ecw Archives

New Jack Death

By Mike Rickard on May 15, 2021 / 2020s, 2021, Heart Failure, Most Popular / Leave a comment

New Jack Death – Heart Attack 1963-2021 (Age 58) ECW alum New Jack has died of a heart attack. He was 58. VICE TV’s Dark Side of the Ring covers the controversial and often seedy side of wrestling and Jerome “New Jack” Young’s life and career was custom-made for the show. However, who was New Jack and did he deserve his controversial reputation? New Jack was known for his brutal style in the ring and his take-no-prisoners attitude that saw him involved in several criminal cases due to his vicious style. New Jack’s role in the infamous Mass Transit incident would forever tarnish his legacy. In November of ’96, Jack brutalized would-be wrestler Erich Kulas at an ECW house show. The incident left the underage teen hospitalized. New Jack was charged with assault and battery, and while he was acquitted, the incident led to the cancellation of ECW’s first pay-per-view,

Rockin’ Rebel Death

By Ryan on June 2, 2018 / 2010s, 2018, Suicide / Leave a comment

Rockin’ Rebel Death – Murder-Suicide 1966-2018 (Age 52) ECW alum Chuck “Rockin’ Rebel” Williams and his wife, Stephanie Burtnett, were both found dead on the morning of June 1st, 2018 after an apparent murder-suicide inside their Chester county, Pennsylvania home. Investigators first confirmed a firearm was involved, but did not immediately confirm which of the two ultimately pulled the trigger. It was later revealed in a press release from the West Goshen Township Police, that Chuck Williams was the gunman: “Initial indications support that Stephanie Williams was shot by her husband. Charles Williams then fatally shot himself.” Rockin Rebel’s Wrestling Career Trained by Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, Williams spent the early 90s with ECW, wrestling under the moniker “Rockin’ Rebel”. He squared off with Tazz, Shane Douglas, and many other notables before transitioning to tag team action with Jimmy Jannetty. In ’95, Williams

John Kronus Death

By Mike Rickard on June 2, 2018 / 2000s, 2007, Dead Before 50, Heart Failure / Leave a comment

John Kronus Death – Heart Failure 1969-2007 (Age 38) George Caiazzo went from bouncing unruly nightclub patrons to bouncing opponents in the ring as John Kronus, one-half of ECW’s famous tag team the Eliminators. Kronus’ time in professional wrestling is best known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling and Xtreme Pro Wrestling. Caiazzo retired in 2002 except for a return to the ECW reunion shows Hardcore Homecoming in 2005. Bouncing into the Business George Caiazzo was born on January 13, 1969 in Everett, Massachusetts. Caiazzo worked as a bouncer at a nightclub managed by Perry Saturn and happened to watch a video of Saturn wrestling. Intrigued, Caiazzo decided to become a wrestler, traveling to Memphis with Saturn in order to split living expenses. Saturn researched Greek mythology and discovered Saturn’s Greek equivalent was Kronus, thus John Kronus was born. The two began working in the United States Wrestling Association

The Sheik Death

By Mike Rickard on May 29, 2018 / 2000s, 2003, Heart Failure / Leave a comment

The Sheik Death – Heart Failure 1924-2003 (Age 76) When wrestling’s roll call of villains is made, it’s unlikely they’ll be anyone as fierce or as brutal as Ed Farhat, better known as the Sheik. The Sheik made opponents bleed night after night and singed many an opponent with his dreaded use of fire. While the Sheik operated out of the Detroit territory he owned, he worked a number of promotions. Unfortunately, his wild matches sometimes led to fast runs before he was shown the door. Nevertheless, Farhat is considered one of wrestling’s greatest heels. Edward Farhat wrestled during television’s Golden Age of Wrestling in the 1950’s. Fans familiar with the bloody and brutal Sheik of the 60’s and 70’s might be surprised by the Sheik’s early persona. As the Sheik of Araby, he portrayed more of the stereotypically wealthy Arab and wrestled, as well as sold for opponents. While

Louie Spicolli Death

By Mike Rickard on December 31, 2017 / 1990s, 1998, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / Leave a comment

Louie Spicolli Death – Drug Overdose 1971-1998 (Age 27) Louie Spicolli was a talented worker with a great sense of humor stymied by a lack of the big man look in vogue during the 1990’s. Nevertheless, Spicolli advanced himself through sheer determination, finding work in ECW, the WWF, and WCW. But success was short lived for Spicolli, in large part to years of abusing the muscle relaxer Soma. Many say Spicolli was on the verge of a break-out in WCW, but unfortunately, his life was cut short. Spicolli suffered a drug overdose at the young age of 27. The Crème de la crème of Enhancement Talent Louis Mucciolo Jr. was a talented athlete in high school, with but one goal—to become a professional wrestler. Mucciolo dropped out of school to begin training as a professional wrestler with ring announcer Bill Laster (aka Billy Anderson). Mucciolo debuted in the WWF just days

Mike Bell Death

By Mike Rickard on October 21, 2017 / 2000s, 2008, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / Leave a comment

Mike Bell Death – Drug Overdose 1971-2008 (Age 37) The number of wrestlers to succumb to personal demons such as drug and alcohol abuse are many, affecting everyone from main event stars to enhancement talent. Such was the case with enhancement talent wrestler “Mad Dog” Mike Bell, who worked in the WWF and told of his struggles with steroid and recreational drug use in the documentary, Bigger, Stronger, Faster. Bell also had a brief run in the original ECW. Football Player Turned Wrestler Mike Bell struggled with weight issues as a child, and was mockingly called “Pugsley,” inspiring him to take to weight lifting and football. According to his brother Chris, Mike earned the nickname “Mad Dog” after beating up the bully’s who teased him in school. Eventually, Bell became captain of his high school football team, and enrolled at the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship. Bell played Division

Bobby Duncum Jr. Death

By Mike Rickard on October 17, 2017 / 2000, 2000s, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / Leave a comment

Bobby Duncum Jr. Death – Drug Overdose 1965-2000 (Age 34) Bobby Duncum Jr. cultivated an image as a tough Texan, much like his wrestling father Bob Duncum Sr. Bobby’s talents brought him to the attention of Japanese promoters as well as Extreme Championship Wrestling before he hit the national stage with WCW. There, he formed a popular team in the faction the West Texas Rednecks. During a recovery from shoulder surgery, Duncum Jr. overdosed on painkillers in January of 2000, dying at the age of 34. A Talented Son Bobby Duncum’s dad was the much-feared brawling cowboy, Bobby Duncum. Like his father, Duncum Jr. could portray a cowboy with ease, cultivating an image as a tough man who was not to be crossed. Given his billed size at 6’6” and 290 lbs. this wasn’t difficult to do. After being trained by former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk, Jr., Duncum Jr.

Nicole Bass Death

By Ryan on February 17, 2017 / 2010s, 2017, Most Popular, Stroke, Women / 1 Comment

Nicole Bass Death – Stroke 1964-2017 (age 52) Nicole Bass died on Friday, February 17th, 2017. She was 52. Earlier this week, Meltzer reported that she had suffered from a stroke. Apparently she was unable to recover. Bass was a professional bodybuilder before transitioning to wrestling. Nicole Bass Wrestling Career First getting her feet wet in ECW, Nicole would eventually make her way to the WWE by 1999. Even with limited wrestling ability, Bass came along at the right time and right place in the WWE’s booming Attitude era. Debra was expecting to take on Sable in an Evening Gown match on the 3/5/99 episode of Raw… instead, she got Nicole Bass Armed with a unique look, the WWE was hoping to strike gold twice, essentially booking Bass as a carbon copy of Chyna – a dominant female who could hang with the boys. Chyna was of course a rousing success for the WWE.

Jimmy Snuka Death

By Ryan on January 15, 2017 / 2010s, 2017, Cancer, Most Popular / 6 Comments

Despite all of his achievements, it’s unlikely Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka will be remembered for his storied career inside the squared circle. These days, the headlines that are following him are far more controversial than the storylines that take place inside the scripted world of wrestling. We’re referring to the death of his girlfriend more than 30 years ago – a woman named Nancy Argentino. Snuka is being charged with Nancy’s murder after changing his original story of the events that took place on the evening of her death – details that only came to light after Snuka himself released them in his autobiography.

Axl Rotten Death

By Ryan on October 23, 2016 / 2010s, 2016, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / 5 Comments

Axl Rotten Death – Drug Overdose 1971-2016 (age 44) Brian Knighton, known to wrestling fans as Axl Rotten, is best known for his run with ECW throughout the 90s. Axl Rotten died from an accidental drug overdose on February 4th, 2016. He was found dead in a McDonalds bathroom in Linthicum, Maryland from a heroin overdose. Please check back soon as we’ll be expanding on the career and death of Axl Rotten.

Big Dick Dudley Death

By Ryan on October 23, 2016 / 2000s, 2002, Dead Before 50, Kidney Failure / Leave a comment

Big Dick Dudley Death – Kidney Failure 1968-2002 (age 34) Alex Rizzo, known to wrestling fans as Big Dick Dudley, will best be remembered for his run with ECW throughout the 90s. Big Dick was the original Dudley, which eventually transitioned into a faction. D-Von and Bubby Ray may be the most well known Dudley’s after successfully moving over and enjoying long careers with the WWE; but Big Dick will always remain the original Dudley. Big Dick Dudley died on May 16, 2002 from kidney failure. According to Irv Munchnick’s book Wrestling Babylon: Piledriving Tales of Drugs, Sex, Death, and Scandal – Big Dick’s kidney failure was brought on from the use of painkillers. He was 34 years old at the time of his death.

Anthony Durante Death

By Ryan on October 23, 2016 / 2000s, 2003, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / Leave a comment

Anthony Durante Death – Drug Overdose 1967-2003 (age 36) Anthony (Tony) Durante, best known to ECW fans as one half of the Pitbulls tag team, died on September 25, 2003. Durante briefly wrestled for the WWF in 1989 as enhancement talent. He wrestled under his real name, Tony Durante. Durante would go on to see the most successful period of his career while working for ECW throughout the mid 90s. He partnered with Gary Wolfe (“Pitbull #1”) to form the Pitbulls. Anthony Durante and his girlfriend overdose Durante died alongside his 29 year old girlfriend – both from apparent heart attacks induced from a drug overdose. Needle marks were found on their bodies, and the prescription OxyContin was found in their Westerly, Rhode Island home. Family The couple’s two infant children were in the home at the time of their deaths. Bob Magee from PWBTS.com, offers a heartbreaking glimpse into what transpired with

Balls Mahoney Death

By Ryan on October 23, 2016 / 2010s, 2016, Dead Before 50, Heart Attack / Leave a comment

Balls Mahoney Death – Heart Attack 1972-2016 (age 44) Jonathan Rechner, known to ECW fans as Balls Mahoney, died on April 12th, 2016. Rechner died from a heart attack. He was 44 years old. Just two months prior to his death, Balls Mahoney’s former ECW tag partner, Axl Rotten passed away after suffering from a heroin overdose. Several other wrestlers passed in 2016 including Blackjack Mulligan, Mr. Fuji, Iron Mike Sharpe, and Frenchy Martin. On October 21st, 2016, the Boston Globe reported that CTE was discovered in Rechner’s brain. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given the hardcore nature of Balls Mahoney’ wrestling style. Earlier this year, we wrote a piece about CTE and the ongoing concussion lawsuit against the WWE. The WWE, along with Mahoney’s former colleagues, have taken to Twitter to pay respects: WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of ECW Superstar Balls Mahoney. pic.twitter.com/Ox8dnQih6R — WWE

Doug Furnas Death

By Ryan on October 22, 2016 / 2010s, 2012, Heart Disease / 1 Comment

Doug Furnas Death – Hypertensive Heart Disease / Atherosclerotic 1959-2012 (age 52) Doug Furnas, best known for his tag team work with Phil Lafon, died on March 2, 2012 from hypertensive heart disease. Furnas was 52 years old at the time of his death. Doug Furnas spent a considerable amount of his career working in Japan, and also competed briefly in Mexico, as well as runs with the WWE, WCW, and ECW. Please check back soon as we’ll be expanding on the career and death of Doug Furnas.

Sunny Days Turn Dark: The Tammy Lynn Sytch Story

By Ryan on January 23, 2016 / Blog / 4 Comments

There was a time in the 90s when Sunny was on top of the world. Often regarded as “The First Diva” – Tammy Lynn Sytch broke into the WWF in 1994. But after the death of her partner, wrestler Chris “Skip” Candido, a downward spiral seemed to take place. Despite a triumphant return for her WWE Hall of Fame induction, Tammy Lynn Sytch has since been soliciting risqué Skype sessions with fans and is currently in discussion with adult film company Vivid Entertainment.

In May of 2015, Sytch was arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Lehighton, PA. The next day, June 1, 2015, Sytch was arrested for another DUI, followed by a third DUI arrest on June 20th – three DUIs within a three week period.

Dusty Rhodes Death

By Ryan on December 30, 2015 / 2010s, 2015, Cancer, Most Popular / 6 Comments

Dusty Rhodes Death – Stomach Cancer 1945-2015 (age 69) One of wrestling’s greats passed away in June of 2015. He was “The American Dream.” Below is the Dusty Rhodes death story. The Son of a Plumber Virgil Runnels or “Dusty Rhodes,” as he was better known, was born in Austin, TX. The son of a plumber, his story was an amazing one as he rose to the wrestling limelight with jiggles and jabs. Rhodes had charisma for miles in the squared circle. Outside of the ring, he was a powerful mind that encouraged and created as a trainer, booker, and commentator. He was also a producer for WWE’s NXT. He died on the morning of June 11, 2015 at the age of 69. Rhodes was captivating. In the 1980s, he was a top draw for the NWA. He was popular for his charm and stood out from other wrestlers because of his “common man” physique

Rocco Rock Death

By Ryan on December 21, 2015 / 2000s, 2002, Dead Before 50, Heart Attack / 3 Comments

Rocco Rock Death – Heart Attack 1953-2002 (age 49) Public Enemy, made up of Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge, was one of the most celebrated and feared tag teams of the 1990s. Together, they won the ECW World Tag Team Championship four times, and also had a brief run as WCW Tag Team Champions. Loved by fans, former welder Teddy Petty (known to wrestling fans as “Rocco Rock”) was in the midst of a successful career in the independent circuit when the Rocco Rock death story occurred. Rocco Rock flips off the top rope, sending Bagwell through two tables. The Events of the Rocco Rock Death On September 21, 2002, Rocco Rock began to have chest pains in his car. At the time, Rocco was on his way to a Pro-Pain show. He was scheduled to face off against Gary Wolfe. Tragically, he died on the New Jersey turnpike while his father and his girlfriend

Andrew “Test” Martin Death

By Ryan on December 20, 2015 / 2000s, 2009, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose, Most Popular / 10 Comments

Andrew “Test” Martin Death – Drug Overdose 1975-2009 (age 33) Andrew Martin has a story that has become all too familiar in the world of professional wrestling. His career showed early promise, but sadly, his demons would get the best of him. Martin debuted in the WWF as “Test” in 1998. His scripted storyline was that he was a former bodyguard for Motley Crue. The gimmick was a good fit as the WWF was transitioned into the Attitude era. Test took part in several memorable storylines, including one involving an engagement to Stephanie McMahon. He would go on to win several belts in the WWE, including the hardcore championship, as well as a tag-team championship run with Booker T. Test was ranked among the top 50 wrestlers by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 2001. Still, Test never seemed to break out of the midcard. Drug Abuse Begins the Andrew Martin Death Story Martin struggled with substance abuse. In late 2007 into 2008, he was arrested on multiple

Nancy Benoit Death

By Ryan on December 20, 2015 / 2000s, 2007, Dead Before 50, Murder, Women / 4 Comments

Nancy Benoit Death – Murdered by husband, Chris Benoit 1964-2007 (age 43) Professional model Nancy Benoit had all eyes on her when she would appear at ECW and WCW events. During her time in the world of professional wrestling, she was most well known for her role as “Woman” in the WCW. She managed a number of notable wrestlers; however, since the shocking details of the Nancy Benoit death story were released to the public, she has become most well known for the tragic way in which she died. A Gruesome Discovery Begins the Nancy Benoit Death Story On June 25, 2007, John Laurinaitis, the then Senior Vice President of Talent Relations for the WWE contacted the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department in Fayetteville, Georgia. Laurinaitis was concerned because no one had heard from Nancy Benoit or her husband, fellow professional wrestler Chris Benoit. Law enforcement officers visited the Benoit family home.

Sherri Martel Death

By Ryan on December 8, 2015 / 2000s, 2007, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose, Most Popular, Women / 5 Comments

Sherri Martel Death – Drug Overdose 1958-2007 (age 49) As a professional wrestler and manager, Sherri Martel was no stranger to controversy. Known to family and friends as Sherri Schrull, she was involved with many dramatic story lines during her time the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, and even a brief stint in ECW. Most notably, Sherri managed Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Ted DiBase, and Shawn Michaels. A Reported History of Drug Abuse Sherri Martel’s career hit a number of bumps despite the fact that she won several women’s wrestling championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. Most notably, she was released from the WWF in 1993 and was fired from the WCW. There are some reports that to cope with her difficulties in life, Sherri abused drugs and that at one point she was admitted to a 21-day in-patient rehab program to overcome her addiction. Details of

Mike Awesome Death

By Ryan on December 8, 2015 / 2000s, 2007, Dead Before 50, Suicide / 3 Comments

Mike Awesome Death – Suicide 1965-2007 (age 42) You have to be a confident person to choose “Awesome” to be part of your wrestling name, and in the ring, Mike Awesome, or Michael Alfonso, definitely carried himself with confidence. During the course of his 17-year career, the heavyweight won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice and the WWF Hardcore Championship twice. He also won several titles with Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling and was ranked in the top 10 of the annual ranking of top singles wrestlers published in Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 2000. Sadly, the events surrounding the Mike Awesome death have largely overshadowed his career in the squared circle. 7 years before his death: Mike Awesome manhandles Kevin Nash in his WCW Nitro debut on April 10, 2000 An Early Retirement After a brief stint with TNA in 2003, Mike Awesome began to compete as a singles wrestler on the independent circuit. He wrestled in

Johnny Grunge Death

By Ryan on December 8, 2015 / 2000s, 2006, Dead Before 50 / 3 Comments

Johnny Grunge Death – Sleep Apnea Complications 1966-2006 (age 39) As one half of the tag team Public Enemy, Mike Durham (known to wrestling fans as “Johnny Grunge”) was most known for his work in ECW with Rocco Rock. The duo were ECW World Tag Team Champions four times, i-Generation Tag Team Champions twice, and also held the NWA World Tag Team Championships, the UCW Tag Team Championships, and even a brief run with the WCW Tag Team belts. After a few years on the independent circuit, their partnership came to a halt and within a short time, the Johnny Grunge death story would shake the wrestling world. Another wrestler, dead before 50. 10 years before Johnny’s death: Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk take on Public Enemy in a mid-90s ECW barbed wire match A Tragic Loss Before the Johnny Grunge Death Story Wrestling together for many years, Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge were

Chris Candido Death

By Ryan on December 5, 2015 / 2000s, 2005, Dead Before 50, Most Popular, Pneumonia / 6 Comments

Chris Candido Death – Pneumonia 1972-2005 (age 33) Before his life was cut short, Skip Candido had an impressive wrestling career spanning several promotions. He is arguably most remembered as being “Skip” from the WWF. Alongside valet (and real-life girlfriend) Sunny – the duo were known as The Bodydonnas. The Bodydonnas gimmick portrayed Skip and Sunny as arrogant work-out freaks, continuously taunting the crowd for being fat and out of shape. Aside from his run with the Bodydonnas, Candido spent a brief period in the WCW. He stayed long enough to pick up a Cruiserweight title, but ultimately would head to the independents. Prior to Candido’s WCW run, he spent 1996-1999 with ECW. He had a successful run with the promotion and was given the moniker “No Gimmicks Needed” – appropriate considering the WWE had given him a pretty ridiculous gimmick with the Bodydonnas. In 1995, Wrestling Observer named Chris Candido the Most Underrated Wrestler of the Year,

Terry Gordy Death

By Ryan on December 5, 2015 / 2000s, 2001, Dead Before 50, Heart Attack / 2 Comments

Terry Gordy Death – Heart Attack 1961-2001 (age 40) Many professional wrestlers don’t make it to age 50. Sadly, Terry Gordy barely made it out of his 30s. This is the Terry Gordy death story. Best known as a member of the infamous Fabulous Freebirds, Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy had a huge following in the 80s. With the rest of the Freebirds, Gordy won the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship on five separate occasions. In the early 90s, Terry held one half of the WCW tag team championship alongside “Dr. Death” Steve Williams. WCCW in the 80s: Terry and the Freebirds in a classic rivalry against the Von Erich’s Beginning in 1996, Gordy had a brief run with the WWF. The less-than-memorable gimmick tagged Terry Gordy as “The Executioner”. He landed a couple of PPV matches, including a feud with the Undertaker, but ultimately left the company. The gimmick wasn’t a great script and as the WWF moved into

Luna Vachon Death

By Ryan on March 1, 2015 / 2010, 2010s, Dead Before 50, Most Popular, Women / 5 Comments

Luna Vachon Death – Drug Overdose 1962-2010 (age 48) Throughout the 90s, most women in the world of professional wrestling were little more than eye candy – designed by the wrestling industry to look good while valeting their male counterpart to the ring. But Luna Vachon was different than her female contemporaries. The adopted daughter of wrestling legend Butcher Vachon, Luna could actually wrestle. Skilled in the ring, Luna was a force to be reckoned with. In 1995, she would be named among the top 500 singles wrestlers by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. And her talents didn’t end in the ring. She was a gifted entertainer on the mic and cut many memorable promos. Although Luna was always over with fans and well-respected from men and women in the wrestling industry, her life was marked by tragedy. Ultimately, the Luna Vachon death story would result in the end of her life at an early age. Luna Vachon cut some terrifying promos

Eddie Guerrero Death

By Ryan on March 1, 2015 / 2000s, 2005, Dead Before 50, Heart Failure, Most Popular / 6 Comments

Eddie Guerrero Death – Heart Failure / Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease 1967-2005 (age 38) The Eddie Guerrero death story was a tragic one that happened on the morning of Sunday, November 13th, 2005. In his early life, Guerrero graduated from El Paso’s Jefferson High School in 1985. He was quick to follow in the footsteps of his family by entering the world of wrestling. His father, Gory Guerrero, had been a well-known wrestler in Mexico, and his three older brothers, Chavo, Hector, and Mando, were all wrestlers as well. Eduardo “Eddie” Guerrero first gained momentum in the early 90s while wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Prior to this he had some brief stints with WCW – initially debuting as a jobber in 1989. His move back to WCW in 1995 would prove more successful, with Guerrero taking part in memorable storylines with DDP, Chris Jericho, and Chavo. 10 years before his death: Eddie Guerrero takes on

Chris Benoit Death

By Ryan on March 1, 2015 / 2000s, 2007, Dead Before 50, Most Popular, Suicide / 23 Comments

Chris Benoit Death – Suicide 1967-2007 (age 40) Chris Benoit was a professional wrestler with a storied career. He was born on May 21, 1967 in Montreal, Quebec. His parents were Michael and Margaret Benoit. Chris grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. Benoit was fluent in both English and French. His career in wrestling spanned twenty-two years and he wrestled for a number of different promotions – most notably in the WCW and WWF. Over the course of his career, Benoit held a staggering twenty-two titles. It is a legacy that still stands, but it was mostly tarnished by the shocking news about his death. The Chris Benoit death story turned the wrestling world upside down. Yet again, mainstream media coverage heavily scrutinized sports entertainment. In his personal life; Chris was married twice. He and his first wife Martina had two children. He had a rocky relationship with his second wife Nancy that was marked by

Matt Osborne Death

By Ryan on March 1, 2015 / 2010s, 2013, Drug Overdose, Most Popular / 2 Comments

Matt Osborne Death – Drug Overdose 1957-2013 (age 55) The early 90s was a transitional period for the WWE. Lots of silly gimmicks came and went. Although the gimmick of Doink the Clown gets a lot of flack by todays standards, there’s no denying that the man under the costume had a lot of talent. I’m of course referring to Matt Borne. Born Matthew Wade Osborne, he was only 55 years old when he died. Early Days in Wrestling Osborne received notriety in the mid 80s as “Maniac” Matt Borne, wrestling with WCCW in Texas. Osborne made his WWF debut in March 1985. He participated in a number of low card matches, including one against Ricky Steamboat at the very first WrestleMania. After a brief break from professional wrestling, he returned to the ring with WCW. He wrestled under the name “Big Josh” from 1991 to 1992. A Villainous Clown Matt Osborne didn’t hit

Bam Bam Bigelow Death

By Ryan on March 1, 2015 / 2000s, 2007, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose, Most Popular / 7 Comments

Bam Bam Bigelow Death – Drug Overdose 1961-2007 (age 45) In the 90s, Scott Charles “Bam Bam” Bigelow was a star in the wrestling world. Born on September 1, 1961 in Asbury Park New Jersey, Bigelow grew into a big guy who stood 6’4 and weighed in at three hundred and ninety pounds. Known for his size and the bold flame tattoo that covered his bald head, he had a long career in the wrestling world that spanned twenty-one years. Bam Bam was noted for being an unusually agile wrestler for his size. He went by a variety of ring names during his career including Bam Bam Bigelow, Bruce Bigelow, Crusher Bam Bam Bigelow, and Crusher Yurkof. Bam Bam lived up to his nickname “The Beast from the East”. He held multiple championships in ECW and WCW. With the WWF he headlined WrestleMania XI, squaring off against NFL star Lawrence

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