Remembering Jeff Amdur
Jeff Amdur, a beloved figure in the pro wrestling community, has passed away. Known for his roles as a ring announcer, event coordinator, and wrestling historian, Amdur was a key contributor to the growth of independent wrestling in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Amdur's clear and engaging style as a ring announcer made him a fan favorite, and his work in event coordination helped ensure shows ran smoothly. He worked with several prominent Mid-Atlantic promotions, including Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW) and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), as well as other companies like Vanguard Championship Wrestling (VCW) and Independent Wrestling Federation (IWF). His dedication and adaptability earned him widespread respect in the indie wrestling community.
As a wrestling historian, Amdur's deep knowledge of the sport, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic, was sought for documentaries, interviews, and fan discussions. He also mentored younger talents, using his industry experience and friendly nature to help aspiring wrestlers and announcers develop their careers.
Amdur's strong relationships with fans, wrestlers, and promoters defined his community engagement. His generosity in sharing experiences and advice made him a beloved figure, and his passing leaves a lasting legacy in independent wrestling.
MCW Pro Wrestling made the following statement:
MCW Pro Wrestling is deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime timekeeper Jeff Amdur, who rang the bell at our very first show in 1998. Jeff was a beloved figure in the Mid-Atlantic pro wrestling community for many years. His detailed show write-ups during the early days of the internet introduced countless new fans to the world of independent wrestling. His contributions and passion for the sport will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Here's a statement from Platinum Nat about Jeff Amdur:
Late last night, I saw the news that my old friend Jeff Amdur had passed away. At the risk of dating myself, I first met him online 30 years ago on the Usenet Group rec.sport.pro-wrestling while I was still living in Boston. I loved Jeff’s regular writeups of pro wrestling shows in Maryland. When I moved to Annapolis, Jeff’s posts about MEWF are what enticed me to come to the shows, which is where I first heard about the Bone Breakers Pro Wrestling Training Center. Suffice it to say, if I never met Jeff, I might never have performed as Platinum Nat. I was happy to see him working as the timekeeper at almost every show that I appeared on.
My favorite memory of working with Jeff is from a Beautiful Babes of Wrestling show in West Virginia where I was scheduled to compete in an oil wrestling match in the main event. Before the match, fans in the crowd had a chance to pay to put oil on my opponent, Angel. When the ring announcer asked the crowd if anyone wanted to bid to oil me up, I was surprised by how many hands holding money shot into the air. As the heel, I told the fans to keep their money and insisted that Jeff step into the ring to apply the oil. He sold it like an absolute champ. The look of disgust on his face was priceless.
The attached picture is from the last time I saw Jeff. I invited him to judge a flashback promo challenge at the MCW Training Center, which is where this picture was taken. His encyclopedic knowledge of pro wrestling made him the perfect person to judge as the MCW trainees cut promos in the style of famous wrestlers from the past. Jeff and I had a blast catching up that night.
In addition to pro wrestling, Jeff is remembered for his work as a Spanish teacher and a volunteer at Temple Beth Tfiloh, and his love for Baltimore sports (especially the Orioles and Skipjacks). For his friends from those other venues and for his family, I offer the traditional wish for the bereaved: “May his memory be a blessing.”