3. Gary Albright
Big man Gary Albright seemed poised for success, possessing a powerful frame and training by wrestling masters Lou Thesz and Billy Robinson. After work in North America, Albright wrestled in Japan as well as father-in-law Afa Anoa’i’s WXV promotion. Albright was battling Lucifer Grimm at a WXV show in Allentown, Pennsylvania when Grimm hit an Ace Cutter on him. Albright collapsed and Grimm, realizing something was wrong, rolled Albright on top of him for the pin (Albright was booked to win). Medical personnel and wrestlers rushed into the ring, but Albright was dead. It was later determined that Albright suffered a heart attack in the ring, likely due to an enlarged heart, coronary artery blockages, and undiagnosed diabetes. He was 36.
