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EditorialRemembering Wrestlers & Personalities Who Passed Away in 2020 (2/2)

Remembering Wrestlers & Personalities Who Passed Away in 2020 (2/2)

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Continuing on from the first half, here is a list of wrestlers & personalities who passed away in 2020. Forgive me if I missed anyone, but the list is extensive and took many days to compile and put together. Further names will be shared at the bottom. The display is an image from theringer.com.

Condolences to all the friends and family of everyone mentioned. Also, all of my gratitude to other sites who shared their tributes to the men & women who paved the way. Without them, this would not have been possible. You can check out the first half at the following link, if you have not done so already: Remembering Wrestlers & Personalities Who Passed Away in 2020 (1/2)

Shirley Love, 87 (July 17th)

Shirley D. Love served as a politician and member of the West Virginia House of Delegates after working as a broadcast journalist. One of his biggest jobs was announcing NWA Saturday Night Wrestling and other broadcasts on WOAY-TV between 1954 to 1997. He was well-known for his work in the community of West Virginia.

Eli “Wrecking Ball” Thomas, Tom Troll Jr, 34 (July 18th)

Thomas Troll Jr began his career as a wrestler, working mainly on the independent scene in a tag team with a “sexy” (albeit ironically) gimmick. After several years, he retired from in-ring action and turned his attention to his toy line Toyhio, or “Too Sweet Toys”, selling a bunch of wrestling merchandise. No reason was given for his passing, but it’s sad to see it happening long before his time. He was a charismatic character with many friends and family who sorely miss him.

Sally The Farmer’s Daughter, Beckie Mullen, 56 (July 21st)

In the GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) promotion during the eighties, there was once a girl called Sally The Farmer’s Daughter in the first and third seasons. After moving on from wrestling, she landed acting roles in TV shows like Married with Children, MadTV, Renegade and Pacific Blue, along with cameos in music videos like Van Halen’s hit Poundcake.

Mullen’s daughter confirmed her passing after fighting as hard as she could against stage 4 kidney, colon and liver cancer.

The GLOW Twitter account posted: “RIP to a GLOW Original! It is with a sad heart that we share the passing of Beckie Mullen (Sally The Farmers Daughter) to our GLOW family. She was a spark of energy and will be missed much by her friends and fans.”

Dave Kidney (July 21st)

Back in 2009, the BBC aired a documentary on the 78-year-old “Giant Greystacks” wrestler named Dave Kidney. He was one of the oldest, active professional wrestlers in the world.

“I can’t tell you the feeling of hearing 2,000 people shouting your name when I lifted the [featherweight] title 50 years ago. I was very proud and it’s something I’ll never forget.” He added: “Now I don’t do this for the money. There’s no money in it anymore.

Kidney’s last known match took place in Carnoustie, Scotland in January 2011 at the age of 79.


Z-Barr, Tom Hirshmann (July 21st)

Yet another CZW star passed away too soon in 2020. The promotion shared the following statement:

As a copy of Cactus Jack and Terry Funk in ECW, Z-Barr was once the victim of being buried in steel chairs. Zandig went one further by setting the heap on fire!

Z-Barr worked with CZW til 2009, but also spent time with other independent promotions and working in Japan for Big Japan Wrestling. He worked one match for TNA Wrestling on a 2003 episode of Xplosion as a tag team against David Young and Disco Inferno. He retired from wrestling in 2012.

Zoltan Boscik, 81 (July 25th)

Hailing from Hungary, Zoltan Boscik was one of a few outsiders to claim the British Lightweight Championship. He was exceedingly mature early in to his career as he had seen more of life than his peers, having grown up in a Nazi-held country which was later taken over by the Soviet Union.

After winning the title, promoters wanted to book him on TV because it perfectly suited him. Zoltan wrestled more TV matches than many other legends of the time, including Johnny Saint, Rollerball Mark Rocco, Giant Haystacks and more. This iconic figure from wrestling’s past has a great story which you check out in a detailed article on his life and career: A Taste of Goulash: Zoltan Boscik

Walt “Big Slam Vader” McDonald, 54 (July 27th)

Due to his size and look, he would sometimes go by the name “Big Slam Vader”. His biggest feud came in 1994 when he worked a long indie program with legend Wahoo McDaniel. In the late 90’s he started running his own shows, enticing names like Tom Brandi, Greg Valentine, Barbarian, Buddy Landell, Ricky Morton to work for him. In recent years, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments caught up with McDonald and his wrestling days were over.

Greg “Count Grog” MosorJak posted a tribute article for Walt here: Mat Matters: Remembering Walt ‘Big Slam’ McDonald

Kat LeRoux (July 27th)

LeRoux was known to the wrestling world for her work in Jim Crockett Promotions, World Championship Wrestling, Championship Wrestling From Florida, and later the American Wrestling Association.

The 80’s was tough on women’s wrestling, but Kat still made a name for herself working against some of its biggest stars, including Sherri Martell, Madusa, Luna Vachon and Joyce Grable. After enjoying success in the 80’s and early 90’s, she quietly retired from the ring some time in the mid-90s.


“Rollerball” Mark Rocco, 69 (July 31s)

Along with Wayne Bridges, Mark Rocco was one of the most famous British wrestlers to pass away in 2020. In his final years, he was in a care home and had been suffering with dementia for some time.

Rocco’s career saw him travel around the world after losing the British Heavy Middleweight Championship to Marty Jones to put an end to their highly rated TV encounters. Catching the eye of American promotions, he teamed with Greg Gagne and worked matches in the WWWF (WWE), one of which was against a young Hulk Hogan. In the early 80s, he also had an intense set of matches against a returning Dynamite Kid.

After this, he tried his luck in Japan, famously beginning the character known as “Black Tiger”; which other wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero would later adopt. His natural enemy was Tiger Mask, as they fought to decide who was the king of the jungle. Outside of this, Rocco would return home to work with All Star Wrestling, which saw him ignite a feud with fellow British legend Kendo Nagasaki in the late 80s/early 90s.

Long after retirement, some fans may remember him as the host of TNA British Boot Camp in 2012, which included contestants The Blossom Twins, Marty Scurll, and the winner Rockstar Spud AKA Drake Maverick. This would be his last major TV appearance. Mark Rocco leaves a legacy of being one of a few British wrestlers to make himself known as a worldwide name in the business.

“Marvelous” Mitch Ryder, 48 (August 5th)

Another former WCW talents passing was announced by his longtime friend Ian Rotten. Mitch Ryder worked for the company in 1992 for a year, working as an enhancement talent against Cactus Jack, Rick Rude and others. He joined IWA-Mid South in 1997, and remained there for much of his career.

In 2007, he opened XWC Mid-West in New Albany, Indiana, and that year began expanding his own resume, working with CHIKARA, CZW, Anarchy Championship Wrestling (ACW) in Texas, and Indiana’s Coliseum Championship Wrestling (CCW). He became a mentor and trainer to many current stars, such as Chris Hero (aka Kassius Ohno), Drew Gulak, Mance Warner, and more.

Xavier, John Jairo Bedoya Jr, 42 (August 16th)

Xavier’s legacy is one of being a Ring Of Honor original. After defeating the first-ever ROH World Champion Low-Ki, he defended it against Jay Briscoe, AJ Styles and Paul London. The only man who could take it away was Samoa Joe, who started a record setting reign with the title. He remained with ROH for two more years before returning to the indie scene.

In 2009, he tried out for amateur MMA, winning his first bout by KO in 14 seconds, and losing the second by decision. He was set to return to ROH in 2020 for a Past vs. Present show, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the plans on hold. Sadly, he never got the chance to return home to the company he found his biggest success. No cause of death was given for John Bedoya’s passing.

Deja Vu Gerome Phillips, 37 (August 22nd)

He wrestled under many names, including King Vu, Black Jaws, Deja Vu, Richard Phillips, and Gerome Phillips. Perhaps best known for his tag team with Jon Moxley, called Royal Violence, along with his HWA Heavyweight title win over Moxley.

Sports Obsessive wrote a tribute with a picture of Phillips, Moxley and friends together here: The Man Called Vu: Remembering Richard Phillips


“Bullet” Bob Armstrong, 80 (August 27th)

WWE shared the following video as a tribute to Bob Armstrong:

He died after suffering with bone cancer, and will be remembered for his illustrious career, along with training his four sons Joseph Scott (current WWE referee), Brad Armstrong, Steve Armstrong, and Brian Girard AKA Road Dogg Jesse James.

Ric Drasin, 76 (August 30th)

He is known mainly for his bodybuilding and fitness instructor career, along with being a personal trainer of Mae Young in the 1960’s. Ric also trained alongside seven-time Mr Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger.  After working a few matches as Dick Allen, he moved on to founding, promoting and wrestling for the American Wrestling Federation.

“The Equalizer” wrote several books as well, including one titled So You Want To Be A Wrestling Promoter. After his wrestling company died down, he continued training new talent out of his house, two of which are current AEW stars Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus. His sons announced his passing:

“This is Sami, Adam, and Shane. It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of our father. He was everything to us. A father, role model, and friend. Not only was he an inspiration for countless people, but he truly cared for those around him. His life was steered by the desire to uplift and share his positivity. He always found a way to brighten the room with his humor. Ric’s immeasurable presence will be with us all forever.”

“Nasty” Mike Markalonis (September 2nd)

“Nasty” Mike claimed to be a member of the original Nasty Inc, which would inspire The Nasty Boyz and other similar gimmicks. It isn’t confirmed, but there are several mentions of him working with Fritz Von Erich and WCCW. He and his other Nasty Inc members spent much of their career working the indies. After his passing, five trees were planted in his honour.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Danie Brits (September 3rd)

Also known as ‘The Masked Tornado, Danie Brits, he was a South African Heavyweight Champion, half-brother of Danie Voges, and uncle of WWP’s powerhouse wrestler Ananzi. He was honoured for his achievements and helping to build South African wrestling in 2009.

His passing came as a surprise because it was said he remained in good health, but suffered a heart attack. iol.co.za has a tribute article here: Tributes pour in Danie Brits SA’s wrestling ‘Masked Tornado’

“Snakeman” Deven Michaels, 39 (September 6th)

Michaels has said, “I had a relatively bad childhood. The wrestlers I saw were my only heroes. When things were at their worst I would think about all the larger than life wrestlers I had seen and that would help me get through the night.

Also when I would tell people about my dream of wanting to become a pro-wrestler every one would laugh and tell me that it would be impossible for me to make it. I wanted to become a wrestler so that perhaps one day I will be hero to some one and be an inspiration to every one that has a dream.”

It isn’t known how Deven Michaels became “Snakeman”, and it has been both disputed and accepted by Jake “The Snake” Roberts. However, there is no denying that they worked together.

There is a good chance Roberts wanted to pass his gimmick on to the next generation, but perhaps forgot about it because of his alcoholism. I have seen a comment from a user of Michaels claiming to be Robert’s nephew, but she was probably told this as part of the gimmick. A tribute article can be found here: Popular KSWA Alumnus “Snakeman” Deven Michaels Suddenly Passes Away; Friends Remember Hard-Working Wrestler


Puppet The Psycho Dwarf, Stevie Lee, 54 (September 9th)

Stevie Lee was one of the most reported passing’s in 2020 due to his time on Jackass 3D, but he was a wrestler before that.

He wrestled for NWA:TNA a few times in its early days, but is better known for creating the Spike TV show “Half Pint Brawlers”. After it was cancelled, he starred in “Oz The Great and Powerful” and “American Horror Story”. No cause of death was given.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Barry Scott, 65 (September 10th)

The original voice of TNA Wrestling. When you hear the phrase “Cross The Line”, you will think of Barry Scott’s amazing delivery. Allow yourself to be immersed in what I can only describe as audible chocolate.

Still gives me goosebumps. The last piece of work Barry Scott did for Impact Wrestling was a return to form, as he introduced the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Moose in a vignette to hype the upcoming TNA PPV. Sadly, the event never took place because of the pandemic. He hadn’t lost it, and it’s safe to say that he truly crossed the line in to our hearts and memories.

Jerry Brown (right), 83 (September 15th)

Jerry Brown was one half of the original Hollywood Blonds. Many may remember The Hollywood Blondes featuring Brian Pillman and Steve Austin, but that team wouldn’t have existed in the same way without Buddy Roberts, Jerry Brown and manager Oliver Humperdink.

Together, they were the most accomplished pairing with a tally of 12 championships from American to Japan. Some of the legendary names they fought include Danny Hodge, Bill Watts, Dick Slater, S.D. Jones, Antonio Inoki, Seiji Sakaguchi, Greg Valentine, Bob Backlund, and more.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Jackie Stallone, 98 (September 21st)

From SLAM Wrestling: Matt Cimber, the veteran television producer who ran GLOW, recalled how Jackie Stallone ended up being the biggest name involved. Stallone was “quite a character,” Cimber told SlamWrestling in a 2017 interview. “She said, ‘I want to be the house mother for the good girls.’ And I said okay. And she was terrific.” The show was pretty fluid, said Cimber, meaning they changed on the fly often. Stallone took that to heart.

“To show you how loose we were, she goes on The Tonight Show [with Johnny Carson] once as a guest and they start talking about GLOW, and she evidently tells Johnny, she says, ‘You know, I own GLOW,’” chuckled Cimber. That night, Cimber got a call from Meshulam Riklis, who owned the Riviera hotel in Las Vegas and was a partner with Cimber on many films. “He says, ‘Matt, did you sell GLOW?’ That’s how loose we were, with paperwork, with everything. I said, ‘Of course I never sold it.’ …. I said, ‘Let her say it, she’s having a good time, she loves it. It’ll be fine.’”

David McLane, the creator of GLOW and the main announcer, told vulture.com in 2017 that Stallone wasn’t originally part of the plan. He met Stallone in the summer of 1986, and it made a huge difference. After I met with her and she agreed to come on board, it was like gold. We instantly hit all the media outlets with press. We cleared another 30 or 40 stations — and that was it, we were up and rolling.”

Indeed, she was able to get media appearances that most fledgling syndicated TV shows would only dream about. People Magazine featured her in its May 23, 1988 issue, with the memorable headline: “Yo, Mama! The Wrestling Stallone, Sly’s Mother, Jackie, Returns to the Ring with a Stable of Rambettes.” Naturally, it led off the story with the Stallone “rap,” which lives on through the magic of YouTube.

“I’m Mama Stallone, listen to me sing
My girls are champions in the ring
They’re on the go, they never stop
That’s why they’re headed for the top”


Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Road Warrior Animal, Joseph Laurinaitis, 60 (September 22nd)

What would tag team wrestling be without The Road Warriors, the Legion of Doom’s Animal & Hawk? You could say they still hold the distinction of being the biggest franchise team in the history of the business, as their popularity often rivaled that of some of its singles stars.

Since then, other teams have come along and stamped their claim on being the greatest of all time, but they got over during a boom period. The Road Warriors got over purely through word of mouth and putting in the work, and didn’t enjoy the kind of exposure other teams have had in the past two decades. Much like Sting, Vader and others, they did not need the WWF/WWE to make them household names, because they already were by the time they got there.

In his latter years, Animal was critical of WWE despite his brother John Laurinaitis working there. Animal last appeared on WWE at Raw 1000 in 2012, when he helped other legends to beat up Heath Slater. His last major appearance on TV came to AEW’s first All In PPV event in 2018.

Mr. Meaner (September 27th)

He was a special part of the Detroit wrestling scene for years. Redmon played a huge role in helping to kick-start Insane Clown Posse’s promotion Juggalo Championship Wrestling. Brian Gorie shared a more detailed story of his life, which include tributes from John E. Bravo, N8 Mattson and more here: Detroit-area colleagues recall ‘Mr. Meaner’ Russell Redmon

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Drew Game, 39 (October 2nd)

According to his obituary, Andrew Germain worked in the “southeast for 21 years and was a 5 time AIWF Cruiserweight Champion and held the AIWF tag titles. He was known for his kind heart and caring nature. Drew was always there to help a friend and bring that unforgettable smile.” Wrestling events across Georgia paid tribute to him with ten bell salutes.

Lorraine Johnson, 90 (October 5th)

In her day, she was a former NWA Women’s World Tag Team Champion with Penny Banner. After her retirement, Lorraine wanted nothing more to do with wrestling and would often begin her phone calls by rejecting any offers, before any offers could be made.

While my theory cannot be proven, she trained under Billy Wolfe in Columbus, Ohio, so the reason for her behaviour could stem from her being, or seeing others being sexually harassed (this isn’t fact, but Billy Wolfe was known for using girls in this way). She was in it to make money, rather than be stuck doing farm work.As an avid animal lover, Lorraine spent her latter years taking in injured ducks and nursing them back to health.

Her daughter “Baby Doll” Nickla Roberts explains her story here: Women’s wrestling great Lorraine Johnson dies

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Len Rossi, 91 (October 9th)

Rossi was one of the most accomplished tag team wrestlers in the history of the National Wrestling Alliance, claiming at least 38 titles with partners like: Jackie Fargo, Johnny Walker, Dick Beyer, Kevin Sullivan and so many more.

He was inducted in to the NWA Hall of Fame in 2016. Rossi was also the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Champion for much of the 60s. Despite being a New Yorker, he became a huge babyface with the Tennessee audience in a time when it was unheard of. That alone is a testament to the guy and performer he was.


Espantito, 53 (October 12th)

Another Mexican star lost after contracting the COVID-19 virus is the taller mini-wrestler (5’3) Espantito. From 10News: In the wrestling ring, Martin Rodriguez was known as “Espantito,” or “The Terror.” He donned a mask and black-and-white tights and had a knack for performing seamless moves.

In early September, the man known for his strength felt tired and then developed a cough and fever. A few weeks later, he was having trouble breathing and was taken to the ER. “He went in with pneumonia and was then diagnosed with COVID-19,” said his daughter Barbara Rodriguez.

Barbara says a few days later, he was placed on a ventilator. About three weeks later, Martin, a husband and father of two, died at the age of 53. “He gave me strength, gave me guidance, and helped me become the person I am today. Knowing I won’t have him for the future is painful,” said Barbara.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Spidar Boodrow (October 13th)

‘The Extreme Dream’ is yet another to pass away due to complications with COVID-19. He was known for his deathmatch wrestling in IWA and other promotions. From a Cagematch user describing his work in 2019:

“Look he’s not the best wrestler out there (he even admitted it himself) but Spidar Boodrow definitely has his place within the US Deathmatch scene. He actually has (had) pretty decent capabilities as a strong powerhouse in those matches. He’s a Carnage Cup legend who has taken the absolute most insane bumps in the history of that event. He goes into bumps/idiotic spots full force without hesitation. He jumped off of roofs of trucks and buildings at least 3 times (spots that remind me of the Zandig – Mondo jump).

Not a fan of the boxcutter stabbing that he took (but hell at least it takes a huge amount of balls). I’d go as far as to say he’s one of the most fearless guys in American deathmatch wrestling. Carnage Cup won’t be the same once he retires.”

Ryan Smile, 31 (October 14th)

Like Hana Kimura, Ryan Smile was another wrestler who suffered with mental health and took their own life in 2020. He was known as the “King of OTT” (Over The Top Wrestling), and the promotion paid tribute to him with a video.

During his time, he wrestled some of the greatest wrestlers in the world, like Pete Dunne, Aleister Black, Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, Jordan Devlin, Chris Hero, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Ricochet, Sami Callihan, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Zack Gibson, The Briscoe Brothers, El Phantasmo, BUSHI, El Desperado, and too many more to list.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Karsten Beck, 33 (October 15th)

Karsten made a name for himself in his twenties as one of Germany’s fastest rising stars in Westside Xtreme Wrestling, where he was a two-time Unified Champion. His first reign saw him overcome the current NXT UK Champion Walter.

Not long after reaching the top, he was forced to retire after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Sadly, he passed away in 2020 after a four-year battle with brain cancer. Not just Germany, but the world lost a man who deserved to share his passion for wrestling and love for life, for many more years.


Principe Aereo, 26 (October 17th)

His passing came shortly after collapsing in the ring while working a match with Redmido. It was later confirmed he suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and later died in hospital.

Principe Aereo was an accountancy student who paid for his schooling with the money that he made through his wrestling world. Shortly before the tragedy, the wrestler had posted a gut-wrenching video of his grandmother cooking at home for him. Ricardo Rodriguez and Rey Mysterio were some of the biggest names to share their condolences of his sudden passing.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Johnny Meadows, 59 (October 20th)

Outside of wrestling, he was a serious musician who parodied country tunes like “The Clintons Went Down to Georgia” and “Bubba Claus”, played Christian Rock at his local church, along with playing at weddings as a freelance DJ.

At the height of his wrestling career, he worked as an enhancement talent for World Championship Wrestling, battling stars of the era like Ric Flair, the Mongolian Stomper, Big John Studd and Abdullah the Butcher. Another to pass due to complications with COVID-19. NY Times wrote a fitting tribute here: Johnny Meadows, Pro Wrestler With a Tuneful Side, Dies at 59

“The King” Gary Allen (October 22nd)

‘The King’ Gary Allen was a referee who took care of his wrestlers. He was a rare breed because he’s one of a few referees ito have an entrance theme. Gary was especially good at helping to guide green (newcomers) wrestlers through a match. SLAM Wrestling wrote a detailed tribute to the man here: B.C. referee Gary Allen was ‘The King’ and one of the boys

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Tracy Smothers, 58 (October 28th)

There is so much that could be said about Tracy Smothers it would need its own article. While he is perhaps best known for his run in ECW with the FBI, he worked for a crazy amount of promotions, including: CWA, UWF, Championship Wrestling from Florida, NJPW, USWA, WCW, SMW, IWA Japan, WWF(E), FMW, XPW, IWA Mid-South, TNA, JCW and so many more.

Al “Samson” Vass, 86 (October 30th)

“Mr. Brooklyn” was named after winning a bodybuilding contest. But he is perhaps better known for his refereeing career than as a wrestler, as he became well-respected throughout the industry.

Even Bruno Sammartino when coming to Madison Square Garden, asked for Al “Samson” Vass by name, because he knew he had been a wrestler. He kept his referee license from 1964-2001, making him one of the longest serving in American Wrestling history: Al Vass, professional wrestler and referee, dies at 86


Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
“The Brusier” RJ Meyers, 44 (November 16th)

Beloved to Maryland Championship Wrestling, he was an 11-time heavyweight champion and two-time tag team champion. He was often referred to as the “Major of MCW” as he was always the first to arrive and last to leave, always talking to the fans and getting pictures with the kids.

In 2019 he was diagnosed with leukemia and sadly passed away to it a year-and-half later. Being trained by the late Axl Rotten and Corporal Punishment, he passed on his knowledge as a trainer to current stars like Lio Rush & The Velveteen Dream.

“The Samoan Beast” Michael Faith, 36 (November 17th)

Courtesy of Alliance Wrestling: “The Largeador was a bigger than life talent. He was 350 lbs, but did moves that seemed nearly impossible for a man of his stature to do. Trained by Tom Jones and Rocco Valentino, the 6’5 wrestler achieved international success in Japan, wrestling for the short-lived Big Van Vader promotion. Later he would join the All Japan Pro Wrestling roster (as a member of the Voodoo Murderers) in 2009, regularly teaming with Lance Hoyt.

In between tours, he would work with Ken Taylor’s NWA Southwest. He would become NWA Texas Champion by first defeating Kevin Northcutt for the title. He would be stripped of the title, only to win it back the following year by defeating his former tag team partner Chad Thomas. After 21 days he would lose the title to Charlie Haas.

Faith would get back into title contention by becoming the NWA Oklahoma Champion. when he would defeat Brad Michaels, Dane Griffin (who was champion) and the Modern Day Hero Kevin Douglas for the title on September 17th 2010. He would lose the title to a future NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Tim Storm on June 11th 2011.

Faith would still be active in the NWA in Texas even with new management, but he would also begin to work with River City Wrestling. He would become the RCW Heavyweight Champion defeating Hotstuff Hernandez and Steve McEnroe, and would go on to win the title one more time. Faith was also a part of Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, where he would compete as the “Samoan Beast” and would win their heavyweight title in 2014.”

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Sylvano Sousa (right), 66 (November 18th)

Posted by John Arezzi, he wrote a tribute to his friend Sylvano Sousa, who passed away due to complications with COVID-19. He worked as an enhancement talent for the WWWF, but he was more than that, as illustrated here: Mat Memories: Recalling Sylvano Sousa, my tag team partner

Cameron Wellington, 19 (November 19th)

This one hurts because of how young he was. Cameron Wellington of Walsall, England, had a whole life ahead of him, and had just sank his teeth in to a piece of the wrestling pie.

But like so many others, it doesn’t matter how old you are, there is always a chance you can pass away after contracting the COVID-19 virus. He had no known underlying health conditions and had been wrestling regularly for two years: Wrestler, 19, who caught Covid told mum he was fine – but died a week later


Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Colt 45, 29 (November 20th)

Yet another deathmatch wrestler passed away long before his time. LWOS shared the following on his career: Deathmatch Wrestler Colt 45 Passes Away At The Age of 29

Bob Ryder, 64 (November 24th)

Bob Ryder was instrumental in helping WCW in the Attitude Era, and founding TNA Wrestling with his announcing, administrative, and online skills. He was one of the first to use the internet to conduct an interview, when he questioned WWF talent Shawn Michaels & Kevin Nash in 1995. He was also the founder of 1wrestling.com and ECW’s website. As a close friend of Eric Bischoff, he was always ensured a job with WCW, but when it closed, he urged Jerry & Jeff Jarrett to start TNA so WWE wouldn’t have a complete monopoly.

He also played a part in some of my early work. While researching for my piece titled “The Death Of WCW – Who Was Responsible?”, I came across an interesting page. This archived web page includes a detailed explanation from Bob Ryder on what he believed is sabotage by Time Warner executives to sell WCW to the WWF.

It makes so much sense I cannot dispute it, but the information often flies under the radar because it’s easier to point the finger at Kevin Nash, Vince Russo, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff and others for the demise of WCW. In reality, there were a lot of shady things going on behind the scenes, and WCW had plenty of backers who had the money to keep it afloat, yet the WWF acquired it for a fraction of its price: Bob Ryder calls for ‘criminal investigation’ of WCW sale

In his last few years, Ryder battled multiple myeloma, and passed away in his home while working for Impact Wrestling.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Klaus Kauroff (November 24th)

Kauroff was one of the last real German Catch wrestlers, who was also well known for his time in the British Wrestling scene. The biggest match I could find of his was against Bull Power, otherwise known as Big Van Vader.

He fought with UK names William Regal. Orig Williams, Dave Taylor, Roy St. Clair, and teamed with Giant Haystacks & Colonel Brody. In wXw, he managed the late Karsten Beck.

Bobby Lee, Carlos Alvarado González, 70 (November 26th)

Incredibly known in Mexico and in wrestling circles, as he can be once quoted as saying:

“I have had contact with people in the WWE and they themselves are surprised to learn who i was, Big Show, CM Punk, Triple H, Randy Orton, Mr. John Cena said: why are you taking pictures with him? But Triple H said to him: shut up, you still weren’t training when this man was world champion, John Cena asked “who is it?” Triple H said: He is Bobby Lee, have match against Tiger Mask in Japan and working with Antonio Inoki”.

As one of the legendary El Santo’s biggest rivals, Bobby Lee deserves to be remembered as a pioneer in the history of Lucha Libre. From Luchawiki.com:

Exciting rookie who took off with the creation of the UWA and cemented his status as a legendary name by being the first person to lose his mask to El Santo in the Palacio De Los Deportes. He followed it up by losing his hair to Santo less than a month later in the same building. Still had some name value in Mexico and ended up being asked over to New Japan Pro Wrestling for a feud with the original Tiger Mask whom he lost his mask to… except this time while wrestling as The Masked Hurricane.

Word of this eventually found it’s way back to Mexico and certain people weren’t so thrilled. This effectively ended his working relationship with the UWA and he was mainly a local wrestler in Leon from that point forward. Also became the promoter of all shows at the Domo de la Feria in Leon, a position which he still holds to this day. Having that type of power has allowed him to participate in several angles such as saving his son from beatings and even putting his hair on the line both as a second and a wrestler in a match with two other referees.


Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Pat Patterson, 79 (December 2nd)

WWE mourned his passing over several weeks. Patterson is often described as Vince McMahon’s right-hand man, who played an instrumental part in growing the company from a regional promotion to the global powerhouse it is today.

He is the first Intercontinental Champion, creator of the Royal Rumble, and the oldest champion in company history when he won the 24/7 title at 78-years-old. While he was the first openly gay wrestler in WWE as early as the 1970s, it was joked about, but was never publicly confirmed til his time in WWE Legend’s House in 2014; when he emotionally opened up about his sexuality to the world. Patterson passed away due to liver failure, brought on by a blood clot.

Mal Mason (December 1st)

Mal Mason was a wrestling referee in the British wrestling scene for many decades.

Along with being a good friend of Natalya Neidhart, he was issued an apology by Chris Jericho after he buried Mal Mason in his book for having his own entrance music. His local promotion World Association of Wrestling paid tribute to him and had a 10 bell salute.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Zeus/Z-Gangsta, Thomas “Tiny” Lister Jr, 62 (December 10th)

It is no secret that he made more of a name for himself as an actor in TV shows and movies, but was still remembered for his time as the monster heel Zeus, or Z-Gangsta, in the WWF and WCW.

Tom Lister Jr’s biggest program was against Hulk Hogan from 1989 to 1990, as he used his movie loss in No Holds Barred as motivation to beat up Hogan in “real life”. After failing to get revenge, Lister returned to movies, but would emerge once more in 1996 to put an end to Hulkamania in WCW.

He had type 2 diabetes and got over the COVID-19 virus in August. However, he got symptoms of something else which was similar to COVID in early December, but it was not confirmed as the same. After no-showing his filming duties, he was later found to have passed away in his home. The investigation in to his death continues.


Dr. Alfonso Morales (December 17th)

Dr. Alfonso Morales was famous in Mexico for his announcing duties in AAA, CMLL and EMLL since the 70s. He had been suffering with his health due to a kidney failure. Morales was inducted in to both AAA and CMLL Hall of Fames.

“CMLL joins the grief that the Lucha family has for the sensitive death of the legendary sports commentator Dr. Alfonso Morales, who became an emblematic voice that made history in this sport.

Rest in peace.”

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Kevin Greene, 58 (December 21st)

You had to be more of a WCW or avid Football fan to know the role he played. Kevin Greene played his part between 1996-1998 against restrictions from his sports team, and is cited as one of a few sports athletes to flawlessly make the transition. Eric Bischoff had the following to say after his passing: “He poured himself into the training for our show, trying to be as good as he could possibly be.”

During his time, he shared a ring with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Roddy Piper, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, The Giant and Steve McMichael. He also encouraged his former teammate Bill Goldberg to pursue a wrestling career, which we know took off like no other.

Danny Hodge, 88 (December 26th)

Danny Hodge is famously known as one of the strongest men to ever enter a wrestling ring. His trademark crushing of an apple with one hand garnered him a lot of attention, something he said he could only do because he had double tendons in his hands. He was a multi-sport athlete, having competed in amateur wrestling (becoming a silver medalist in the 1956 Olympics) before becoming a boxer.

In pro wrestling, he is by far the longest reigning NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion of all time, holding it 7 times for a combined total of 4,134 days over the span of a decade. From Wiki: Bret Hart has referred to Hodge as “one of the greatest wrestlers in pro wrestling or amateur wrestling there’s ever been”, and described being in the same room as Hodge at the 2008 National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum’s award ceremony as “a big, big honor for me“.

Wrestlers Who Passed Away in 2020
Brodie Lee/Luke Harper, Jon Huber, 41 (December 26th)

There’s not much more I can say about “The Exalted One” Brodie Lee, otherwise known as The Wyatt Family’s Luke Harper. I am still awaiting the “Exalted In Heaven” T-Shirt as it works its way through COVID restrictions and the North Atlantic Ocean to the UK, and I will treasure it for as long as I live.

The AEW Dynamite tribute show was as fitting as it could be, and your heart must be cold like ice not to feel something while watching it. In tribute to the man, I recently wrote an article on his greatest matches: 15 Greatest Matches in Tribute of Jon Huber (Brodie Lee/Luke Harper)

More details on his passing were reported here: Very Sad Details Regarding The Passing Of Brodie Lee, Jim Ross Comments

Honorable Mentions

Other wrestlers & personalities I had listed but could not find enough information or struggled to find quality pictures for, include:

  • Joey Scarlo, 86, passed on January 14th. British Wrestling star.
  • Kilowanito, Luis Aduna, 79, passed on June 18th. Lucha Libre star.
  • Fidel Hernandez, Julio Rosales, passed on June 22nd. Referee and former wrestler.
  • Tony Russo, passed on August 8th. Journeyman wrestler from Chile who worked for JCP, WWF, NWA and more.
  • Mike Somaini, passed on August 24th. Mid-Atlantic wrestler who worked for JCP, AWA and UWF.
  • Terri Hopper, passed on September 1st. Co-Owner of the Texoma Wrestling promotion.
  • Keri Kline, passed on September 25th. American indie wrestler & manager
  • Jumping Jim Farrell, Jim Isdale, passed on October 24th, British Welterweight star.
  • Steve “The Great” Dane, passed on December 9th. Worked for GWF and the NWA.

Other Lucha Libre names that were reported but I could not find more information on include: Jose Juan Guerra Flores, Soldado de Plata, El Lider (FIDEL SALVADOR LA RÍOS) & Edgar Ortiz

For more names for the British Wrestling scene, they have a full list here: The Final Count

Please be sure to share anymore of the lost men & women from 2020 if I have not done so already. Thank you for taking the time to read, and again, cheers to the sources who helped to put this together, especially the Filsinger Games forum for helping me get started: R.I.P WRESTLING DEATHS 2020

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