Former WWE Star Charged With Murdering Wife

The wrestling world was rocked by shocking news as former wrestling star Billy Jack Haynes, known for his iconic career in the ring, was officially charged with murder in connection to the death of his wife. The tragic incident unfolded earlier this month in their Portland, Oregon home, sending shockwaves through the community.

William Albert Haynes Jr., 70, widely recognized by his ring name Billy Jack Haynes, was charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful use of a Weapon in the Feb. 8 killing of his wife, Janette Becraft, 85. Portland police responded to a call of shots fired on the morning of Feb. 8, leading to a two-hour-long standoff before Haynes was taken into custody. Becraft was tragically found dead inside their home.

The news of Becraft’s death reverberated across social media, with her daughter, Kim Becraft Finlay, paying tribute to her mother as a “beautiful soul” now “flying with the angels.” The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, as Haynes was reportedly hospitalized for a medical condition unrelated to the homicide or his encounter with law enforcement.

Haynes’ storied wrestling career spanned 15 years, during which he competed in various wrestling circuits across the Pacific Northwest, Florida, and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. His tenure in the spotlight included memorable matches against wrestling legends such as Ric Flair and Randy Savage, culminating in a spot on the acclaimed 1987 Wrestlemania III card in Detroit.

However, Haynes’ life outside the ring has been marred by controversy and legal battles. In retrospect, he acknowledged involvement with cocaine trafficking rings during the 1980s and claimed to have witnessed a double homicide in 1987, though his accounts were never substantiated. Additionally, Haynes was involved in a lawsuit against WWE, alleging failure to protect wrestlers from head injuries leading to brain damage, which was ultimately denied by the US Supreme Court in 2021.

As Haynes prepares to make his first court appearance, the wrestling community grapples with the sobering reality of a beloved figure facing serious criminal charges. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that lie beneath the surface of public personas and the importance of seeking justice for victims of violence.

The legal proceedings ahead will undoubtedly shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Janette Becraft’s tragic death, as the community mourns the loss of a life and confronts the unsettling realities of domestic violence and its repercussions.