The wrestling world is saying goodbye to a fan who became part of the show. Following Rick “WWE Sign Guy” Achberger’s death, wrestlers and personalities from across the business have shared memories of his humor, kindness and the signs that made him impossible to miss.
Tributes spread across Twitter/X after Lance Peterson announced Achberger’s passing on September 27, 2026. Alexa Bliss, Big E, Mike Rome, Athena and John Skyler were among those remembering the familiar face in the red hat and blue shirt, with several sharing personal moments that stayed with them.
Big E explained that spotting Rick in the crowd was something he looked forward to. The former WWE Champion remembered their interactions as a consistently enjoyable part of his experience at shows.
“Very sorry to hear of Sign Guy’s passing. Always looked forward to seeing his signature red hat and blue shirt. Our interactions were always fun and light-hearted. My sincerest condolences to Rick and his loved ones.”
Mike Rome paid tribute with a photograph that captured Rick’s sense of humor. Achberger stood beside him holding a pink sign reading, “MIKE ROME’S HAIRDRESSER (I’M SORRY.)” with an arrow pointing toward himself. The announcer’s message made clear that those jokes were welcome. Rome remembered Rick’s creativity and his love of wrestling while acknowledging the absence fans and performers will now feel at shows.
“Rip Rick 💔 always clever, always fun and always loved wrestling. Will miss seeing you and your signs at shows. #wwesignguy #signguy”
Alexa Bliss shared Rome’s post, passing along the photograph and his memories of Achberger. She added a short farewell of her own.
“RIP Rick 🖤”
The tributes also reached beyond WWE, with John Skyler sharing a memory from TNA. He recalled Achberger bringing an anti-Order 4 sign to the first episode of Impact on AMC in Dallas earlier this year, explaining that getting roasted by Sign Guy felt like a milestone.
“Ahh I hate to hear this.
Rick made an anti-Order 4 sign earlier this year at the first episode of Impact on AMC in Dallas…and I felt so accomplished that the world famous Sign Guy got us.
My thoughts are with his friends and family. ❤️”
Athena also joined those mourning Achberger’s death. Her message remembered the kindness behind the signs and offered support to his friends and family.
“Really sad to hear about Rick’s passing , he was always extremely nice. My condolences to his friends and family. #RIPSignGuy”
In the original announcement, Peterson said Achberger had faced health problems a couple of years earlier and began declining rapidly last month. He also remembered Rick as someone who loved talking with other fans at wrestling events.
Rick spent years holding up messages aimed at the people in the ring, and now those people are sending their own messages back. From an announcer laughing at a hair joke to a wrestler feeling he had made it because Sign Guy noticed him, these tributes show how much one devoted fan added to the wrestling experience. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone mourning his loss.
What memories of WWE Sign Guy have stayed with you over the years? Share your favorite signs, encounters and tributes in the comments.
