— Jamie Cruickshank sent this one in: In 2003, WWE Hall of Famer ‘Mr Perfect’ Curt Hennig died at the age of 44. Hennig began his career in the AWA, wrestling as Cool Curt Hennig. After a brief spell with the WWF, he returned to the AWA and began to prove himself as a top contender. He won his only AWA World Title in 1987, holding the belt for over a year, but would leave for the WWF shortly after dropping the title, complaining the AWA was holding down it’s young talent (a claim also made by Hulk Hogan, Rick Martel and Bobby Heenan, who had left the promotion in previous years). It was the WWF return that saw the creation of Mr Perfect, the character which Hennig would become best remembered for. He would go undefeated on television right up to WrestleMania VI, when he was beaten by Brutus Beefcake. This run would see him feud with Hulk Hogan over the WWF Title, though he would fall short of capturing the belt (though he did once steal and destroy the title). In April 1990, he won his first Intercontinental Title, but was forced to drop the belt months later after suffering serious back injuries in a match. He took much of 1992 off to recover, though stayed on television as a color commentator. His in-ring return came in November 1992, but his back injuries flared up again and he was forced to take more time off in 1993, and wouldn’t return to the WWF in a wrestling capacity. After more stints as a manager and commentator, he jumped to WCW in 1997, where he took to active competition once more. After yet more injury problems, he left WCW in 2000, having won the United States and Tag Team Titles during his tenure. After a brief stint in the XWF, Hennig returned to the WWF, though was quickly released for his part in the infamous ‘Plane Ride From Hell’. His last major run saw him challenge Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Title in the young TNA promotion. He was found dead in a Florida hotel room of a cocaine overdose. Both WWE and TNA aired tributes, and several notable figures in the wrestling world praised Hennig’s ring abilities.
— Michael McGillicutty, the real life son of Curt Hennig, tweeted the following today: Unfortunate milestone on this sad day. 10 yrs already since I lost my best friend. And I still miss him just as much today. Love You Dad. My Dad lives thru me everyday. I swear on the moon & stars that my mark will be made in this business. The #Hennig name will endure forever. Today I turn the corner. Ive endured pain, true, but its my time now. Im at a different level then all others. Physically and mentally. Nothing can stop me. No one will slow me down. I own my life. I own my future. I own the ring. Im the Boss. #Hennig
— Eric Bischoff tweeted the following today: “Truly miss Curt Hennig. Had the pleasure of working with him in his early career in AWA through our time in WCW. One of a kind.”
— Jim Ross posted the following on his blog at JRSBARBQ.com: “Can’t help but think about Curt Henning aka Mr. Perfect today on the anniversary of his untimely passing. “Perfecto’ was as good a natural athlete as I’ve ever been around in the wrestling biz. Curt starting so young and wrestling so much likely contributed to his lingering back injuries as back ailments are horrific for any performer in the sports entertainment biz. Curt was also one of the funniest guys that I ever worked with on commentary and had legit, natural timing much like a guy he watched while growing up, Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan. Curt truly loved life and some could argue that he loved it a little too much at times. Nonetheless I value the relationship that we had and the fun doing WWE voice overs at the Stamford, Ct studios back in the day. Chief Jay Strongbow nicknamed Curt “Dennis the Menace” because of his mischievous demeanor at times. Curt was one of my favorite wrestlers and when he was healthy he could hang with anyone. I am optimistic that his son Joe also know as Michael McGillicutty will be a main event level talent before all is said and done. I’ve seen Joe wrestle a great deal especially down in NXT and he has every thing he needs to be special. It’s all about timing and right place at the right time but I’m confident that Joe will persevere and get to the next level and it could happen in 2013. I’d be surprised if it doesn’t.”
— Here is a video remembering Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig: