awa Archives

The Destroyer Death

By Mike Rickard on January 11, 2020 / 2010s, 2019, Undisclosed Causes / Leave a comment

The Destroyer Death – Undisclosed Causes 1930-2019 (Age 88) Perhaps wrestling’s greatest masked villain, “The Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer worked in various promotions in North America, but achieved his greatest fame in Japan where he was not only a wrestling star, but an all-around celebrity. When he wasn’t wearing the mask, Dick Beyer was well-known and admired in Western New York for his work coaching youth sports as well as his various charitable works. From Buffalo, NY to Around the Globe Born in Buffalo, NY on July 11, 1930, Dick Beyer was a talented athlete and competed in college football for Syracuse University where he played as an offensive lineman and played in Syracuse’s first trip to the Orange Bowl. While the team lost to Alabama, Beyer was a stand-out and served as co-captain in 1952. College football wasn’t the only sport he excelled at as he wrestled an undefeated season

Dick Slater Death

By Mike Rickard on March 4, 2019 / 2010s, 2018 / Leave a comment

Dick Slater Death – Heart Complications 1951-2018 (Age 67) Long before there was “The Lunatic Fringe,” there was “Dirty” Dick Slater, a roughhouse redneck who brawled in and out of the ring; proving he didn’t live his gimmick – he was his gimmick. Slater established himself as one of the baddest men in wrestling during his heyday in the territories in the 1970s and 1980s, eventually retiring due to a back injury in 1996. However, Slater’s wild ways continued long after he left the ring, with some surprised he made it to the age of 67. A Common Beginning for an Uncommon Man Florida native Richard Van Slater showed his toughness wrestling and playing football at the University of Tampa, playing alongside future grappling great Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff. Recruited by wrestler Mike Graham, Slater (like many athletes) heard the siren call of quick cash and entered the squared circle.

Mean Gene Okerlund Death

By Mike Rickard on January 2, 2019 / 2010s, 2019, Accident, Most Popular / 1 Comment

Mean Gene Okerlund Death – Accidental Fall 1942-2019 (Age 76) He was so good at his job that he made it look so easy. After all, how difficult can it be to hold a microphone while a wrestler or manager cuts a promo? Yet as anyone who’s watched other interviewers can see, it’s far more difficult than it looks. Gene Okerlund worked in Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association (AWA) for many years, interviewing wrestlers and also commentating during matches. However, it was his work as an interviewer where he excelled. The man nicknamed “Mean” Gene raised interviews to an art form, becoming wrestling’s greatest stick man including his time in the AWA, WWF, and WCW. Born Eugene Okerlund, the man who would become synonymous with wrestling promos began his broadcast career working for Omaha radio station KOIL before jumping to a local Minneapolis TV station. However, in 1970, Okerlund changed

Brickhouse Brown Death

By Ryan on August 5, 2018 / 2010s, 2018, Cancer / Leave a comment

Brickhouse Brown Death – Cancer 1960-2018 (Age 57) Brickhouse Brown died on July 29th, 2018. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April of 2017. The territory worker was mostly known for his work in the 80s. Brickhouse Brown False Death Report It appeared to be a false finish for Frederick Seawright, better known as territory worker, Brickhouse Brown. The 57 year old flatlined while in hospice care in Mississippi on July 20th, 2018. Brian Blair, President of the Cauliflower Alley Club first reported Brown’s death, and as expected, the social media tributes poured in. Blair had grown close to Brickhouse Brown, the Cauliflower Alley Club had been helping Brown pay his rent after his cancer diagnosis in 2017. That’s when Brickhouse decided it wasn’t quite time to go. Victoria Timmins, Seawright’s mother, said that she slept next to her deceased son awaiting the coroner, when she miraculously heard her

Nikolai Volkoff Death

By Ryan on July 29, 2018 / 2010s, 2018, Most Popular, Undisclosed Causes / Leave a comment

Nikolai Volkoff Death – Undisclosed Causes 1947-2018 (Age 70) Days after being treated and released from a Maryland hospital from dehydration, wrestling legend Nikolai Volkoff has died at age 70. A cause of death has not yet been made public. Real name Josip Nikolai Peruzović, the Croatian turned villainous Russian worked nearly three decades, making his debut back in 1967. Nikolai Volkoff was quickly signed by Vince McMahon Sr.’s WWWF, and by 1974 he was battling company golden boy Bruno Sammartino. Late in ’74, Volkoff moved over to Verne Gagne‘s AWA, wrestling under the moniker “Boris Breznikoff” (though he carried with him the same evil Russian gimmick). He was managed by the late Bobby Heenan during his AWA run. A decade later and Nikolai Volkoff would find himself back with the WWWF for a memorable run – by this time the company was under the control of Vince McMahon Jr.

The Crusher Death

By Mike Rickard on May 27, 2018 / 2000s, 2005 / Leave a comment

The Crusher Death – Brain Tumor 1926-2005 (Age 79) Reggie “The Crusher” Lisowski was one of wrestling’s true working-class heroes, a tough guy who drank beer, smoked cigars, and kicked ass wherever he went. While “The Crusher” was supposed to be a heel, fans couldn’t help but admire his character, turning him into one of wrestling’s most beloved figures. Lisowski’s tag team with his kayfabe cousin Dick the Bruiser added more championships to his already impressive collection of singles and tag team belts. With his Bolo Punch finisher and catchphrase, “How ‘bout dat”? Da Crusher was one of wrestling’s most colorful, yet relatable characters. Lisowski lived until 79 when a brain tumor ended his life. From Working Class Stiff to Working Class Hero Reggie Lisowski was born on July 11, 1926 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a city he would become well-known in. After playing fullback in high school, Lisowski served

Johnny Valiant Death

By Ryan on April 5, 2018 / 2010s, 2018, Accident / Leave a comment

Johnny Valiant Death – Hit by Car 1946-2018 (Age 71) Thomas Sullivan, better known as “Luscious” Johnny Valiant to wrestling fans, was killed after being struck by a pickup truck in Ross Township, Pennsylvania in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 4th, 2018. Ross Township is a suburb of Pittsburgh. Reports indicate Sullivan was crossing a very busy road and was not at a crosswalk. Johnny Valiant’s Wrestling Career Valiant wrestled for the (then) WWWF in the 70s, capturing tag team gold on two separate occasions, including a 1974 run with kayfabe brother “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant that lasted over a year. He teamed with kayfabe brother Jerry Valiant to capture gold in 1979. The duo was managed by the late Captain Lou Albano. Arguably, Johnny Valiant’s most recognizable role took place as a manager. After retiring from in ring competition, Valiant managed Hulk Hogan in the AWA, eventually transitioning

Jerry Blackwell Death

By Mike Rickard on January 4, 2018 / 1990s, 1995, Accident, Dead Before 50 / Leave a comment

Jerry Blackwell Death – Automobile Accident 1949-1995 (Age 45) While today’s wrestling landscape boasts many talented big men, that wasn’t always the case. Wrestling had its big men from the sport’s earliest days, but few could move like Jerry Blackwell or work long matches without looking for the nearest oxygen tank. Jerry Blackwell was a talented worker who helped pave the way for other agile big men such as Bam Bam Bigelow and Vader by showing all that big men could do. Blackwell achieved his greatest fame in Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association (AWA) but enjoyed success in several National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories as well. Unfortunately, Blackwell did not enjoy a long life, dying at the young age of 45. Super-Heavyweight Stand-Out Jerry Blackwell debuted in 1974 at a time when most big men got by on size alone – content to work slow matches where they utilized few holds

Dick the Bruiser Death

By Mike Rickard on January 4, 2018 / 1990s, 1991 / Leave a comment

Dick the Bruiser Death – Internal Bleeding 1929-1991 (Age 62) Richard Afflis earned his nickname “The Bruiser” while playing professional football, but he would become better known in the world of professional wrestling as “Dick the Bruiser,” a gravely-voiced fire hydrant who well, bruised his opponents. Dick the Bruiser was a regular star in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) as well as his own promotion, the World Wrestling Association (WWA). Long before “Stone Cold” Steve Austin entertained fans with his beer-drinking and brawling, there was Dick the Bruiser, a cigar-smoking, beer-drinking roughneck. Whether he wrestled in singles action, or in his famous team with the Crusher, Dick the Bruiser entertained wrestling fans wherever he laced up a pair of boots. From Green Bay Packer to Midwest Mauler Richard Afflis was born on June 27, 1929 in Lafayette, Indiana. The future wrestling legend developed a reputation for roughing up opponents on the

Tom Zenk Death

By Ryan on December 17, 2017 / 2010s, 2017, Heart Disease / 2 Comments

Tom Zenk Death – Heart Disease 1949-2017 (Age 59) Z-Man, Tom Zenk has passed away at age 59. Zenk suffered from heart disease and an enlarged heart. WWF fans may remember him as one half of the Can-Am Connection, opposite Rick Martel. The duo had a brief run in 1987, including an appearance at WrestleMania III. After departing the WWF, Zenk spent most of the late 80s touring Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling. Zenk’s most memorable run came in the early 90s when he joined WCW. Dubbed “The Z-Man”, Zenk won tag team gold with the late Brian Pillman. Battling injuries, Zenk disappeared from the spotlight in the mid 90s. According to the Observer “Zenk testified against Vince McMahon in his 1994 trial, and later, pretty much disappeared after legal threats were made regarding comments he made.” Tom Zenk was the last surviving pro wrestler from Robbinsdale High School’s class

Ox Baker Death

By Mike Rickard on November 22, 2017 / 2010s, 2014, Heart Attack / Leave a comment

Ox Baker Death – Heart Attack 1934-2014 (Age 80) In-ring deaths do happen, albeit infrequently. However, one wrestler credited with killing two opponents in the ring is Ox Baker, an imposing man whose finisher the heart punch, earned him notoriety throughout his career. Given Baker’s size and appearance, he didn’t need it, but that didn’t stop promoters from billing him as a man with a lethal finisher. Baker terrorized the territories and even inspired fans to riot. He proved to be multi-talented, working not only as a wrestler, but an actor, trainer, and cook. The Imposing Iowan Douglas A. Baker was born on April 19, 1934 in Missouri, but grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. Baker excelled at high school athletics but was kicked out of school for reasons unknown. After two years’ service in the military, he trained under wrestling legend Pat O’Connor (amongst others) before debuting in 1962. At 6-foot-5,

Uncle Elmer Death

By Mike Rickard on November 22, 2017 / 1990s, 1992, Kidney Failure / Leave a comment

Uncle Elmer Death – Kidney Failure 1937-1992 (Age 54) Best known for his work as “Uncle Elmer” during his run alongside Hillbilly Jim, Cousin Luke, and Cousin Junior, big man Stanley Frazier wrestled in the south, including a run in Memphis wrestling where he worked under a variety of aliases. Plagued by diabetes, Frazier died at the age of 54, but he left a lasting impression on fans who grew up watching the WWF during the height of the Rock-n-Wrestling Era. Southern Stardom Stan Frazier’s wrestling career dates back to the 1960’s when he enraged fans with his brutal beatdowns of babyfaces as the masked man known as “The Convict.” While Frazier was never considered a gifted worker, his size and weight (6’10” and 400 or more lbs.) made him an imposing presence in the ring. One memorable program was his feud with Bobo Brazil, with Frazier having the distinction of

Verne Gagne Death

By Mike Rickard on November 4, 2017 / 2010s, 2015 / 1 Comment

Verne Gagne Death – Alzheimer’s Disease 1926-2015 (Age 89) Although Verne Gagne’s last years would be plagued by health problems and controversy, the Minnesota native boasted a storied career as both a wrestler and promoter, creating one of professional wrestling’s most prestigious promotions. A national superstar at a young age, Gagne helped launch the careers of some of wrestling’s biggest names. The Road to the Ring LaVerne Gagne was born on February 26, 1926 in Minnesota and raised on a farm. His father owned a saloon, but young LaVerne was determined to become a wrestler, not a saloon keeper. Gagne wrestled at the University of Minnesota, where he won four heavyweight championships in the Big Nine (the forerunner to the Big Ten) as well as two NCAA championships. When World War Two broke out, Gagne joined the Marines, training his fellow Leathernecks in hand-to-hand combat. After the war, Gagne completed his

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

Bobo Brazil Death

By Mike Rickard on November 1, 2017 / 1990s, 1998, Stroke / 1 Comment

Bobo Brazil Death – Stroke 1924-1998 (Age 73) WWE Hall of Famer Bobo Brazil began wrestling in 1951, his famous name coming after a printer misspelled his name at the time. Known for his headbutt finisher the Coco Butt, Brazil battled racial prejudice, winning over even the most biased of people. A Typo Creates a Legend Houston Harris, the man who would become world-famous as Bobo Brazil was born on July 10, 1925 in Little Rock, Arkansas but grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. Harris trained under grappler Joe Savoldi, debuting in 1951. Harris wrestled as “Boo Boo” Brazil until a printer’s error listed him as “Bobo” Brazil. Bobo was born and the name stuck. At the time, segregation in the South normally limited African-American wrestlers to only wrestling other African-American wrestlers, but Brazil proved so popular that promoters put aside their prejudices in order to make money. A Legendary

Nick Bockwinkel Death

By Mike Rickard on October 17, 2017 / 2010s, 2015, Undisclosed Causes / Leave a comment

Nick Bockwinkel Death – Undisclosed Causes 1934-2015 (Age 80) Nick Bockwinkel enjoyed a long and successful career in Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association (AWA), boasting tag team and singles world championships. Working as a cocky scientific heel, Bockwinkel taunted fans with his expansive vocabulary and uncanny ability to steal victory from certain defeat. Outside the ring, he was respected by his peers and the industry, lending prestige to any project he worked on. A Family Tradition Nick was born on December 6th, 1934, the son of pro wrestler Warren Bockwinkel. Nick attended the University of Oklahoma on a football and wrestling scholarship until a knee injury ended his football career. Undaunted, Nick trained under his dad along with talented wrestlers such as Lou Thesz, Lord James Blears, Gene Kiniski, and Wilbur Snyder. Although he was drafted into the army in 1958, he still found time to wrestle. Wrestling is known for

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan Death

By Ryan on September 18, 2017 / 2010s, 2017, Cancer, Most Popular / 3 Comments

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan Death – Throat Cancer 1944-2017 (Age 72) Bobby “The Brain” Heenan has died at age 72, losing his battle with throat cancer. WWE confirmed the news this evening. In 2002 Heenan announced his cancer diagnosis, though in subsequent years he still made appearances, communicating to fans through his wife. WWE commentator Jim Ross first broke the news about Bobby Heenan’s death via Twitter, noting “The news of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan’s passing today gutted me. I loved our time together. No one ever did it better than the Wease.” Bobby Heenan – The Wrestler, Manager A legendary manager and color commentator, Bobby Heenan wrestled throughout the 60s and 70s, but his most recognized roles came from outside the ring. Heenan managed a long list of talent throughout the 80s and early 90s including King Kong Bundy, Big John Studd, Rick Rude, Paul Orndoff, Andre the Giant, Mr.

Chavo Guerrero Sr. Death

By Ryan on February 11, 2017 / 2010s, 2017, Cancer / 2 Comments

Chavo Guerrero Sr. Death – Liver Cancer 1949-2017 (age 68) WWE has confirmed the death of Chavo Guerrero Sr. He was 68 years old. Slam is reporting that his cause of death was due to liver cancer. The Guerrero Legacy The last name Guerrero is synonymous with professional wrestling. Chavo Sr. was the son of Gory Gurrero, and older brother to Eddie Guerrero. Chavo Sr’s son, Chavo Jr., spent time with WWE, WCW, TNA, and most recently, a run in Lucha Underground. Chavo Sr. was a well known worker throughout the 70s and 80s, having spent time in Japan as well as the AWA. Chavo Sr. makes short work of Arn Anderson, December 1982. Family Feud Younger fans will likely recognize Chavo as “Chavo Classic” from his WWE run in 2004. Chavo was part of a memorable program with his son, Chavo Jr., where the pair feuded with Eddie Guerrero. WWE Cruiserweight

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.

Lou Thesz Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 2000s, 2002, Surgery Complications / 1 Comment

Lou Thesz Death – Complications from Heart Surgery 1916-2002 (age 86) Debuting all the way back in 1932, the legendary Lou Thesz enjoyed a five-decade career in professional wrestling. Fans and wrestling historians alike often credit Lou Thesz as one of the best wrestlers of all time. A Wrestling Innovator Thesz spent time with the AWA, NWA, Stampede, among other promotions. He is credited with the creation of many moves which are still used in modern wrestling today, including the German suplex and powerbomb. Surgery Complications Lou Thesz underwent triple bypass surgery on April 9, 2002. Sadly, he wouldn’t make it to the end of April. On April 28, 2002, Thesz died as a result of complications from heart surgery. He was 86. Thesz was cremated, his ashes spread in the Meramec River in St. Louis.

Wahoo McDaniel Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 2000s, 2002, Kidney Failure / 3 Comments

Wahoo McDaniel Death – Kidney Failure 1938-2002 (age 63) Edward McDaniel, best known by his nickname, “Wahoo” McDaniel, enjoyed a long career in both professional wrestling, as well as professional football. Most notably, Wahoo played for the Jets in the 60s. Wahoo began splitting his time between football and wrestling, eventually transitioning to wrestling full time by the late 60s. Wahoo’s Wrestling Career McDaniel spent time with various territories including the WWWF, NWA, Mid-Atlantic, AWA, WWC, and CWF. Throughout his career, Wahoo had notable feuds with Roddy Piper, Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Gino Hernandez, and Greg Valentine, to name a few. Wahoo McDaniel Death By 1996, McDaniel was retired. Sadly, he wouldn’t live much longer. Wahoo McDaniel died on April 18, 2002 at the age of 63. According to the NY times, he had suffered from kidney failure. McDaniels was on a waiting list to receive a kidney transplant. Edward McDaniel was cremated.

Sir Oliver Humperdink Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 2010s, 2011, Cancer, Pneumonia / 1 Comment

Sir Oliver Humperdink – Complications from Pneumonia and Bladder Cancer 1949-2011 (age 62) John Sutton, known to wrestling fans as Sir Oliver Humperdink, was a manager with a career spanning three decades. Perhaps best known as the manager for the original Hollywood Blonds, Sir Oliver also managed several other notable talent including Greg Valentine, and One Man Gang early in their careers. 1980: Sir Oliver with the late Lord Alfred Hayes Sir Oliver and Bam Bam After spending considerable time with FCW (Florida), Sir Oliver transitioned to the WWF (now WWE) in 1987. He managed Bam Bam Bigelow, notably making an appearance at WrestleMania IV. The duo would move to NWA in 1988. By the early 90s, Humperdink was with WCW under the unfortunate moniker of “Big Daddy Dink”. Notably during his WCW Run, Humperdink managed one of the last incarnations of the Freebirds. Sir Oliver Humperdink Death Slam reports that Humperdink

Mad Dog Vachon Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 2010s, 2013 / Leave a comment

Mad Dog Vachon Death – Natural Causes 1929-2013 (age 84) Joseph Maurice Régis Vachon, best known to wrestling fans as “Mad Dog” Vachon, wrestled for the AWA throughout the 70s and 80s. Born in Montreal, Mad Dog is the uncle of the late Luna Vachon. Mad Dog Vachon peacefully died in his sleep on November 21, 2013. He was 84.In 2010, Mad Dog Vachon was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Please check back soon as we’ll be expanding on the career and death of Mad Dog Vachon.

Buddy Rose Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 2000s, 2009 / 3 Comments

Buddy Rose Death – Natural Causes 1952-2009 (age 56) Paul Perschmann, best known to wrestling fans as “Playboy” Buddy Rose, started his wrestling career in the early 70s, working all the way into the early 90s. Buddy Rose wrestled for Pacific Northwest Wrestling, the AWA, as well as two brief runs with the WWF in both 1982-1983 and 1990-1991. Rose primarily worked as a heel, although in June of 1983 he made one of the biggest face turns in Portland wrestling history: Buddy Rose and the WWF Buddy’s first run with the WWF was the most successful of the two stints – he was managed by the Grand Wizard and was an upper carder. Rose also holds the distinction of wrestling in the very first match of the very first WrestleMania – working under the moniker of “The Executioner” against Tito Santana. Buddy’s second WWF run in the early 90s would prove

Buzz Sawyer Death

By Ryan on October 25, 2016 / 1990s, 1992, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose / 3 Comments

Buzz Sawyer Death – Drug Overdose 1959-1992 (age 32) Bruce Woyan, best known to wrestling fans as “Mad Dog” Buzz Sawyer, was a fixture in 1980s professional wrestling. Buzz Sawyer spent time with various territories, including NWA, UWF, Mid-South, WCCW, WCW, among others. He spent a short stint with the WWF in 1984, managed by the late Captain Lou Albano. Last Battle of Atlanta In the early 80s, Buzz had a bloody feud with “Wildfire” Tommy Rich, including the legendary 1983 match inside an enclosed cage – the first match of its kind, dubbed the “Last Battle of Atlanta”. Shawn Michaels notes the “Last Battle of Atlanta” as the inspiration for the WWE’s “Hell in a Cell” – a PPV that’s still prevalent today. Arguably, Buzz Sawyer saw the most success while working for Fritz Von Erich‘s Texas-based WCCW. In 1986, he won WCCW tag team gold alongside the late Matt Osborne

Fritz Von Erich Death

By Ryan on October 23, 2016 / 1990s, 1997, Cancer / 7 Comments

Fritz Von Erich Death – Brain and Lung Cancer 1929-1997 (age 68) Jack Adkisson, best known under his ring name of Fritz Von Erich, was a pioneer in the Texas territory of professional wrestling. Fritz was trained by the late Stu Hart in the 1950s. Throughout the 80s, Fritz was president of WCCW – a promotion in which his wrestling sons were the faces of the company. Crowds would pack the Dallas Sportatorium to see the Von Erichs square off against the rival Freebirds. Wrestling’s Cursed Family In one of the most talked about series of events in wrestling history, Fritz Von Erich would end up seeing five of his six sons buried. Fritz’ first son, Jack, died in 1959 from an accidental electrocution. Jack was only 7 years old. In 1984, David Von Erich, the star of WCCW died under speculated circumstances during a trip to Japan. He was 25. Three years

Buddy Roberts Death

By Ryan on October 20, 2016 / 2010s, 2012, Pneumonia / 3 Comments

Buddy Roberts Death – Pneumonia 1947-2012 (age 65) Dale Hey, or “Buddy Roberts”, as he was known to wrestling fans, rose to fame in the 80s with the Fabulous Freebirds. Prior to his run with the ‘Birds, Buddy was part of the original Hollywood Blondes, alongside Jerry Brown. Though the Hollywood Blondes name is more commonly linked to Steve Austin and the late Brian Pillman, the original incarnation is not to be overlooked. In 2012, Jim Ross noted “the original Hollywood Blondes of Roberts and Brown were one of the most underrated tag teams ever in the business.” The Fabulous Freebirds Alongside his Freebird cohorts, Michael “PS” Hayes and Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy, Buddy Roberts and the Freebirds were a fixture of 1980s professional wrestling. Perhaps their most notable feud taking place against the Von Erichs in WCCW. The Von Erich’s were the baby faces of WCCW, a promotion which was owned by

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

Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig Death

By Ryan on December 5, 2015 / 2000s, 2003, Dead Before 50, Drug Overdose, Most Popular / 6 Comments

Curt Hennig Death – Drug Overdose 1958-2003 (age 44) Curt Hennig was undoubtedly one of the most beloved wrestling personalities in and out of the ring during his time with the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling. The son of Larry “The Axe” Hennig, Curt came from Minnesota – a wrestling territory that also gave us greats like the late Rick Rude. Over the course of his more than 20-year career, Curt won numerous titles, including the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. But it was the WWF where he would hit the national stage. Curt would go on to win the Intercontinental Championship with the WWF, working under the gimmick that wrestling fans still fondly remember today as “Mr. Perfect”. Many people believed Hennig would wrestle long into his 50s, but ultimately, the Mr. Perfect death story would cut his career and his life tragically short. The Events of the Mr. Perfect Death

Yokozuna Death

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

Yokozuna Death – Pulmonary Edema 1966-2000 (age 34) Rodney Agatupu Anoa’i was a professional wrestler, best known by his ring name of Yokozuna. Born on October 2, 1966, Yoko was one of the most recognized figures in the early 90s era of the WWF. He was only 34 years old when he passed. Yoko’s extremely large size helped catapult him to the top of the card. He weighed in at over five hundred pounds. He was a two time World Wrestling Federation champion. He was a winner of the 1993 Royal Rumble. Yokozuna was the first wrestler of Samoan descent to become a WWF champion and to hold a Royal Rumble victory. Despite success with the WWF, one couldn’t help but think that the Yokozuna death was always looming. There’s simply no way any human being can remain in good health while being several hundred pounds over weight. Sadly, the large size that

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