cancer Archives

Pat Patterson Death

By Mike Rickard on December 2, 2020 / 2020, 2020s, Most Popular / Leave a comment

Pat Patterson Death – Liver Failure 1941-2020 (Age 79) Many prominent figures in wrestling have contributed much to the sport either in the ring or out of it, but few did so much in both spheres as Pat Patterson. Patterson’s various runs in the territories and his later success behind the scenes in the WWE established him as more than wrestling’s first openly gay man, it established him as one of the industry’s greatest workers and wrestling minds. French-Canadian Fighter The man who became famous as Pat Patterson was born Pierre Clermont on January 19, 1941. In his memoir, Accepted: How the First Gay Superstar Changed WWE, Pat recalls having four brothers and four sisters and living in a two bedroom apartment. Patterson tried his hand at various endeavors including figure skating, the circus, and even had aspirations of becoming a priest someday after his years as an altar boy.

Bob Armstrong Death

By Mike Rickard on September 23, 2020 / 2020, 2020s, Cancer / 1 Comment

Bob Armstrong Death – Bone Cancer 1939-2020 (Age 80) Fans talk about wrestlers being legitimate tough guys but Bob Armstrong was double-tough before he entered the squared circle, serving as a Marine and firefighter before becoming one of the top babyfaces of the territory era. Double Tough James Melton James was born on October 3, 1939 and enjoyed watching professional wrestling with his father. The man who would become known as Bob Armstrong served in the Marines and was stationed in Korea. Following his service in the Marines, Armstrong became a firefighter, but he’d been bit by the wrestling bug and entered the grappling game in 1963. By 1970, Armstrong was wrestling full-time. Typically working as a babyface, Bob Armstrong boasted a powerful physique and had the right mix of toughness and humility that made for the perfect babyface during the territory era. It was in the 1970s that Armstrong’s star

Matt Cappotelli Death

By Ryan on June 29, 2018 / 2010s, 2018, Cancer, Dead Before 50 / Leave a comment

Matt Cappotelli Death – Brain Cancer 1979-2018 (Age 38) Matt Cappotelli has died after his second bout with brain cancer. He was 38. In 2003, Cappotelli won WWE Tough Enough III, alongside John Hennigan (aka John Morrison). In July of 2017, Cappotelli announced he was diagnosed with grade IV glioblastoma multiforme – an aggressive brain cancer. Cappotelli’s widow, Lindsay Cappotelli broke the news via a heartfelt Facebook message, stating: “Hey Team Capp…I’ve been struggling with what to say and how to say this, and I’ll probably end up rambling, but here goes. Today my love-my strong, sweet, beautiful love-took his last breath at 3:30 a.m. and went Home to be with Jesus…exactly one year after his brain surgery. You think you can be prepared for this when you know it’s coming, but you just can’t. The only person who’s comfort I want right now is the one who can’t give

Randy Anderson Death

By Mike Rickard on May 27, 2018 / 2000s, 2002, Cancer, Dead Before 50 / Leave a comment

Randy Anderson Death – Cancer 1959-2002 (Age 42) A good referee can play an important part in any wrestling match, but it’s a challenge to do so without bringing attention to oneself. WCW official Randy “Pee Wee” Anderson was one such referee, adding a subtle level of excitement to his matches, yet keeping himself in the background. Later in life, Anderson showed tremendous personal courage during his battle with cancer. Growing Up with a Future Wrestling Legend Randy Anderson grew up in the small town of Rome, Georgia with a friend named Marty Lunde. Both were diehard fans of professional wrestling and joined their high school wrestling teams. At 119 pounds, Anderson went on to win the state wrestling title. Anderson and Lunde attended wrestling school together, but Randy pursued a career as a referee as he was too small to wrestle professionally. Both men got their first break working in

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

Giant Haystacks Death

By Mike Rickard on January 4, 2018 / 1990s, 1998, Cancer / Leave a comment

Giant Haystacks Death – Cancer 1946-1998 (Age 52) Big men will always have a place in the world of professional wrestling where larger than life is seen as the norm, rather than the exception. One such wrestler was Martin Ruane, who performed as “Giant Haystacks” in Great Britain and “Loch Ness” in WCW. Although Ruane had limited exposure in North America, he enjoyed massive success in Great Britain, including brushes with the rich and famous such as Britannia’s Queen Elizabeth and Sir Paul McCartney. Sadly, Ruane succumbed to lymphoma at the age of 52. A Natural for the Ring Martin Ruane was born in London on October 10, 1946. His Irish parents relocated him to outside Manchester where he attended St. Thomas’ School until he was 14. At 14 years old, Ruane was close to his eventual height of 6’ 11”, making him a natural for anything involving size and strength.

Ernie Ladd Death

By Mike Rickard on November 1, 2017 / 2000s, 2007, Cancer / Leave a comment

Ernie Ladd Death – Colon Cancer 1938-2007 (Age 68) Believe it or not, Ernie Ladd could nearly stand toe to toe with Andre the Giant. At 6’9” and 300-plus pounds, Ladd cast a fearsome path wherever he walked. A gifted football player, Ladd easily transitioned into becoming a wrestler. Ladd portrayed a heel at a time when African-Americans faced prejudices for the color of their skin, let alone for whether they played a hero or villain. Outside the ring, Ladd served the community by reaching out to disadvantaged kids, warning them of the dangers of the streets, but also sharing them the possibility of success through perseverance and hard work. From Gridiron to Grappling Born in Louisiana and raised in Texas, Ernie Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship after excelling in high school at both football and basketball. Ernie Ladd enjoyed spectacular success in the American Football League

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