Former WCW and TBS owner Ted Turner has passed away at the age of 87.
Ted Turner, the legendary media mogul who reshaped the professional wrestling landscape by founding WCW, has passed away at the age of 87. Turner Enterprises confirmed the news on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, via an official release, obtained by CNN. The statement noted that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Ted Turner revealed in September 2018 that he had Lewy body dementia. This is a brain disorder that affects memory and other cognitive functions. He was also hospitalized with pneumonia in January 2025.
Turner fundamentally redefined global media by founding the world’s first 24-hour cable news channel, CNN, pioneering the “superstation” model with WTBS, and building a cable powerhouse through TNT and Cartoon Network. He also owned the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, and the Atlanta Thrashers.
Ted Turner’s impact in pro wrestling
In 1988, Ted Turner purchased Jim Crockett Promotions, rebranding it as World Championship Wrestling. The promotion competed with WWE in the infamous Monday Night Wars. WCW Nitro aired on TNT and outperformed Monday Night RAW for 83 consecutive weeks. Vince McMahon himself often took shots at Turner during the period, mocking him as “Billionaire Ted” on air. McMahon portrayed himself as an underdog going against one of the most powerful businessmen in the world.
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, said in a statement. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
We at WrestleZone send our deepest condolences to Ted Turner’s family and friends.
Read More: WWE Star Stephanie Vaquer’s Ex-Boyfriend Found Guilty Of Domestic Violence
