Axl Rotten (1971-2016)
He was known as one-half of the tag team “The Hardcore Chair Swingin’ Freaks”, and for his bloody feud with Ian Rotten in 1995. He also trained Ian Rotten, and current WWE wrestler James Ellsworth.
He was found dead in a McDonalds bathroom, and the cause was a heroin overdose. His last tweet read: “The way I do things may not be the way you do things but you will find out there is only 1 way. My away! (sic) #AxIsTruth.”
He was named part of a class action lawsuit against WWE for concealing risks of injury to the head. In October, it was revealed he suffered from CTE, a form of brain disease (brought on by untreated concussions) found in other deceased wrestlers like Chris Benoit, Andrew “Test” Martin, and others.
Balls Mahoney (1972-2016)
With Axl, he was known as one-half of the tag team “The Hardcore Chair Swingin’ Freaks”. He was also a three-time ECW Tag Team Champion with partners Masato Tanaka (once) and Spike Dudley (twice). He was one of a few original ECW wrestlers to work for the WWE for an extended period after the promotion closed.
He was relaxing at home with his wife, watching Jeopardy(!) and answering trivia questions. He laid on his side to get more comfortable. His wife found him later unconscious and called 911, but he died before the medics could arrive. It was later determined he died of a heart attack.
Just like Axl, his name was added to the class action lawsuit against WWE. In October, he was diagnosed with having lived with the brain disease CTE.
Blackjack Mulligan (1942-2016)
Robert Windham was known as one-half of the WWE Hall Of Fame tag team The Blackjacks. He won several tag team championships with Blackjack Lanza, as well as tag titles with Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair.
He was the father of Barry and Kendell Windham, father-in-law to Mike Rotunda (I.R.S), and grandfather to his sons Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas.
He suffered a heart attack a few months before his death following issues with his health. He was hospitalized and died peacefully at the age of 73.
Chyna (1969-2016)
Joanie Laurer, “The Ninth Wonder Of The World”, is known as one of the most popular women’s wrestlers in the history of the industry. She was a prominent figure in the Attitude Era where she worked as a valet/enforcer for D-Generation X. She broke down walls and proved women could become stars in a male-dominated business.
She was the only woman to ever hold a (wwf) title aside from a women’s championship; the Intercontinental title on two occasions. She was also the first woman to compete in the Royal Rumble and King Of The Ring tournament. She holds victories over Triple H, Chris Jericho, Kurt Angle, and Jeff Jarrett.
Her departure was a controversial one which went unanswered for several years. She was in a
relationship with Triple H in real-life, yet in 2001 it was discovered he’d formed a relationship with Stephanie McMahon, which upset her as she claimed they were having an affair. The tension led to WWE sending her home, before both sides agreed mutually to part ways.
Joanie never recovered mentally from the betrayal. To her last days she continued to claim WWE didn’t want her back. In an interview with Stone Cold Steve Austin on his podcast, Triple H said he had no ill feelings towards her, and praised her career .. while also giving the impression that he wanted her to move on from the past.
She spent the rest of her days in the porn industry, releasing several sex tapes. The fact she went in this career direction made it difficult for WWE to approach her as it didn’t want to be seen as a family company who promotes pornography. Some found this to be a double standard though, and more of an excuse than a valid reason.
Talk of her Hall Of Fame induction picked up this year, with Triple H making comments on the podcast, and Stephanie herself saying it was only a matter of time; but was unsure if or when it could happen. Despite the couple making positive remarks about celebrating her career, Chyna continued to show animosity toward them in interviews.
Despite her issues with drugs, and WWE, Chyna will be remembered for her wrestling career before anything else. She played her part, and it’s hard to imagine any woman having the same dominance she did, in a time when wrestling was booming with high ratings and cut-throat competition.
She was found dead in her home in April. The cause was a drug overdose brought on by mixing drugs and alcohol. Her brain was donated to science to study the effects of the brain disease CTE. After the funeral ceremony, her body was cremated and scattered into the Pacific Ocean.
Gypsy Joe (1933-2016)
He is known mainly for his work in the Tennessee area, as well as garnering a following in Japan. He’s known for being the longest working wrestler in the history of the business, as he worked through seven decades. He’s also known as one of the pioneers of the hardcore style, and the first man to jump off the top of a cage on to an opponent. After an extended illness, complications arose which led to his death in the summer at the age of 82.
Hayabusa (1968-2016)
Eiji Ezaki was a masked wrestler who worked for Japanese promotion FMW. He is known for his early retirement following a nasty botch (will give the video but you have been warned! It is hard to watch) which left him paralyzed for the rest of his life. FMW closed its doors shortly after his incident as he was considered the heart and soul of the promotion.
He took time to visit WWE and get photos with talent such as Sabu, Rob Van Dam, Rey Mysterio, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Vince McMahon.
By 2015 Ezaki had finally regained use of his legs, but needed a cane to ensure his balance.
He died due to a hemorrhage of the brain, and was found in his home by the owner of a nearby tavern who he had planned to do a concert for.
Kris Travis (1983-2016)
Travis was an English wrestler known as a staple of the UK and European Independent scenes. Was also known for getting to the Finals of TNA British Boot Camp 2, where he was forced to withdraw. He worked with many big names, and they came out in force to give their condolences after his passing:
Kevin Owens: “Hard to find words at the moment… Goodbye, Trav… You fought like hell and are an absolute inspiration to me and many others. I only met Kris twice but he made me feel like we’d been friends for years. If I feel this way, I can’t imagine what longtime friends feel. Kris was a great performer and an even better dude. My thoughts are with his family and everyone close to him…Take care of each other, guys.”
Mark Andrews (Mandrews): “Today the world lost an incredibly special person. Thanks for everything, Kris.”
Neville: “Kris was a brilliant performer but more importantly a genuine human being. Goodbye friend.”
Chris Masters: “Can’t put into words how much my heart hurts right now.Thank u @RealKrisTravis 4 my3greatest matches.”
X-Pac: “I just learned of our dear friend @RealKrisTravis passing. Love & Respect to you my friend. You’re already missed.”
Samoa Joe: “My heart goes out to all at the passing of Kris Travis. Taken too soon & he fought way too hard. Rest easy Trav. You’re truly a warrior.”
Finn Balor: “Smiling thinking of OUR friend. A sad day, but you will live forever in the hearts of everyone that knew you.”
In 2014 he was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Several wrestlers showed their support for him, as he spent his time raising funds for charities. In 2015, he recovered from the cancer and returned to wrestling.
A few months later, Travis announced that his cancer had returned, and he would be retiring from wrestling again. He married his girlfriend in February before passing away in March.
Lord James Blears (1923-2016)
He was an English-American wrestler. He grew up in the United Kingdom and served in the Merchant Navy in World War II. After the war, in 1946, he relocated to New York City and successfully applied for U.S citizenship.
His wrestling career started during the war in 1940, at the age of 17. After moving to the states, he shared an apartment with Stu Hart. By the 1950s, he was working under a gimmick of a pompous, snooty, villainous British aristocrat, and it stuck for most of his career.
He won several tag team championships, and unsuccessfully challenged Lou Thesz for the NWA World title in Australia on several occasions. By the 1960’s, he had moved to Hawaii and performed in the local territories.
After the death of Japanese legend Rikidōzan, the owner of AJPW Giant Baba asked Blears to scout foreign wrestlers to perform for his promotion. Among these names included Don Leo Jonathan, Dynamite Kid, and Davey Boy Smith.
He stopped wrestling full-time in 1965, and became the head booker for Hawaii Championship Wrestling. He also provided commentary for the AWA, including a high-profile bout for the AWA World title between Nick Bockwinkel and Hulk Hogan.
A man of all trades, Lord Blears had been a swimmer, surfer, mariner, actor, ring announcer, promoter, and wrestler in his lifetime. He did also legally change his name to “Lord Blears”. At the age of 92, he passed away of natural causes in the local medical center.
Mike Sharpe (1951-2016)
“Iron” Mike Sharpe was known as one of the most popular enhancement talents in the WWF. He was with the promotion from 1983-1995, and his initial run was good as he was managed by Captain Lou Albano, picked up a winning streak, and challenged Bob Backlund for the WWF World Championship. He lost the match, and never again did he reach the same heights.
Very early this year, Mike Sharpe passed away and no cause of death was given. It is likely there were health complications stemming from a landscaping incident he had which led to an infection in his leg, confining him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Mr. Fuji (1934-2016)
Well what can I say about Mr. Fuji? One of the best tag team champions in WWE history with Professor Tanaka, and one of the best managers having led wrestlers & teams like Demolition, The Powers Of Pain, Yokozuna, The Orient Express, Owen Hart, and so many others to victory.
Despite being billed from Japan, Harry Fujiwara was American; he was born in Hawaii. He was one of the longest serving stars in the history of the company, making his debut in 1972, and retiring from the wrestling business in 1996. He was inducted in to the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2007 by Don Muraco. In August, at the age of 82, Harry Fujiwara passed away and no cause of death was given out of respect to the family.
Apologies for the sadness. It is good to look back and remember those who paved the way. The business continues to lose good people each year, and the only thing we can do is remember them, pass on their accomplishments, their sacrifices, and what made them special to the next generation of wrestling fan. Thanks for reading.
