By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
One of the most recognizable pro wrestling fans has died. Rick “Sign Guy” Achberger died on Sunday. Lance Peterson reports that Achberger encountered some health problems a couple of years ago, and started to “go downhill rapidly” last month. Read Peterson’s full announcement via his Twitter/X page.
Powell’s POV: The specific cause of death was not disclosed. I’m not certain of Achberger’s age, but some reports listed him as 58. Achberger, a Texas native, attended over 1,000 events. Achberger was famous for wearing a red hat, a blue workman shirt, and holding up a variety of signs. Although he gained attention for attending WWE events, Achberger also attended shows held by other pro wrestling companies.
Achberger was a contestant on the NBC game show Deal or No Deal in 2007. John Cena, Edge, Bobby Lashley, and Randy Orton appeared on the show with him, and Achberger won $106,000. Achberger had a chance to continue, but Orton comically told him: “You wear the same thing every time we see you. How much money do you possibly need? Take the money.” The full show is available below or via YouTube.com. My condolences to Achberger’s friends and family.
It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of
WWE Sign Guy Rick Achberger, today Sunday 9/27/26.
He was an absolute great guy and loved talking with fans at the shows. He tackled some health problems a couple of years ago, but last month began to go downhill rapidly.… pic.twitter.com/LPgOp1wRFe— Lance peterson (@SMUheavyweight) September 27, 2026
(Jason Powell, founder and editor of ProWrestling.net, has covered pro wrestling full-time since 1997. He hosts the weekly podcast, Pro Wrestling Boom, and appears regularly on the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast. Reach him via email at dotnetjason@gmail.com and on social media via @prowrestlingnet.bsky.social or x.com/prowrestlingnet. For his full bio and information on this website, click here.)
