was. He then offered his general feeling that Lee was “just a good dude,” which is why he remains a source of brightness to this very day.
“He was just a really good dude,” said Bennett. “I think of that guy and I smile, I know everyone else does too.”
The wrestling world continues to pay tribute to Lee on the anniversary of his passing. Here are just a few examples:
It’s cliche to say. But it’s the truth-
I would not be where I am today without Brodie. Very thankful for my Dark Order family. #BrodieLeeForever— Anna Jay (@annajay___) December 26, 2021
I think of him when I look at my suitcase.
I think of him whenever I see hockey on TV, or when I see a dirty formerly white tank top.
I think of him when I see the TNT Title.
I think of him when I read to my two sons.Gone, but clearly never forgotten. #BrodieLeeForever pic.twitter.com/36kt8PyKqb
— Bryce Remsburg (@dabryceisright) December 26, 2021
"If there was a Mount Rushmore of wrestling Dads. I think Brodie Lee should be on that." @DaxFTR, @TheArnShow, @ColtCabana and @dabryceisright remember their friend Brodie Lee. #BrodieLeeForever pic.twitter.com/EQtgg47wvU
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) December 26, 2021
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) December 26, 2021
