Former WCW Owner & Turner Broadcasting System Founder Ted Turner Passes Away Aged 87

Published: May 6, 2026 by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: May 6, 2026 by Dave Adamson

Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.

Former WCW Owner & Turner Broadcasting System Founder Ted Turner Passes Away Aged 87

Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and the executive instrumental in bringing WCW to national television, has passed away at the age of 87.

The founder of CNN and owner of WCW, Turner would build a media empire that includes many of the heavy hitters of today, including TBS, the home of AEW Dynamite.

Per the press release issued by Turner Enterprises, Inc:

ATLANTA, GA (Wednesday, May 6, 2026) – On behalf of the Turner family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of philanthropist, environmentalist and cable pioneer Ted Turner who died peacefully today at age 87, surrounded by his family.

Turner was most known for his founding of CNN and many Turner networks (including Cartoon Network, TNT and TCM), donating over a billion dollars, saving imperiled and endangered species, preserving more than two million acres of land and serving bison in his Ted’s Montana Grill restaurants.

He was also a man known for his no-holds-barred delivery, endearing sense of humor, and undying loyalty to those around him. He charmed people he met with his warmth and general lack of conceit, despite his many successes and celebrity – an attribute made apparent in his response to anyone who addressed him as “Mr. Turner” – he’d always reply, “Call me Ted!”

He is survived by his five children – Laura Turner Seydel (Rutherford), Robert E. (Teddy) Turner IV (Blair), Rhett Turner, Beau Turner (Georgia), Jennie Turner Garlington (Peek), fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family has requested privacy during this time as they grieve the death of their beloved
patriarch. A private family service is planned, and a public memorial will be held at a later date, with details to follow.

Turner purchased Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988, later rebranding it as WCW.

The man who gave Eric Bischoff a prime-time television slot for WCW, Turner’s love of professional wrestling put him at odds with other executives at the broadcaster.

The decision to give Bischoff a coveted slot would trigger the Monday Night Wars which saw WCW Nitro go up against the then-WWF Raw.

Ric Flair has since commented on the passing of Ted Turner in a post on Twitter that reads:

“So Sorry To Hear About The Passing Of The Great Ted Turner! The Man That Created Cable Before Cable Was Cool! He Created CNN And Look At It Now! He Rolled The Dice And Wasn’t Afraid Of Taking Risks. He Won The America’s Cup For Sailing!

His Office Looked Like The Hall Of Fame Which Included A Picture Of Him And Khrushchev. On Top Of All Of That, He Created So Many Opportunities For So Many Wrestlers Because Of His Love For Wrestling. Rest In Peace My Friend! Thank You For The Memorable Personal Times That We Spent Together.”

Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) would be acquired by Time Warner in 1996, with WCW continuing to be carried under the new ownership, with the then-WWF buying WCW in 2001.

Our thoughts are with the friends, family and fans of Ted Turner at this time.