WCW wrestler Ice Train had the size and look in fashion but never found major success.
Ice Train Death – Undisclosed Causes
1967-2024 (Age 56)
In an era when bigger was better, 6’2” muscleman Ice Train (aka Harold Fitzgerald Hogue) seemed like a good match for professional wrestling.
Hogue competed in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Germany’s Catch Wrestling Association (CWA).
Harold Hogue was born on November 13, 1967, in Atlanta, Georgia. A skilled football player, he played as a defensive tackle for Ohio’s Central State University, eventually entering the school’s Hall of Fame in 2021. His ability to bench press 525 pounds made him the team’s most powerful player.
Entering the Squared Circle
In 1993, Harold Hogue began competing in WCW as Ice Train. With a mix of size and speed, Ice Train seemed like a potential star. WCW pushed him for months with an undefeated streak until he finally lost to Ron Simmons at Clash of Champions XXVI.
Train left WCW in 1994 and went to work in Otto Wanz’ CWA. There, he won the promotion’s 1995 Catch Cup tournament. The big man returned to WCW in 1996, forming a tag team with Scott Norton known as Fire and Ice.
They enjoyed some success in WCW and feuded with the Steiner Brothers. The team eventually broke up and Hogue feuded with Norton. Train returned to singles action before leaving WCW for the CWA again in 1997, competing there in 1997 and 1998.
Although he never won championship gold in WCW, Hogue always seemed to be in demand. In 2000, he returned there during the New Blood vs Millionaire’s Club angle, working under the name “M.I. Smooth.” Ice Train remained until WCW’s 2001 demise, retiring from wrestling afterward.
During his career, Hogue battled some of WCW’s top stars including Road Warrior Animal, Chris Benoit, Diamond Dallas Page, and Kanyon.
Harold Hogue stayed retired other than a 2019 match in the European Wrestling Promotion.
The Death of Ice Train
On January 23, 2024, Hogue’s friend Diamond Dallas Page notified fans via Instagram of Hogue’s death, writing:
It was so Sad to hear, that one of my closest brothers is gone. Harold Houge aka H aka Ice Train aka Smooth was a warrior and one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Our 30 year relationship was filled with laughter & brotherhood. We were always there for each other. Our families are one family. One of my fondest memories was the Christmas the two of us headed into the inner city to help many of the less fortunate families have a better Christmas. As you can see we got on our favorite Christmas outfits and headed out to spread some cheer. I’ve also included one my favorite pictures of H & my mom Sylvia at Payge’s & my wedding. I will put up a tribute video up later next week. I just don’t have the strength to do it yet.
RIP my brother!
You will be missed but never forgotten!
Much Love & Respect🙏
DDP
Harold Hogue’s Sister Pays Tribute to Him
Harold Hogue’s sister would pay tribute to him on Facebook:
“In loving memory of our dear brother, Harold Hogue, who peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home this morning. Grateful that he was surrounded by the love of his wife, children, and siblings, both in person and virtually. He leaves a legacy of excellence in family, faith, football, professional wrestling, mentorship and protecting his little sister. Arrangement details will be shared once available.”
Ice Train’s cause of death is undisclosed. Ice Train was 56.
What are your favorite memories of Ice Train? Let us know in the comments below.
Other wrestlers who died in 2024 include Ole Anderson, Chris Markoff, Paul “Butcher” Vachon, and Virgil.
