Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Orlando, Florida-based actress and performer Julia Reilly, who for a short time portrayed TNA character Claire Lynch, passed away in early April. Her passing was not known in pro wrestling circles until this week, likely in part due to Reilly keeping great distance from pro wrestling after quitting playing the character.
An article published by MemorialDesk.com on 4/3 noting that Reilly was found at home after missing a scheduled event and that her passing was believed to have been natural causes. Her passing is believed to have been on 4/2.
In 2012, Reilly had been hired by TNA to portray Claire Lynch with the storyline being that she was claiming to having had an affair with AJ Styles and was carrying his child. The idea was that heels Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian were utilizing Lynch to smear Styles' good name. The story was that Lynch was a friend of then-TNA President Dixie Carter who Carter was helping get past a drug addiction. After several appearances that saw her turn and then accuse Styles of being the father of her baby, the character disappeared and was written off without Reilly making a final appearance. She was never under contract to the company.
In real life, Reilly quit playing the part when she began dealing with real-life targeted abuse from fans online and we were told at the time she quit that there had been at least one incident with Reilly, who was at the same time playing the cartoon character Olive Oil at the Universal Studios Orlando theme park with a fan who recognized her from TNA television. TNA had attempted to bring her back for a final appearance but Reilly absolutely refused and was done. She never publicly acknowledged her time with TNA ever again.
Reilly graduated from UCF College of Business in 2000 with a BA in Marketing. She worked in a number of roles locally in Orlando, including in recent years as a virtual event moderator as well as roles working as a trade show presenter and corporate spokesperson.
PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to Reilly's family, friends and fans.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
