A well-known wrestling fan among WWE and AEW enthusiasts has passed away this weekend.
Indeed, it has been confirmed that the fan Rick, better known as “Sign Guy” (the guy with the sign), died this weekend due to health issues that had affected him in recent years. Rick Achberger was the era’s popular and recognized fan, somewhat like the “Green Shirt” of 2026.
He was always ringside wearing his blue shirt, a red cap, and a white tee, but most notably with a creative sign. He consistently brought signs addressed to the wrestlers that left a lasting impression on audiences.
Rick typically attended 40 to 50 shows per year, with his last WWE appearance taking place on SmackDown on May 1, 2026. In the wake of the announcement of his passing, several figures from the world of wrestling paid tribute, including Triple H:
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13;“Deeply saddened to hear of Rick Achberger’s passing, better known to the WWE Universe as ‘Sign Guy’. For decades, Rick was a fixture at the shows, proudly carrying a sign that expressed exactly how he felt about you. He will be missed by the entire WWE family. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.”
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Matt Hardy also reflects on his moments with the fan:
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13;“Sad to learn of Rick Achberger’s death, known by most as ‘WWE Sign Guy’. Rick was an amazing person. He was also the best wrestling fan you could hope for. He crafted thoughtful signs for both the good guys and the bad guys and fully played along with the show. I always loved running into him. Rest in peace, Rick.”
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Rusev highlights Rick’s great creativity:
&#
13;“Sign Guy dedicated hours upon hours of work to design the best signs you could see across all sports and entertainment. His creativity was unmatched. His ‘street vendor’ sign featuring Lana moving around made me smile, and he knew it. When I looked at Rick, all he said was: ‘Thank you.’ Rick loved wrestling passionately, and we loved him back. Thank you for everything, Rick.”
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Saddened to hear of the death of Rick Achberger, known to the WWE Universe as ‘Sign Guy.’ For decades, Rick was a fixture at events holding a sign that expressed exactly how he felt about you that given evening. He will be missed by the entire @WWE family. We send condolences to… pic.twitter.com/tunxfnorgZ
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 28, 2026
Sad to learn of the death of Rick Achberger, known as “WWE Sign Guy” by most. Rick was a great guy in general. He was also the best wrestling fan you could ask for. He made witty signs for both the good & bad guys & rolled with the program. I always loved seeing him. RIP Rick 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SXcgj1Ae2E
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) September 28, 2026
Sign guy put hours and hours of work into the best signs any sport or entertainment can have. His creativity was unmatched. The street walker sign with a moving Lana made me smile and he saw it. When i looked at Rick all he said was “Thank you”. Rick loved wrestling and we loved…
— Rusev (@ToBeMiro) September 28, 2026
The entire Catch-Newz team extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Rick Achberger.
