WWE HOFer Stacy Keibler Pays Emotional Tribute To James Van Der Beek Following His Passing

WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler is mourning the loss of a close friend.

Keibler took to Instagram this week to share a heartfelt message honoring “Dawson’s Creek”and “Varsity Blues” star James Van Der Beek, who passed away Wednesday after battling stage three colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.

In an emotional post, Keibler revealed that she spent time with Van Der Beek in his final days — something she described as a profound and spiritual experience. Alongside her message, she shared a photo of the two watching a sunset together, a moment she said now carries even deeper meaning.

Reflecting on that evening, Keibler wrote that they spoke openly about life, the uncertainty of the world, and something greater beyond it all.

“We talked about how this world can feel upside down… and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here,” she shared. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Keibler noted that a shooting star appeared in the sky — a moment she described as feeling anything but coincidental.

The former WWE star also praised Van Der Beek as a devoted husband to his wife, Kimberly, and a loving father to their six children. She called it a blessing to stand beside the family during such an intimate and difficult time, emphasizing how powerful it was to witness the strength and love surrounding him.

Keibler concluded her tribute with a simple but powerful message of gratitude and remembrance, writing that her friend had changed her life and that she would carry his memory with her always.

News of Van Der Beek’s passing was confirmed on his official Instagram account, where a statement asked for privacy as his family grieves. The actor publicly revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024 and had been undergoing treatment in the months leading up to his death.

While best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek’s impact clearly extended far beyond Hollywood. As Keibler’s moving tribute shows, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched — both on screen and off.

Stacy Keibler Reportedly Confirmed For 2023 WWE Hall Of Fame

It was reported yesterday that a deal was close to being finalized for Stacy Keibler to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. According to PWI Elite, the former WCW Nitro Girl is now “100% confirmed” for the Class of 2023. 

WWE has yet to officially announce Keibler for the prestigious event, but “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair will appear on WWE’s “The Bump” later this week to reveal the next inductee for the Class of 2023. WWE recently announced that Rey Mysterio would be taking his place in the Hall of Fame this year. No further inductees have been revealed since Mysterio was confirmed, though recently retired Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta has been rumored. The ceremony is set to take place after “WWE SmackDown” on Friday, March 31, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, during WrestleMania 39 weekend.

Keibler entered the world of pro wrestling in 1999 after signing a contract with World Championship Wrestling. She initially became a Nitro Girl – a dancer appearing during “WCW Monday Nitro” each week – before becoming a valet for Lenny Lane and Lodi under the Miss Hancock name. Keibler would enter a romantic storyline with David Flair the following year. After Vince McMahon purchased WCW in 2001, Keibler became a part of the WWE roster. The former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant would stay with the Stamford-based organization until July 2006. Her most recent appearance for the company came in 2019 when she inducted Torrie Wilson into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Wants To Bring Stacy Keibler Back

Stacy Keibler

ProWrestling.net is reporting that WWE officials are making a strong effort to bring back Stacy Keibler as an on-air performer. Stephanie McMahon met with Keibler last week while Keibler was in New York hosting the VH1 Blitz concert.n

Stephanie acknowledged on Twitter that she saw Keibler at the taping & that she looked better than ever. They met for 15-20 minutes. Keibler is said to have been reluctant in the past to return but the offer WWE made is lucrative enough that she has been giving it serious consideration.

Anyone Remember Stacy Keibler The Wrestler?

Stacy Keibler has been in the media quite a bit due to her dating and now splitting with actor George Clooney. This is a fantastic interview with Stacy talking about a wide variety of topics mostly from her days in professional wrestling. The picture above is on her page that is still on WWE.com.