Buddy Landel Death

By Mike Rickard on March 11, 2018   /   2010s, 2015, Accident   /   Leave a comment
buddy landel death

Buddy Landel Death – Car Accident 1961-2015 (Age 53) William Ansor was born on August 14, 1961, but would later change his name to that of his wrestling persona, Buddy Landel. A talented and charismatic wrestler, the Knoxville, Tennessee native hit the big time in 1985, working in Jim Crockett Promotions. With a “Battle of the Nature Boys” feud on the horizon, big things lie ahead, but Landel’s personal demons led to an abrupt dismissal, and unfortunately his career never bounced back. A Friendship Leads to a Wrestling Career William Ansor’s sister was dating Barry Orton (brother of “Cowboy” Bob Orton Jr.) and knew of Ansor’s interest in wrestling. This led to an introduction to wrestler Boris Malenko, who began training Ansor. With the help of “Cowboy” Bill Watts and Bob Roop, Ansor entered the wrestling business. Ansor debuted in 1979, and worked his first match with “Cowboy” Bob Orton,

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Adrian Adonis Death

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

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

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Joey Marella Death

By Mike Rickard on October 11, 2017   /   1990s, 1994, Accident, Dead Before 50   /   Leave a comment
joey marella

Joey Marella Death – Car Accident 1963-1994 (Age 31) Joey Marella was a familiar background figure to anyone who watched WWF programming in the 80’s and early 90’s. The adopted son of WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon (aka Gino Marella), Marella followed in his father’s footsteps by working in the ring, but as a referee instead of a wrestler. A Famous Father Opens the Door Although his father was an important figure in the WWF, Joey started from the ground up, setting up rings and learning the ins and outs of the business from a layman’s perspective. Marella began his WWF career in 1983 and over time, worked his way into the ring as a referee, first at local matches, working his way up to television. Eventually, Marella became one of the WWF’s most successful referees. He officiated historic matches such as the Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan main

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Junkyard Dog Death

By Ryan on December 5, 2015   /   1990s, 1998, Accident, Dead Before 50, Most Popular   /   10 Comments
junkyard dog death

Junkyard Dog Death – Car Accident 1952-1998 (age 45) Sylvester Ritter, known to wrestling fans as the Junkyard Dog, was tragically killed in 1998. Known for wearing a dog collar complete with a heavy silver chain and for his massive 300-pound frame, Junkyard Dog was a beloved wrestler. He first made a name for himself during the 1970s and 80s. Ritter’s athletic career began not with wrestling, but with football. After graduating from Fayetteville State University with a political science degree he ended up attending the Hart family’s wrestling school. Ritter then completely shifted his focus to professional wrestling. Junkyard Dog’s Achievements Over the course of his career, Sylvester Ritter won the Mid-South Wrestling Association Championship 15 times. Later he would become involved with numerous story lines with the WWF and the WCW up until his retirement in 1993. After retirement, the Junkyard Dog continued to contribute to wrestling by appearing at events and serving as

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