1980s Archives

Eddie Graham Death

By Mike Rickard on March 11, 2018 / 1980s, 1985, Suicide / 1 Comment

Eddie Graham Death – Suicide 1930-1985 (Age 55) Eddie Graham broke into fame when he became the storyline brother of wrestler Dr. Jerry Graham. From there, Eddie saved his money until he was able to buy into Championship Wrestling from Florida, one of the National Wrestling Alliance’s premier territories. Eddie became known as a shrewd businessman and clever booker, with a much-admired mind for the business. However, personal demons took down what could have been an even greater career. After a sudden business misfortune, Graham took his own life on January 21, 1985 at the age of 55. How the YMCA Led to Graham’s Career Edward Gossett was born on January 15, 1930 in Dayton, Tennessee. Gossett was born blind in one eye, but that would hardly slow down his career. Eddie came from a troubled home and sold newspapers while living in Chattanooga. The newspaper provided YMCA gym memberships

Haystacks Calhoun Death

By Mike Rickard on March 11, 2018 / 1980s, 1989 / Leave a comment

Haystacks Calhoun Death – Diabetes 1934-1989 (Age 55) One of professional wrestling’s attractions is that it offers something for everyone. Looking for skilled technicians? Wrestling has boasted some of the world’s premier amateur wrestlers. Looking for high-flyers who could work as acrobats and gymnasts? Wrestling has provided gravity-defying artists to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Want to see a larger-than-life worker who define the word spectacle? Look no further than Haystacks Calhoun, one of wrestling’s most successful big men. At 6’6” tall and a quarter ton of mass, Calhoun provided promoters with a top draw wherever he worked. “Haystacks” wowed audiences with his size, strength, and remarkable display of wrestling skills for a man his size. He cultivated a character of a lovable hillbilly with his overalls, bushy hair, and trademark lucky horseshoe. Calhoun was a top star in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s until weight-related issues

Peter Maivia Death

By Mike Rickard on January 7, 2018 / 1980s, 1982, Cancer, Dead Before 50 / Leave a comment

Peter Maivia Death – Cancer 1937-1982 (Age 45) Peter Maivia, legendary elder in the Anoa’I wrestling dynasty distinguished himself during his life as one of the toughest men in the business, a top star, and a warm human being. Although the Samoan native only lived to 45, he passed on a rich legacy that few could have anticipated. American Samoan Star Leifi Pita Maivia Fanene was born on April 6, 1937 in America Samoa, living there until he moved to New Zealand, where he made his professional wrestling debut. Working as Peter Maivia, the young star trained under New Zealand promoter and wrestler Steve Rickard. He found championship success in New Zealand and Australia during the early years of his career. Although Maivia maintained contact with his Samoan homeland, he traveled the world, including a tour in England. Maivia quickly established himself as a rising star and was seen as one

Andy Kaufman Death

By Mike Rickard on December 7, 2017 / 1980s, 1984, Cancer, Dead Before 50 / 1 Comment

Andy Kaufman Death – Lung Cancer 1949-1984 (Age 35) Although Andy Kaufman was often billed as a comedian, his place in history isn’t so simple. Part actor, part performance artist, and yes, part comedian – Andy was a multifaceted entertainer. Today, we dive into Kaufman’s run as a professional wrestler. That’s right, the self-proclaimed “Intergender Champion”. Kaufman truly left behind a legacy just as strange as he would have hoped for… A Born Entertainer Andy Kaufman was born on January 17, 1949 in Queens, New York. Growing up in upper-middle class Great Neck Long Island, young Andy entertained his friends and family from the time he was an infant, dancing in his crib to music and eventually entertaining people at birthday parties. A tumultuous childhood saw Andy experiment with drugs and father an out-of-wedlock child (who was turned up for adoption but later connected with Kaufman’s family in 1992). However, he

Adrian Adonis Death

By Mike Rickard on November 4, 2017 / 1980s, 1988, Accident, Dead Before 50 / 1 Comment

Adrian Adonis Death – Car Accident 1954-1988 (Age 33) The life of a wrestler contains many potential dangers – the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol, the temptation of easy romance, and the dangers of the road. Keith Franke, better known as Adrian Adonis found his way on the road to wrestling success, but a tragic road accident ended his career in an instant, leading fans to wonder how things might have otherwise turned out for the young star. Buffalo Brawler Born September 15, 1954, Buffalo, NY native Keith Franke trained under wrestling star Fred Atkins, a man known for his tough conditioning regimen (Atkins reportedly trained the Buffalo Sabres hockey club during its first year). Franke debuted in 1974, and worked under his real name initially. By the early 80s, however, he was a leather-clad biker, working under the moniker Adrian Adonis. Adonis improved his skills, eventually landing in Verne Gagne’s

Rick McGraw Death

By Mike Rickard on October 17, 2017 / 1980s, 1985, Dead Before 50, Heart Attack / Leave a comment

Rick McGraw Death – Heart Attack 1955-1985 (Age 30) Journeyman wrestler Rick McGraw found his career defined as much by the circumstances involving his death as his actual career. McGraw enjoyed modest success in the territories and seemed destined for a good run in the WWF as one of its top enhancement talents. However, a sudden heart attack took his life at age 30, shocking the wrestling world and leading to rampant speculation about the true circumstances of his death. Starting Off in Florida Born in 1955, Rick McGraw first entered the squared circle in 1976, beginning in Florida, and eventually traveling to territories such as Continental Wrestling, the World Wrestling Association, and Jim Crockett Promotions. A memorable run in Memphis saw McGraw team with Troy Graham as “The New York Dolls,” a heel team that led to the creation of “The Fabulous Ones” when babyface Jackie Fargo claimed the Dolls

The Grand Wizard Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 1980s, 1983, Heart Attack / 1 Comment

The Grand Wizard Death – Heart Attack 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. Throughout his career, Wizard managed a long list of talent, including Killer Kowalski, The Sheik, Sgt. Slaughter, Kamala, Ox Baker, Cowboy Bob

Gino Hernandez Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 1980s, 1986, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / 2 Comments

Gino Hernandez Death – Drug Overdose 1957-1986 (age 28) Charles Wolfe, best known to wrestling fans as “The Handsome Half Breed” Gino Hernandez, wrestled in the Southern territories throughout the late 70s and early 80s. Considered one of the best heels in the business, Gino is well remembered for his run with WCCW in Dallas, a promotion operated by the late Fritz Von Erich. Dubbed the “Dynamic Duo”, Hernandez teamed with “Gentleman” Chris Adams for a very memorable program with the baby faced Von Erich brothers. The Sportatorium crowds ate up the feud, drawing huge money for WCCW in the mid 80s. Gino Hernandez Death, Murder Rumors Friends became concerned for Gino’s well being when he was missing shows and not returning phone calls. Ultimately law enforcement and a group of Gino’s friends broke into his apartment on February 2, 1986. Sadly, they would find Gino’s lifeless body. He was only 28

Bruiser Brody Death

By Ryan on October 23, 2016 / 1980s, 1988, Dead Before 50, Most Popular, Murder / 3 Comments

Bruiser Brody Death – Murdered 1946-1988 (age 42) Frank Goodish, best known to wrestling fans as Bruiser Brody, enjoyed a successful run in the professional wrestling world throughout the 80s… before his untimely murder. Brody was in innovator with hardcore-style matches, often leading to blood from him or his opponent, and occasionally moving the action from the ring to the middle of the audience. This was of course during a time that was well before the existence of ECW, so the crowds were fascinated by Brody’s rough style. Trained by the legendary Fritz Von Erich, Bruiser Brody spent time with dozens of organizations, including the NWA, WWWF, and of course Fritz’ Texas-based, WCCW. Bruiser Brody’s chaotic feud with Abdullah the Butcher is the stuff of wrestling legend. Here they are in the video below in an outdoor brawl for NWF. There can’t be more than a couple hundred people in attendance, but Bruiser

Mike Von Erich Death

By Ryan on October 20, 2016 / 1980s, 1987, Dead Before 50, Suicide / 6 Comments

Mike Von Erich Death – Suicide 1964-1987 (age 23) If you were a wrestling fan during the territory days, you were undoubtedly familiar with the infamous Von Erich family. Lead by Fritz Von Erich, who would develop the Texas territory with his promotion, WCCW, The Von Erich name quickly became synonymous with professional wrestling throughout the early 80s. Sadly, the Von Erich name is now more often associated with “wrestling’s cursed family”. Mike Von Erich, one of five wrestling brothers in the Von Erich family, started his career in 1983. Although his surname helped get him over, Mike’s career didn’t see the same breakout success as brothers Kerry, David, or Kevin. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, as it’s been said that Mike never showed too much enthusiasm toward becoming a professional wrestler to begin with. Perhaps the pressures of being born into a wrestling family got the best of

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