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EditorialRemembering 35 Wrestlers & Personalities Who Died in 2019

Remembering 35 Wrestlers & Personalities Who Died in 2019

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Happy holidays everyone. Now Christmas is over, we enter a period of reflection as the decade draws to a close. Many names have come and gone from the business we love the past few years, so I feel it’s right we take a moment to pay our respects in memory of those we lost in 2019. No matter how big of a role they played, these individuals shared time from their lives for our entertainment. Let’s remember wrestlers (& others) who passed away in 2019.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 2019

1. Al Wilson

The first on this list is a man who made an impact despite being on WWE TV for a short time. Al Wilson, Torrie Wilson’s father, is known for taking part in a controversial angle (starting in 2002) which saw him hook up with his daughter’s rival Dawn Marie.

Filled with sexual antics, the story led to him getting married to Marie in their underwear on an episode of SmackDown airing January 2nd 2003. The relationship deeply troubled Torrie, but just as it looked like there was no end in sight, Al died of a storyline heart attack due to all the sex on his honeymoon. While his role only lasted a couple of months, he was a good sport about it and helped to make this filler feud something to remember.

Yet, in a somewhat cruel and sad twist of fate, he died only two days before Torrie’s WWE Hall of Fame induction on April 4th 2019. No further details were given on his passing.

2. Alexis Smirnoff

Otherwise known as Michel “Justice” Dubois, Michel Lamarche was a French-Canadian wrestler billed from Russia. Trained by legendary French-born Canadian wrestler Édouard Carpentier, he made his wrestling debut in 1970. Originally working for Georgia Championship Wrestling, he later enjoyed bookings in the NWA and Japan. Taking tips from Ivan Koloff, Lamarche changed his ring name to Alexis Smirnoff AKA “The Mad Russian”. While much of his career needs further clarification, it is known that he spent his last few years in Japan working with talents like: Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki, Bruno Sammartino, Ric Flair, Terry Funk, Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen and The Destroyer.

Upon his return to the United States in the early 80’s, Smirnoff enjoyed stints in the NWA and the WWF. By the mid-80’s, the WWF was happy enough to use him as a replacement for an absent Nikolai Volkoff to team with The Iron Sheik. In singles competition, he enjoyed feuds and matches with Ivan Putski, Rocky Johnson, André the Giant, Ted Arcidi, Pedro Morales, Tony Garea, Dan Spivey and Blackjack Mulligan. A couple of years later in 1988, he retired from the ring to open up a wrestling school and appear in commercials; also starring in movies Bad Guys, Body Slam (bodyguard of Captain Lou Albano), and on the TV Show The Fall Guy. Always the consummate professional, it’s safe to say he had a fulfilling career. He passed away on January 5th after suffering kidney failure the day before.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 20193. Ashley Massaro

Despite being the oldest of the third Diva Search contestants at 26 years, Ashley Massaro won the competition and claimed a one-year WWE contract and $250,000. With very little wrestling training, she was thrust in to the spotlight. It was apparent that the company wanted to mold her in to the next Lita or Trish Stratus, but her performances did not inspire the fans to get behind this push. After a program working with Stratus against Vince’s Devils, she became the valet for the long reigning WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick. Much of her work revolved around bra-and-panties matches, posing for Playboy, appearing in two music videos, as well as starring on television shows like Smallville and Survivor.

She also worked her two biggest matches at WrestleMania 23 and XXIV. But after a few years, Ashley’s daughter became ill and WWE agreed to release her from contract so she could take care of her. Controversy ensued later in her life when it was revealed she had joined a lawsuit against WWE in relation to concealing the risks of repeated head trauma, along with an incident where she claimed to be sexually assaulted during a WWE tour of a US military base in Kuwait; which was dismissed in 2018. On May 16th, she was pronounced dead in hospital after being found unresponsive in her home in the early hours of the morning. It was later stated by TMZ that the cause was suicide by hanging, although the official cause may never be revealed to respect the privacy of the family.

Ashley had been working on a music video about suicide prevention, which was scrapped by her co-worker as it didn’t feel right after her passing. Many of her former wrestling colleagues were deeply shocked by the news, to the point they helped form a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for her daughter’s education. Those who knew her were aware she had some issues, but were never under the impression she would take her own life only ten days before her 40th birthday. It raised concerns over dealing with clinical depression and how to help those with suicidal thoughts. Taking any kind of positives from her story is difficult, but we must all remember that she loved her daughter more than anything, and her family will want to remember the good times.

4. Atsushi Aoki

Debuting in 2005 under the tutelage of Jun Akiyama and Pro Wrestling NOAH, Aoki proved he had what it takes to be a professional wrestler. And while he never achieved super stardom, he dedicated the last fourteen years of his life to NOAH and All Japan Pro Wrestling. As the reigning World Junior Heavyweight Champion for the fourth time, Aoki was set to become one of the greatest in the title’s history. At 41-years-old, he would have spent his last years putting over the next generation of talent.

Sadly, he died on June 3rd after a motorcycle accident in Tokyo. To pay respect to him, AJPW officials decided not to vacate the title and allow it to do so naturally through their 6 month ruling. On November 20th, the title was vacated due to no defenses in six months. The Tokyo Sports magazine awarded him the lifetime achievement award.

5. BellaDonna

In the early days of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (now known as Impact Wrestling), Rocksan Biggerstaff was hired to fill the role of BellaDonna; a valet for Father James Mitchell’s faction Disciples Of The New Church. Her stint was short, but she continued working in the business til leaving it behind in 2006. She worked one wrestling match for TNA on December 4th, 2002, in a losing effort to America’s Most Wanted (James Storm & Chris Harris) in a ‘Bullrope’ match. The man who broke the news, Wolfie D, said the following about her:

“Woke up this morning to find out that Rocksan Biggerstaff (aka Belladonna) who was the valet for my TNA faction, Disciples of The New Church, has passed away. I loved what she added to the group…she played her character well. Outside of the ring she was a sweetheart. My condolences to her family.”

6. Cliff Sheets

Cliff was an enhancement talent from the Florida area, who occasionally worked for both WCW and the WWF in the early 90’s. Some of his biggest opponents include Sting, The Great Muta, The British Bulldog, The Mountie, Kerry Von Erich, Ice Train, The Faces Of Fear and others.

Upon returning to the Florida independent scene, his ring name changed to Cliff Anderson as it was joked he looked much like Arn Anderson. After retiring from the ring, he worked mostly as a promoter and trainer (for Treasure Coast Wrestling Academy) in the Florida region. He’s also known for helping to bring in former WWE and ROH announcer Kevin Kelly in to the business. His cause of death is unknown, although it’s stated he was 52-years-old according to this memorial on findagrave.com

7. Colton Quest

On the 30th March, it was announced RCW Heavyweight Champion Colton Quest had passed away after a fatal automobile accident. The promotion dubbed him “Forever Our Champion” on their website. Out of respect, they kept him as their champion til a new one could be crowned on 13th July. He was only 23-years-old.

8. Dr. Rex Bacchus

On January 17th after a long battle with cancer, it was announced Chris Sims had succumbed to the illness. Major League Wrestling broke the news on their website, and tributes were given from Court Bauer, Gabe Sapolsky and others. He was a late bloomer, starting his career at 31-years-old.

In his four-year career, Bacchus worked for many promotions as a multi-time tag team champion, including: EVOLVE, Orlando Pro, I Believe In Wrestling, Championship Wrestling Entertainment, Full Impact Pro, REAL Pro, American Combat Wrestling, Riot Pro and Full Throttle Pro.

9. Eddie Marlin

Marlin was the father-in-law and grandfather of Jerry & Jeff Jarrett. He won many tag team championships in the NWA Mid-Atlantic region in the early 1970’s. In 1977, he helped to book shows for Jerry’s new CWA promotion, and appeared throughout the 80’s as the babyface, on-screen general manager. He continued this role in to the early 90’s after the CWA merged with WCCW to become the USWA. Jerry Jarrett had this to say after his passing:

“Eddie Marlin had so many fans and friends who loved him and admired the hours of entertainment he gave them as a wrestler over so many years. I’ve been sitting here all morning reflecting over the good times we had and the many gifts he gave me. In addition to Eddie being the only father I had, he gave the greatest gift I could ever receive. He taught me by his example what true love really is. We all in our marriage vows say the words, ‘I take you as my wife in sickness and in health, til death do us part.’ All too often these are hollow words, but not so with Eddie. His wife Norma was bedridden for the last 10 years of her life.

Eddie was her caretaker for those 10 years and so much more than just taking care of her personal needs and moving her from the bed to a wheelchair, he slept in a chair by her bed and comforted her all 10 years. After Norma’s death, Eddie continued to spend his nights in a chair unable to go back to sleeping in a bed. The gift Eddie gave was to know and understand true love, til death do us part. Eddie was a great wrestler, a loving father, a loyal friend and a good man. I’ve sat here feeling a loss and emptiness I’ve never known, but I’m comforted by the example of his life. I want all of his many fans to get a little glimpse of Eddie beyond being a great wrestler.”

10. Eric Chapel

“The Role Model” spent fourteen years of his life as a professional wrestler. He was perhaps best known as one-half of The Ecktourage tag team, two bodyguards who protected their manager Kevin Eck. The faction is known for saving Kevin Eck from ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper on the last edition of Piper’s Pit; along with winning the Maryland Tag Team Championship three times.

As stated here, Martin E. Eason II also appeared for WWE and TNA Impact. He passed away at 33-years-old with no cause of death given.

11. Fazal Ilahi

It was announced in late October across several UK publications that retired wrestler Fazal Ilahi had passed away at the age of 87. He’s described to have worked matches with UK legends Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy. The Wrestling Heritage website expanded on his profile with the following information:

Born in Pakistan in 1932, Fazal Ilahi was in his mid twenties when he came to Britain in the 1950s and settled in Bradford. He took up work as a spinner and weaver at British Belting and Asbestos in Cleckheaton. One of his interests was wrestling and by 1959 was wrestling professionally part time. Contact with the Crabtree family brought him his early matches for independent promoters Max Crabtree, Norman Berry and Jack Taylor.

Our last sighting of Fazal Ilahi was at the end of 1962. A father of seven children, Fazal also enjoyed walking and was very active in his local community and known for his charity work, mostly through connections with his local mosques. Fazal Ilahi died in November, 2019 (likely incorrect due to it being announced earlier). The cause of death was mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201912. Harley Race

There is likely no bigger name on this list than the legendary Harley Race. And clearly, I cannot be satisfied simply writing a short description on his career. It would take at least an article (or two) to scratch the surface of what he’s contributed to the wrestling business. One of the best ways to show what he meant to it, is to share the link of the world reacting to the news of his passing:

The Wrestling World Reacts to the Passing of Harley Race

Tributes to him continue to be watched to this day. I remember when I first tuned in to the WWF in the late 90’s and saw him enjoying the shows in the front row. While he’d long since retired, you could tell by his presence alone how he made others feel. As wrestling fans, I feel like this space should be reserved for your thoughts and tributes. So please, if there’s any way you would like to pay your respects to the 8-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, please do so in the comments section below. He passed away in late July after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 76.

13. Hunter Horse Helmsley (Stoney)

While I wouldn’t usually include animals, this is an exception because it meant so much to All Elite Wrestling star ‘Hangman’ Adam Page. The horse known as ‘Stoney’ was christened Hunter Horse Helmsley and used to enhance Page’s cowboy gimmick in the early days of AEW. No other details were given except this statement from Page on the 27th October:

“Hello. I wanted to let you know that Hunter Horse Helmsley, or Stoney as he was known by his family, passed away this week in Wisconsin. May he gallop eternally through the great pasture in the sky.”

Pictured in the middle with The Rougeau Brothers

14. Jacques Rougeau Sr.

He was the father of Jacques Rougeau, Armand Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau. The family broke the following statement:

Rawdon, July 2, 2019

Official Press Release of the Rougeau family

It is with sadness and a lot of sorrow that we announce the death of Mr. Jacques Rougeau, yesterday, on July 1, 2019, at the age of 89. He has been fighting for a while with pulmonary fibrosis, but he is still part gently, surrounded by his family that he loved so much. This love is also shared with the public, while he has been a professional wrestler for many years. In the company of his brother Jean, he made the rain and the good weather in the four corners of Quebec, particularly in the 60’s and 70’s. Who don’t remember his battles with The Sheik, Abdullah the butcher, Hans Schmidt or Maurice Vachon? He has been part of the Quebec landscape for several years and it was important for us to share the news with all those who followed him, appreciated and loved in his public career.

He has worn a name that resonates so much in this middle and mainly in Quebec that these three sons, Raymond, Jacques and Armand, one of his daughters, Joanne, as well as three of his grandson walked in his steps, working all in the middle of the struggle at one time or another. But if for you he was a popular wrestler, for us, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great and esteemed great-grandfather. He was the quiet force of our family and his departure is and will be very painful. Media friends and fans of wrestling, we thank you for the love you have given him over the years and be assured that this feeling was shared.

The Rougeau family

15. Jim Evans (Trevor Adonis)

On January 1st, it was announced Jim Evans AKA Trevor Adonis had passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 53. He began work as a wrestler in 1982, and by 1987 was employed by the WWF as an enhancement talent, and in the AWA in its latter years. He faced off against big names like: One Man Gang, Butch Reed, Rick Rude, Honky Tonk Man, Harley Race and Larry Zybszko; as well as in tag team action against the likes of the Islanders, Demolition, and The Brainbusters. After leaving the big leagues, Jim changed his name to ‘Heartbreaker’ Trevor Adonis and spent the rest of his career helping the next generation.

Current WWE producer and former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Adam Pearce made the following statement:

16. ‘Mighty’ John Quinn

Quinn was a Canadian wrestler who made a name for himself as one of the most popular names in British wrestling history. He also appeared as Kentucky The Butcher for the WWWF in the late-60’s, where he took on the champion Bruno Sammartino in Madison Square Garden and other events.

His career is pretty extensive, as he worked for decades throughout Europe, Japan and the United States. He passed away following complications stemming from an operation following a stroke. Slam Sports covered his career with this detailed piece: Big John Quinn dead at 78

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201917. King Kong Bundy

Bundy will be known as one of Hulk Hogan’s most recognizable rivals. Heading in to WrestleMania 2, he was billed as a threat to Hulk Hogan and his WWF Championship as they set to square off in a steel cage. And while his career dropped off considerably after the loss, he made his mark on the world as shown by the amount of media coverage on his passing. He died at the age of 63 on March 4, 2019 after complications with his diabetes.

Outside of his wrestling career, Christopher Pallies was also known for his acting career. Starting in 1986, he appeared in commercials for the Vendex HeadStart personal computer. From there, he began appearing in television series (Married… With Children) in 1987, and movies (Moving) from 1988. His last role included an episode titled ‘King Kong Bundy’ on the TV series Swerve in 2014, where he portrayed himself. Pallies also dipped his toe in to stand-up comedy, doing routines at the Coffee Dot Comedy in Sea Isle City.

In a statement published on its website, WWE said it was “saddened to learn that WWE legend King Kong Bundy has passed away”. The company called the wrestler “one of the greatest and most eye-catching big men to lace up a set of boots” and offered its “condolences to Bundy’s family, friends and fans”. The King Kong Bundy character was developed on the New Jersey wrestling scene, where he capitalized on his immense size. According to his official WWE profile, he weighed more then 458lbs (208kg), and was known as the “walking condominium”.

18. Koji Kitao

While he passed away in February of chronic renal failure at the age of 55, the world didn’t find out til late-March as it was kept a secret. Kitao was known primarily for his sumo career, although he did enjoy a career in wrestling; appearing in a tag team at WrestleMania VII. And while he became a superstar in Japan, his character led to some controversial moments. One of Kitao’s standout moments was when he threatened to expose the business as he was unhappy with his opponent’s lack of selling.

In a match with John ‘Earthquake’ Tenta, he stopped selling and started shooting on him. The match had to be thrown out, but it didn’t stop Kitao from grabbing a microphone and telling the audience wrestling is fake. There’s a pattern of behavior, as he was kicked out of sumo in 1987 for physically assaulting junior members and his bosses wife. And it was a similar thing in New Japan Pro Wrestling, as he was deemed lazy, and he often complained his opponents were not selling enough. It’s safe to say he did not capitalize on his popularity due to his abrasive nature.

19. Les Thornton

Much like John Quinn, Les Thornton is another popular name in the history of British wrestling. He passed away at the age of 84 on February 1st, with his wife making the announcement. Les also worked across Japan, Europe and North America throughout the 1970s and 1980s for promotions World of Sport Stampede Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation and the National Wrestling Alliance. Some of his most famous opponents include: Tiger Mask , Gino Hernandez, The Cobra, K J Anderssen, Dynamite Kid, Terry Taylor, Gerry Brisco, Alberto Madrill and Tatsumi Fujinami.

As a master of submission wrestling, Thornton will be known as one of the greatest, and most respected World Junior Heavyweight Champions of all time. Daniel Bryan made the following comments:“He did all this cool British mat wrestling, but within an American context. That stocky build lends an air of credibility to somebody.”

Terry Taylor expanded on his character: “Les had been around for a while — he was in his fifties when I worked with him — and this was the first run I had with him. He could have really resented the 25-year-old kid across the ring from him, and probably had every reason to resent me, but he didn’t. Les treated me with respect and taught me a lot. He worked the English style which back in 1980 was completely foreign (no pun intended) to not only the fans, but to me as well. There was so much for me to learn. I very easily could have stunk the joint out and a lesser veteran might have even enjoyed that, but Les wasn’t that kind of man.

Les did such a good job leading me through quality matches that he would put himself in holds and submissions. All I had to do was hang on. Les didn’t call ‘spots’ or moves in the ring — he sang them. Les sang the entire match. I tried to cover his mouth, or tried to make noise, or do something to cover up his singing. I just knew the audience could hear him and that horrified me. Here we are beating the crap out of each other and in the middle of this life and death struggle, Les is calmly singing. It took me a while to get over that, but when I did, good things happened.”

20. Lionheart

One of the most tragic events of the year was the news of ‘Lionheart’ Adrian McCallum’s passing. On 19 June 2019, his death was announced by ICW, and was ruled a suicide. This came a few months after his attempt to save an 18-year-old neighbour from a house fire. Not long before he was found, McCallum posted what The Sun called a ‘haunting’ tweet, as he quoted Ricky Gervais’ character on the show After Life: “One day you will eat your last meal, you will smell your last flower, you will hug your friend for the last time. You might not know it’s the last time, that’s why you must do everything you love with passion.”

Drew McIntyre led the tributes with the words: “Sleep well my brother. I’ll see you down the line.”, and the wrestling world followed with their own tributes. Lionheart’s biggest matches included a shot at Nigel McGuiness’ ROH World Championship in 2008, a match with Jeff Jarrett for TNA Wrestling, and a dark match on WWE SmackDown against Justin Gabriel. At the time of his death, he was the ICW Champion and owner of promotion Pro Wrestling Elite.

21. Matt Travis

At the young age of 25, the wrestling world lost one of its rising stars to a traffic accident in New York City (which remains under investigation). Tributes from other wrestlers were shared, including a public showing from The Young Bucks, Santana & Ortiz on the AEW Full Gear PPV.

Curtis Axel: My thoughts are with The @HOGwrestling locker room, students, friends, & family. Very sad news.”

Amazing Red: “I just can’t. I don’t understand life sometimes. I’m gonna try and pull it together for you today. I just want to see you! Talk to you! I’m sorry. I love you Matty.”

Santana: “Love you bro. Tonight is for you.”

Combat Zone Wrestling: “CZW is heartbroken to learn of Matt Travis’ tragic passing. He will always be considered part of the Combat Zone family and we send our deepest condolences and love to everyone lucky enough to know him. RIP Matt.”

22. Max Muscle (Maxx)

On June 27th, Diamond Dallas Page announced his passing on Twitter. Maxx was the bodyguard of DDP on WCW TV in 1995. The following year, John Czawlytko moved on from this role and joined the Dungeon Of Doom stable. In 1997, he had the pleasure of wrestling DDP in singles matches on episodes of Saturday Night and Nitro. After leaving WCW in 1997, he took a two-year hiatus before returning to wrestling for Maryland Championship Wrestling. Yet, his career didn’t continue for much longer as he retired from wrestling in 2000.

DDP had the following to say: “I wanna send out my condolences to the family and friends of my buddy & former body guard #MaxMuscle aka John Czawlytko. Max passed on Thursday June 27, 2019. Max was very instrumental in some early matches with @MarcMero. He was a great guy & will be missed.”

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201923. Mean Gene Okerlund

Much like Harley Race, Gene Okerlund’s passing transcended wrestling and he was included in many celebrity lists of those who passed in 2019. As such a huge character, it’s impossible to pay proper tributes to his life and career with a short description. After three kidney transplants, his health deteriorated after a fall. The world reacted, including comments from superstars: Triple H, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Iron Sheik, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

WWE complimented him considerably as part of a statement on Twitter: “The most recognisable interviewer in sports-entertainment history.”

One of the better tributes include the one below from The Ringer; although there’s so many tributes that it isn’t difficult to find out how much of an impact ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund had on the world. “The signature voice of 1980s and ’90s wrestling at WWF and WCW wasn’t a play-by-play man. He was our window into a miraculous carnival funhouse.”:

Remembering “Mean” Gene Okerlund, the Everyman Who Lived at the Center of Pro Wrestling

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201924. Moondog Rex (Smash)

Randy Colley was known for portraying Moondog Rex, and the original Smash of The Demolition in the WWF during the 1980’s. In the 90’s, he joined WCW and competed as either Moondog Rex or Mr. X; til 1991 when he joined The Desperados and became known as Deadeye Dick. Wanting nothing to do with the faction after a short time, he opted out and headed for Japan. His last recorded match was a victory over War Machine #1 for IWA-Mid South in 1997.

His biggest success was his plethora of tag team championship victories with Moondog Spot, along with a match with Junkyard Dog at WCW Halloween Havoc ’90. On December 14th, he passed away at the age of 69 after complications following an amputation of his right leg.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201925. Paco Alonso

Francisco “Paco” Alonso Lutteroth was the owner of the CMLL promotion, and the grandson of founder and legendary lucha libre figure Salvador Lutteroth. In 1991, he rebranded the company from its original name EMLL to CMLL; securing television deals along with establishing it as Mexico’s #1 promotion again. He helped to plug CMLL worldwide by cross-promotion with other companies like New Japan and Ring Of Honor. Chris Jericho was notably upset about the news, as he stated Paco was the first promoter to trust him with a big push.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter shared a more detailed outlook on his life and career at the following link: One of the most powerful players in the pro wrestling industry for more than 30 years

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201926. Pedro Morales

For decades after his career ended, Pedro Morales was seldom mentioned among WWE’s greatest superstars of all time. Being Puerto Rican, he was a hugely popular name to Puerto Rico and the wider Latino audience. As of this date, he remains the fifth longest reigning WWE Champion, along with being the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion at 619 days across two reigns.

On February 12th, it was announced he passed away in New Jersey at the age of 76. WWE paid tribute on their website here: Pedro Morales Passes Away

Something which often goes underappreciated is the fact he’s WWE’s first ever Triple Crown Champion, having won the WWF Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and Tag Team Championship (w/ Bob Backlund); an historic achievement earned in late December 1980. Having also won the United States Championship, Morales was the only wrestler to have held all of the WWF’s championships for almost two decades.

Credit to the 2004 article “Wrestling with change in culture”: Despite living a low profile life following his retirement, he was the inspiration for homages and mentions throughout the decades which followed. A self-proclaimed “old school” wrestler, he was not interested in the overselling of gimmicks and spectacle that is seen in modern professional wrestling, despite admitting the economic success of the “sports entertainment” formula. This is likely why he was reluctant to return to the WWE in his retirement.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201927. Perro Aguayo Sr.

Aguayo is described as one of the biggest, non-masked draws in the history of Mexican wrestling. Known for establishing the AAA promotion in the 90’s to rival CMLL, he also enjoyed box office feuds with Dos Caras and Konnan. To WWE fans, the only time they may have seen him was during the 1997 Royal Rumble match. Tragically, he had to endure his son’s death (Perro Aguayo Jr.) in 2015, who died due to controversial circumstances in a AAA match involving Rey Mysterio, TJ Perkins and Tigre Uno.

His biggest claim to fame is likely being the last big rival of Mexico’s most legendary superstar El Santo in the 1970’s. On July 3rd, it was announced he passed away due to an infarction. As the world passed on their condolences, Dave Meltzer said the following: “Perro Aguayo Sr. just passed away. There are only a handful of men in history who drew more fans during their career and one of the hardest working and most charismatic wrestlers ever.”

28. Rene Goulet

Goulet is yet another Canadian wrestler to pass away in 2019. The reasons are unknown, although it’s known to have happened on May 25th; yet it took nine months for the world to be informed as the family kept it secret. Some of his accomplishments (taken from his Wikipedia page) include:

  • The first person to defeat Ric Flair. It was Flair’s second match. (Flair’s first match, against George Gadaski ended in a draw).
  • The subject of a full-page photo in the third issue of People Magazine (March 11, 1974). The photo was taken of Bédard in a bear hug from Chris Taylor in Taylor’s first professional match.
  • He was in the first WWF match ever televised on the USA Network. His opponent was Tito Santana.
  • He had a recurring role in the classic wrestling show, TNT, as the host of “Cafe Rene”.
  • In 1981, he and André the Giant won the NJPW MSG Tag League (the precursor to the World Tag League)

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201929. Rick Bognar

Bognar is known to most wrestling fans as the ‘Fake’ Razor Ramon in late 1996 after the real Scott Hall & Kevin Nash departed for WCW. Outside of that, he was known as Big Titan in the FMW promotion from 1991-1994. He died suddenly on September 20th, with some outlets claiming it was a heart attack; but this has not been confirmed. Yet, his biggest legacy is how he’s described by his peers.

Known as ‘Big Rick’, he was known for having one of the biggest hearts in the wrestling business, always putting people at ease with hugs; and his infectious personality resonating with everyone he worked with. Chris Jericho led the tributes with the following:

30. ‘Nature Boy’ Roger Kirby

On March 25th, Kirby passed away from pneumonia while battling stage four pancreatic cancer at the age of 79. He’s perhaps best known as the second-ever ‘Nature Boy’ after his friend, the original Buddy Rogers, passed the nickname on to him in 1967. As an NWA mainstay, he claimed at least 19 NWA Championships. Fellow wrestlers have called him “one of the greatest performers to ever work in the squared circle”.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201931. Salvatore Bellomo

Salvatore was a Belgian wrestler of Italian descent who enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades. On February 9th, his wife announced he passed away at the age of 67 following a battle with cancer. His biggest championship victories include the NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight title, and the NWA Canadian Tag Team gold alongside “Iron” Mike Sharpe in Vancouver, Canada.

Upon joining the WWF in 1982, Bellomo became an enhancement talent used mostly for comedic angles on Piper’s Pit and other encounters with the likes of Bobby Heenan and Bob Backlund. He was also known for competing in ECW from 1993-1994, going up against ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka to crown the inaugural ECW Champion. Up to his death, he worked as a trainer for a Belgian Wrestling School in Terhagen and Flémalle.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201932. Silver King

As a luchador for over thirty years, along with starring as the villain ‘Ramses’ in Jack Black’s Nacho Libre film, Silver King’s storied career sadly came to an abrupt end on the 11th May. During a match in London against Juventud Guerrera, the man known as César Cuauhtémoc González Barrón collapsed and was left unattended while Juventud celebrated the victory. Originally reported as a heart attack, it was later revealed he suffered from a fulminant infarction.

Silver King will be known for his work in Mexico working for the UWA, AAA and CMLL, along with a stint in WCW from 1997-2000 in the Attitude Era as a lower mid-carder. After being released from WCW, he went on to become the third incarnation of Black Tiger in New Japan from 2001-2006. Some of his biggest championship achievements include many tag team titles with El Texano (as Los Cowboys) and the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship. Many tributes were shared, including Chris Jericho stating Silver King helped him to become a better fighter.

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 201933. The Destroyer

Dick Beyer is known as one of the most popular American athletes to ever grace the country of Japan, going by the ring name The Destroyer AKA Doctor X. So much so that he was awarded their highest honor, the Order of the Rising Sun in 2017.

He passed away on March 7th at the age of 88. His career spanned nearly 40 years and included nearly 8,000 matches in the United States and Japan. Dick Beyer’s career is so vast and storied that it would be an injustice to summarize it. Instead, you can read up on this legendary figure with this detailed outlook by The Post And Courier:

Dick ‘The Destroyer’ Beyer: A lifetime of masks and memories

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 2019
Willie Williams squaring off with Antonio Inoki in 1980

34. Willie Williams

While Willie Williams never considered himself a wrestler, he did contribute to a legendary moment. In 1980, he took part in a classic encounter with Antonio Inoki for the World Heavyweight Martial Arts Championship in Tokyo. As an American karateka and mixed martial artist, his biggest success was reaching the semi-final of the World Karate Championships in 1979, along with a MMA record of 9-4.

On June 9th, it was announced Williams had passed away at the age of 68. The Kyokushin Karate 極真空手 Facebook page posted this update: The great Willie Williams passes away today! RIP. He fought against Kenji Sampei and committed foul after foul instructed by his teacher Shigeru Oyama , Williams well known among fight fans for his encounters with bears and the rather bizarre free style fight with the Japanese pro- Wrestler Inoki.

The bear fighter with his bear fighting style gained a third place in the Second World Open Tournament . He was unsuccessful in the Third World Tournament . R.I.P Kamau Okbar Aka Sensei Willie Williams who passed away today . Legend sadly miss but not forgotten . 😢❤️My condolences to the family . Farewell and Big Osu . 👊

35. Yusuke ‘Wally’ Yamaguchi-San

Remembering Wrestlers Who Died in 2019
Pictured in front, Yamaguchi was the manager of the KAIENTAI stable in 1998

Yamaguchi is known for founding several wrestling promotions in Japan from 1989 and throughout the 90’s, including FMW, Universal Lucha Libre, and (unconfirmed) Michinoku Pro Wrestling. His biggest asset was being able to speak English, which promotions often used to recruit gaijin (English-speaking) wrestlers from abroad. Wally was also known to escort Japanese talents who were booked overseas to make the trips easier and fun. In March 1998, the WWF signed him and he soon recruited Sho Funaki, Mens Teioh, and Dick Togo to form the stable Kai En Tai in its original form.

On the 3rd August on an episode of Raw, the infamous ‘castration’ scene occurred; which implied Yamaguchi had cut off Val Venis’ penis with a samurai blade. This was by far the most memorable moment of his WWF career, as he was released later that year and the Kai En Tai stable continued as a tag team. In a statement from WWE, they thanked him for being their Japanese liaison. They also said his brother Shun Yamaguchi continues to be a PPV announcer for Japanese audiences. After suffering a stroke in 2017, Yamaguchi passed away on the 9th March at 60-years-old due to a lengthy battle with an unknown illness. Sean Waltman and Al Snow shared their respects to the man, as he helped them to get booked in their early careers.

Conclusion

I’d like to thank everyone for supporting eWrestlingNews and myself throughout 2019, and hope you continue to do so in 2020. It’s not always easy reporting the news, especially when it comes at a tragic loss to the wrestling world. All the staff send our deepest condolences to anyone who was affected by the passing of any person listed here. Please let me know if any of the information is incorrect and I’ll correct it asap. Thanks for reading. We finish with some words from Harley Race:

“Any time you are in a position where your peers plus the people who paid your bills all your life are honoring you, it doesn’t get a hell of a lot better than that.”
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