The WWE community has come together in a major way following a heartbreaking tragedy involving SmackDown referee Daphanie LaShaunn, real name Aja Smith.
Earlier this week, LaShaunn’s family was struck by an unimaginable loss when a house fire claimed the lives of her grandmother, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. In the aftermath, LaShaunn launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and support surviving family members who were left displaced by the fire.
The response from within WWE has been overwhelming. As of this writing, the fundraiser has surpassed $110,000 toward its $160,000 goal, with donations pouring in from current and former WWE talent alike. Liv Morgan and Bayley each donated $5,000, while Kevin Owens stepped up with a $10,000 contribution. Other notable donors include Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, Austin Theory, Zelina Vega, Maxxine Dupri, and veteran referee Charles Robinson. Former WWE stars Shotzi, Scarlett, and CJ Perry (Lana), who is currently signed under a Legends deal, also showed their support.
LaShaunn addressed the tragedy publicly in an emotional Instagram post, sharing photos of the family members she lost and opening up about the pain she and her loved ones are enduring. She spoke about the difficulty of planning multiple funerals while also helping a family of seven — including five children — who were left without a home or belongings.
Beyond the tragic circumstances, LaShaunn’s story carries historic significance within WWE. She joined the company in February 2020 and made history as the first full-time African-American female referee signed by WWE. She later broke another barrier by becoming the first African-American female referee to officiate at WrestleMania. Today, she remains a key part of the SmackDown officiating team.
While nothing can undo such a devastating loss, the outpouring of generosity from WWE’s locker room and fanbase highlights the tight-knit nature of the wrestling world. LaShaunn’s GoFundMe campaign remains active for those looking to contribute or help spread the word during an incredibly difficult time.
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