16. Eddie Gilbert – Age 33
The son of wrestler Tommy Gilbert, Tommy Gilbert Jr. (aka Eddie Gilbert) could work equally well as a wrestler, manager, or booker, but his penchant for burning bridges with promoters saw him frequent a variety of promotions ranging from Memphis to Bill Watts’ Mid-South (later UWF) Wrestling to WCW. An automobile accident nearly ended Gilbert’s career early on when he suffered a broken neck. While Gilbert recovered, it’s believed the accident contributed to his life-long battle with painkillers. He was married briefly to sexpot Missy Hyatt and later, Madusa Micelli. Gilbert is credited by many as the first wrestler to give a shoot interview. By 1995, Gilbert found himself working in Puerto Rico as a booker and wrestler. On February 18, 1995, Gilbert’s friend (and booking assistant) discovered his lifeless body. Although the cause of death was ruled as a heart attack, Gilbert’s cocaine use may have played a role.
