RIP Bison Smith

[THEKEVINBRAND]

For those who have watched Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Noah in Japan and International Wrestling Association in Puerto Rico, know who Bison Smith was. He was part of Prince Nana's Embassy stable in 2009 being a big part of the stable, but didn't stay long. He passed away at the age of 38 due to heart complications in Puerto Rico, and I thought it would be nice to mention him here.

[SilverGhost]

Yeah I saw that in Puroresu Spirit.....

A wrestler passing away.....sad thing

[THEKEVINBRAND]

Yeah I saw that in Puroresu Spirit.....

A wrestler passing away.....sad thing

Always is...I remember when Misawa passed, it was something

[Kashdinero]

Man, this is very fucking sad indeed.

The first time I saw him wrestle was on a VHS of The King of the Indies tournament (fantastic tourney bTw), and he was the shits. Then he became a regular of the NOAH tours, and it was like watching a different wrestler. Not only did he look intimidating, but he also turned out to be a pretty damn awesome worker.

It's a shame he never got to hold a major singles title.

RIP Bison Smith.

[THEKEVINBRAND]

Man, this is very fucking sad indeed.

The first time I saw him wrestle was on a VHS of The King of the Indies tournament (fantastic tourney bTw), and he was the shits. Then he became a regular of the NOAH tours, and it was like watching a different wrestler. Not only did he look intimidating, but he also turned out to be a pretty damn awesome worker.

It's a shame he never got to hold a major singles title.

RIP Bison Smith.

I find it weird that Smith was tagging with Saito the night Misawa died on opposite sides and now one member of both teams are dead

[Kashdinero]

I find it weird that Smith was tagging with Saito the night Misawa died on opposite sides and now one member of both teams are dead

Yeah, I feel like that whenever I watch old WWF stuff.

The third PPV I ever saw was Survivor Series '90, and the opening match was Warrior, Kerry Von Erich, Animal and Hawk vs Mr Perfect, Ax, Smash and Crush.

It's sad that one half of that match is no longer with us.

[THEKEVINBRAND]

Yeah, I feel like that whenever I watch old WWF stuff.

The third PPV I ever saw was Survivor Series '90, and the opening match was Warrior, Kerry Von Erich, Animal and Hawk vs Mr Perfect, Ax, Smash and Crush.

It's sad that one half of that match is no longer with us.

Yeah it's ironic but that's the way life goes I guess

[Bodom]

I didn't see a lot of his work, so I can't comment, but I heard he was a nice guy.

Very sad.

[JoePublic]

Another guy dead at such a young age, very sad indeed.

[THEKEVINBRAND]

ROH Press Statement:

Ring of Honor officials, management, and the locker room would all like to take this time to acknowledge the passing of one of our alumni, a former member of The Embassy, Mark “Bison” Smith.

Late last night word began to travel that Bison, aged 38, had passed away due to cardiac issues shortly after returning from a tour of Pro Wrestling NOAH. Smith first debuted in ROH back in January of 2009 at “Full Circle” and competed regularly throughout the year until his final appearance in March of 2010 at “Phoenix Rising”. During his tenure with ROH, Bison primarily competed alongside The Embassy and had several memorable bouts against Bryan Danielson and The Necro Butcher.

More importantly, during his short time in ROH, Bison touched the lives of many individuals as noted by the outpouring of memories on Twitter shared by many of those who crossed his path:

Roderick Strong – Heartbroken right now by the loss of Bison Smith!! I’m going to miss you big guy! R.I.P Bison #youwillbemissed

Jay Briscoe – RIP to a fellow #RaiderNation fan and awesome dude, Bison Smith. You will be missed my friend

Todd Sinclair – So very very sad to hear about Bison Smith passing away.

GrizzlyRedwood – Just awful news, RIP Bison, you were the man.

Prince Nana – Bison Smith was a true pro in and out of the ring.. RIP.. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

And Kevin Steen & El Generico both shared fond memories of their time with Bison: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/eb87ku & http://www.twitlonger.com/show/eb34t9.

All of us here at Ring of Honor will have the family of Mark “Bison” Smith in our thoughts during this trying time, but we will also look back on the memories of our time with Bison and smile. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.