Baron Mikel Scicluna Death – Cancer (Liver)
Baron Mikel Scicluna dies after a battle with liver cancer
1929-2010 (Age 80)
In 1980, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter bestowed “The Most Washed-Up Wrestler” award on “Baron” Mikel Scicluna, a dubious honor that proves the maxim “it’s better to be a has-been than a never was.” By 1990, the not-so-good Baron’s best days may have been far behind him, but he was never a flash in the pan.
Born in Malta on July 29, 1929, Scicluna lived in Toronto, Ontario where he became a wrestling fan and knew what he wanted to do with his life.
After a babyface run as Mike Valentino, Scicluna found his calling as the villainous “Baron” Mikel Scicluna, a 6’3 menace with a penchant for using foreign objects and his soon-to-be signature blue cape that he wore to the ring.
Best remembered for a memorable series against then WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino in the 60s, Scicluna would hold the WWWF’s United States Tag Team Championship with Smasher Sloan and the WWWF World Tag Team Championship with King Curtis Iaukea.
Scicluna’s career turned into a role of putting over opponents, and for some fans, he was seen as mere enhancement talent, with fans unaware of his glory days.
In 1996, Scicluna was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame.
According to his obituary in the March 29, 2010 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the Baron worked as a newspaper truck driver to earn a pension. Scicluna was known for working out regularly until close to his death.
The Death of Baron Mikel Scicluna
On March 20, 2010, Baron Scicluna died from cancer that had made its way to his liver and pancreas. He was 80.
Other pro wrestlers who died in 2010 include Angelo Poffo, Chris Kanyon, Giant Gonzalez, Grizzly Smith, Jack Brisco, Lance Cade, Ludvig Borga, Luna Vachon, Mike Shaw, Skandor Akbar, and Trent Acid.
What are your favorite memories of Baron Mikel Scicluna? Let us know in the comments below.
