The Grand Wizard Death – Heart Attack
Ernie Roth, best known as “The Grand Wizard” – Dead at 57. photo: wwe.com
1926-1983 (age 57)
Irwin “Ernie” Roth, best known to wrestling fans as The Grand Wizard, died on October 12, 1983 from a heart attack.
Roth worked Detroit territories in the 60s, managing under the moniker of “Abdullah Farouk”.
He played a middle eastern who loved to taunt the U.S. crowds – essentially creating the blueprint for “evil foreign” heel managers.
Wizard was a heat magnet, and wrestling historians often cite him as one of the best managers of all time.
The Grand Wizard joins WWWF
Roth joined the WWWF in the 70s when it was under ownership of Vince Sr. He took on clientele including the late Mr. Fuji, who would go on to become a legendary heel manager in his own right.
Madison Square Garden 1975: The Grand Wizard with his client, Killer Kowalski. photo: wwe.com
Ernie Roth Death
On October 12, 1983 Ernie Roth suffered a heart attack. Sadly, he would not recover. He was 57 years old.
Ernie Roth was cremated and it’s not public knowledge who his ashes were given to.
Roth was inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame in 1995.
