The OFFICIAL Wrestlers Memorial Thread

[Deathstroke]

Here is the OFFICIAL memorial thread dedicated to all the great wrestlers of our time whom we loved to watch that are now no longer with us. Feel free to make posts sharing your thoughts on anybody on this list including your favorite memories, storylines, promos and matches they were involved in etc. NO FLAMES!!!

Credit to ricanarab and ProWrestleFan who helped compile the list.

Brian "Crush" Adams (44) August 13, 2007 Awaiting Autopsy Results
Chris Adams (46) October 7, 2001 Shot to Death
"Adrian Adonis" Keith Franke (34) July 4, 1988 Auto Accident
Dick "the Bruiser" Afflis (62) November 10, 1991 Heart Attack
Gary Albright (34) January 7, 2000 Heart Attack
Randy "Pee Wee" Anderson (41) May 7, 2002 Cancer
Rodney "Yokozuna" Anoia (34) October 22, 2000 Heart Attack
Shoichi Arai (36) May 16, 2002 Suicide
Mike Awesome (42) February 17, 2007 Suicide
Shohei "Giant" Baba (61) January 31, 1999 Bowel Cancer
Jim Barnett (80) September 18, 2004 pneumonia/cancer
Art Barr (28) November 23, 1994 Unknown
"Chris Ca$h" Christopher Bauman Jr. (23) August 18, 2005 Motorcycle Accident
Chris Benoit 2007/07/24 (40) Suicide
Nancy "Woman" Benoit 2007/07/24 (43) Murdered
Ralph "Wild Red" Berry 73/07/29 (66) Heart Attack
Scott "Bam Bam" Bigelow (45) January 19, 2007 Drug Overdose
Jerry Blackwell (45) January 22, 1995 Pneumonia
"Classie" Freddie Blassie (85) June 2, 2003 Natural Causes
Shane "Biff Wellington" Bower June 23, 2007 (42) Heart Attack
"Dino Bravo" Adolpho Bresciano 93/03/11 (44) Shot to Death
Bobo Brazil (74) January 20, 1998 Heart Problems
"Bruiser Brody" Frank Goodish 88/07/17 (42) Stabbed To Death
Dick "Bulldog" Brower (63) September 16, 1997 Diabetes
Bill "Haystack" Calhoun (55) December 7, 1989 Diabetes
Chris Candido (33) April 28, 2005 Blood Clot After Surgery
"Bad News Brown" Allen Coage (63) March 6, 2007 Heart Attack
Jim Crockett 73/04/01 (64)
Mike DiBiase 69/07/02 (45) Heart Attack in the Ring
Bobby Duncum Jr. January 24, 2000 (34) Prescription Drug Overdose
Anthony "Pitbull #2" Durante (36) September 26, 2003 Drug Overdose
Mike "Johnny Grunge" Durham (39) February 16, 2006 sleep apnea
"The Original Sheik" Ed Farahat (?) January 18, 2003 Natural Causes
Masakazu Fukada (27) April 19, 2000 Bleeding of the Brain
Dory Funk Sr. (54) 73/06/03 (
Hiromichi "Kodo" Fuyuki (42) March 19, 2003 Cancer
Terry Garvin (60) August 17, 1998 Cancer
Eddie Gilbert (33) February 18, 1995 Heart Attack
Eddie "Graham" Gossett (55) January 21, 1985 Suicide
Karl Istaz Gotch (82) July 28, 2007 Natural Causes
Terry Gordy (40) July 16, 2001 Heart Attack
Grand Wizard Ernie Roth 83/10/12 (54) Heart Attack
Eddie Guerrero (38) November 13, 2005 Heart Failure
Gory Guerrero (69) April 18, 1990 Unknown
Russ Haas (27) December 15, 2001 Heart Failure
George Hackenschmidt (90) 68/02/19 Natural Causes
Owen Hart (33) May 23, 1999 Accidental Fall
Stu Hart (88) October 16, 2003 Pneumonia
Shinya Hashimoto (40) July 11, 2005 Brain Aneurysm
Lord Alfred Hayes (77) July 21, 2005 Stroke
Mike Hegstrand "Road Warrior Hawk" (46) October 19, 2003 Heart Attack
Curt Hennig (44) February 10, 2003 Drug Overdose
Hercules Hernandez (45) March 6. 2004 Heart Attack
Elizabeth Heulette "Miss Elizabeth" (42) May 1, 2003 Drug Overdose
Brian Curtis Hildebrand (37) September 8, 1999 Stomach Cancer
George B. Caiazzo "John Kronus" (38) July 18, 2007
Ernie Ladd (68) March 10, 2007 Cancer
Larry "Moondog Spot" Lathman (51) November 29, 2003 Heart Attack
Ed "Strangler" Lewis (76) 66/08/07
Reggie Lisowski "The Crusher" (79) October 22, 2005 Natural Causes
Mike "Crash Holly" Lockwood (32) November 6, 2003 Asphyxiation
"High Chief" Peter Maivia (47) June 13, 1982 cancer
"Gorilla Monsoon" Robert Otto Marella (62) October 6, 1999 heart failure
Edward "Wahoo" McDaniel (63) April 18, 2002 complications from diabetes
Vincent McMahon [P] 84/05/27
Sam "Steamboat" Mokuahi (71) May 2, 2006 Alzheimer's
Dick Murdoch (49) June 15, 1996 Heart Attack
Sam Mushnick (93) December 31, 1998 Internal Bleeding
Bob Orton Sr. (76) July 14, 2006 Heart Attack
Ted Petty "Rocco Rock" (49) September 21, 2002 Heart Attack
Brian Pillman (35) October 5, 1997 Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease
Apache Bull Ramos (71) May 27, 2006 Complications of Shoulder Infection and Diabetes
Tom Renesto "Assassin #1" (72) April 25, 2000 Heart Failure
Rikidōzan (39) December 15, 1963 peritonitis from being stabbed
Sylvester Ritter "Junkyard Dog" (45) June 1, 1998 Auto Accident
Alex "Big Dick Dudley" Rizzo (34) May 16, 2002 Unknown
Dewey "The Missing Link" Robertson (68) August 16, 2007 Cancer
Antonino "Argentina" Rocca (49) March 15, 1977
"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers Herman Rohde 92/06/26 (71)
Ricky Romero (74) January 16, 2006 Complications of Diabetes
Andre "the Giant" Rousimoff 93/01/27 Heart Failure from congenitive condition
Martin Ruane "Giant Haystacks" (55) November 30, 1998 Stomach Cancer
Rick Rude (41) April 20, 1999 Heart Attack
"Sherri Martell" Sherri Russell (49) June 15, 2007 Awaiting Autopsy Results
"Buzz Sawyer" Bruce Woyan (32) 92/02/07 Heart Attack
Arnold Skaaland (82) March 13, 2007 Natural Causes
"British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith (39) May 17, 2002 Heart Attack
Gordon Solie (71) July 27, 2000 Cancer
Louie Spiccoli (27) February 15, 1998 Drug Overdose
Stan Stasiak (60) June 12, 1997 Heart Failure
Ray Stevens (60) May 3, 1996 Heart Attack
John William Minton "Big John Studd" (47) March 20, 1995 Hodgkin's Disease
"Earthquake" John Tenta (42) June 7, 2006 Cancer
Lou Thesz (86) April 28, 2002 Natural Causes
Billy Joe Travis (40) November 22, 2002 Heart Attack
Ray "Big Boss Man" Traylor (42) September 22, 2004 Heart Attack
Tomomi "Jumbo" Tsuruta (49) May 16, 2000 Internal Bleeding
Jerry "The Wall/Malice" Tuite (36) December 5, 2003 Heart Attack
"Chris Von Erich" Chris Adkisson (21) September 9, 1991 Suicide
"David Von Erich" David Adkisson (25) February 10, 1984 Enteritis
"Fritz Von Erich" Jack Adkisson (68) September 10, 1997 Cancer
"Kerry Von Erich" Kerry Adkisson (32) February 18, 1993 Suicide
"Mike Von Erich" Mike Adkisson (23) April 4, 1987 Suicide
Dr. Wagner Sr. (68) September 12, 2004 Heart Attack
"Renegade" Richard Wilson (33) 1999 Suicide
Johnny "Valentine" Wisniski (72) April 24, 2001 heart failure
"Mr. Wrestling" Tim Woods (68) November 30, 2002 heart attack

[B.A.B.]

Great post, I call sticky.

[Deathstroke]

Thanks, even if this doesn't get stuck, I'll post later on with alot of good stuff about my favorite deceased wrestlers and I encourage some of you to do the same.

I'll admit, I have a tendency to get a little teary eyed when reliving some of the great memories and moments of these departed athletes, so I need to wait for a time when I feel like letting some emotion out!

In-laws are over right now so it's not a good time to show any weakness in front of the wifes father.

I'll probably also post my favorite matches and promos of my top fallen wrestlers as well.

[Squeebo]

I see what they mean about heart problems among wrestlers. In the US the incidence of heart disease deaths is 28%, but still, this looks to be a little higher than that.

[B.A.B.]

"Chris Von Erich" Chris Adkisson (21) September 9, 1991 Suicide
"David Von Erich" David Adkisson (25) February 10, 1984 Enteritis
"Fritz Von Erich" Jack Adkisson (68) September 10, 1997 Cancer
"Kerry Von Erich" Kerry Adkisson (32) February 18, 1993 Suicide
"Mike Von Erich" Mike Adkisson (23) April 4, 1987 Suicide

That family has been though so much tragedy. Can anyone recommend a link/book which has more about the Von Erichs? I know most of the basics, but I'd like to read more about them (in a non sicko way obviously)

[Deathstroke]

Originally Posted by Big Ass Bulker

"Chris Von Erich" Chris Adkisson (21) September 9, 1991 Suicide
"David Von Erich" David Adkisson (25) February 10, 1984 Enteritis
"Fritz Von Erich" Jack Adkisson (68) September 10, 1997 Cancer
"Kerry Von Erich" Kerry Adkisson (32) February 18, 1993 Suicide
"Mike Von Erich" Mike Adkisson (23) April 4, 1987 Suicide

That family has been though so much tragedy. Can anyone recommend a link/book which has more about the Von Erichs? I know most of the basics, but I'd like to read more about them (in a non sicko way obviously)

Of course it's in a non-sicko type way. The Von Erich family intrigues me to no end. Meltzer did a piece on The Von Erich Family years ago which was by far the best thing I ever read on them. I'm a WON subscriber, you'd have to pay a few dollars for that particular issue but I think I'll save you that trouble and type it up here later on.

For now here are some other notes from the WON and elsewhere:

David Von Erich accidently/purposely OD'd and died in Japan. WCCW said it was a heart attack, later added bad sushi spawned the heart attack and at one point The Road Warriors kicking him in the chest was given as the reason.

Fritz forged David's signature on hundreds (thousands?) of photos that were sold in the months after his death.

When Kevin Von Erich collapsed in the middle of a match, Fritz got mad that his partners gave him CPR. He felt it showed weakness in Kevin.

When Mike Von Erich had his toxic shock syndrome, his fever went so high he suffered brain damage. He tried to cut promos but would take 30 or more takes. In early 1987 Fritz balled Mike out, told him he was a disgrace to the Von Erich name and slugged him. Mike didn't acknowledge his Dad in his suicide note months later.

Kerry was given steroids at 15 by Fritz to improve his olympic discus chances.

Kerry destroyed his leg in a hazy motorcycle crash. Business tanked and he was rushed back by Fritz too quickly and his leg had to be reset and eventually partially amputated.

Fritz invented a fake Von Erich realitive since the real ones kept getting hurt and/or dying

Chris Von Erich womanized, but never could live up to his family name as he had breathing issues and brittle bones.

Kevin bought Mike (Chris?) a prostitute when he was only 12 or 13. The young Von Erich nearly cried during the act

Kerry's imfamous 60 min match with Flair, in which Kerry was too messed up to perform was spawned by Kerry's dog dying that day

Fritz developed brain cancer in his later years and went insane. He told Kevin he didn't have the guts to join the rest of his siblings in the after life, then tried shooting kevin, who fled the house

Kerry had the chance to try out for Rocky 4 as Ivan Drago, but couldn't remember his lines.

Kerry had a chance to go to WCW in 1990 but no showed the TV Taping

Kerry skipped a St Louis WWF show after being tipped off to a Federal drug agent looking for him.

Some other stories:

From the Jack Victory Shoot Tape:

When Chris Von Erich was about twelve, Kerry and Kevin got some of their ringrats to give Chris a blowjob. Kevin and Kerry got him hooked up then came into the locker room and told everyone about it. When they all came out, they saw Chris sitting in the car trying to push the ringrat?s head away and pull his pants up.

After Kerry's motorcycle accident the doctors did somewhere between fifteen and twenty five hours of surgery to save his foot then Kerry just walked down the hall to get a cheeseburger and undid all that work, meaning they had to amputate it.

Following David Von Erich's death, employee David Manning drove to Fritz's trailer at daybreak to tell him the news. As soon as Fritz answered the door, before Manning even said a word, he asked "Which one?"

A seven part "Of Birth & Blood" look at the Von Erich Family from youtube:

[B.A.B.]

Wow, thats some crazy ****. Thanks for posting it up. I'll be watching those vids tomorrow, again, thanks for posting it.

[Deathstroke]

Also, I cannot recommend "Heroes of World Class: The Story of the Von Erichs and The Rise and Fall of World Class Championship Wrestling" enough. It's a definite keeper and one no wrestling fan should leave out of their collection. I reviewed it awhile ago somewhere in here:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=2537601

[Tiger Driver]

Originally Posted by Snitsky

Also, I cannot recommend "Heroes of World Class: The Story of the Von Erichs and The Rise and Fall of World Class Championship Wrestling" enough. It's a definite keeper and one no wrestling fan should leave out of their collection. I reviewed it awhile ago somewhere in here:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=2537601

That's a good one. My only real complaint is that the audio quality of interviews is TERRIBLE with most taking place outside on an extremely windy day.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Cool thread idea!

I would, however, find it very hard to show any kind of respect or remorse for the way that Chris Benoit chose to end his and his families lives...

[Deathstroke]

Originally Posted by fosters4.0

Cool thread idea!

I would, however, find it very hard to show any kind of respect or remorse for the way that Chris Benoit chose to end his and his families lives...

That's understandable to me because not too long ago, I felt exactly the same way and hey, if you don't want to then you don't have to. I'm hoping those who do wish to respect what he's done in his carrear only will be able to do so in here without anyone flaming them.

Mods: Could you delete that inconsiderate post from Real American?

[lionheart21]

I knew the Von Erich family had some demons, but I never realized just how many they really had.

[lionheart21]

Originally Posted by Snitsky

That's understandable to me because not too long ago, I felt exactly the same way and hey, if you don't want to then you don't have to. I'm hoping those who do wish to respect what he's done in his carrear only will be able to do so in here without anyone flaming them.

Sadly, after what Benoit did, I can't even respect what he did in the ring. It means nothing to me now.

[Dark Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Snitsky

Randy "Pee Wee" Anderson (41) May 7, 2002 Natural Causes

How do you die of natural causes when you are 41? (yes I am serious, I hope it doesn't come off wrong)

Originally Posted by vegetafan17

Sadly, after what Benoit did, I can't even respect what he did in the ring. It means nothing to me now.

Honestly, it was like finding out Superman sells crack to preschool kids.

[ricanarab]

Originally Posted by Dark Phoenix

How do you die of natural causes when you are 41? (yes I am serious, I hope it doesn't come off wrong)

I believe Randy Anderson died of cancer.

[Deathstroke]

Originally Posted by ricanarab

I believe Randy Anderson died of cancer.

You're right, I remember reading about him in Foley's 1st book and the memorial wrestling shows that were dedicated to him after he passed away. I didn't even notice it had him down as dying of "Natural Causes". WTF.

[jimbob007]

The Von-Erich story is one of the best issues ever, regarding the motorcycle crash Kerry was speeding wearing nothing but a pair of shorts- the burger story is I think one of those things that was said to take the blame away from Fritz who insisted Kerry came back far earlier than he should, he had to be shot up with drugs just to get through the short match and that is what is thought to have caused the amputation.

Kerry was busted coming back from his honeymoon in 1983 with hundreds of drugs some unidentified but the evidence vanished from the police station and the case was dropped- Fritz had a lot of stroke, I think Kerry was to be Flair's opponent at Wrestlewar 1990 when Sting got injured but when he no showed they gave the spot to Luger. Kevin was said to have held up the promotion who ran the tribute show for Kerry after his death for money where everybody else including Sid worked for free and the proceeds were going to Kerry's daughters.

In short Fritz was a piece of garbage, he used his born again deal to con people, pushed his sons into the business as megastars- one of whom Mike did not even want to be involved and Chris who did more than any of them but could never have made it, he bought drugs for his kids, bought them cars which they then wrecked and he would buy them another one, fired his staff who would tell them they were out of control, bought them out of trouble and exploited their deaths.

[soleus]

Randy Anderson was a good ref on WCW.
Loved the storyline when he was being "sacked".

[CYLON RAIDER]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRQ2eJa3oL0 Dewey " Missing Link" Robertson tribute.

[Rob Awesome]

Definitely a great thread. Repped.

[britishbulld0g]

we need this to be stickied

[bruno]

Mike Awesome was one of the best heavyweights in the ring. He had crazy abilities, alot of the potential that Brock had, only Brock went further with it. He should have been used better by the WWE and WCW, had horrible gimmicks

[jimbob007]

Yes, although he waws not a great wrestler he could do a very physical style and always tried hard, WCW was the worst because they paid him a huge amount to jump from ECW including legal fees so it came to around $2 million, then they had him as a guy who liked fat women and as a 70's guy. WWE had the old he is a WCW/ECW guy problem and Undertaker buried him to the office and got him fired.

Originally Posted by bruno

Mike Awesome was one of the best heavyweights in the ring. He had crazy abilities, alot of the potential that Brock had, only Brock went further with it. He should have been used better by the WWE and WCW, had horrible gimmicks

[ricanarab]

October 5th was the 10 year anniversary of Pillman's passing.

R.I.P. Brian....

[Blue Blazer]

Originally Posted by ricanarab

October 5th was the 10 year anniversary of Pillman's passing.

R.I.P. Brian....

Glad you posted, I completely forgot Brian died on the 5th...I've watched Brian's Loose Cannon DVD and I loved it, his matches, his style, his character, all that was so awesome....but his story was a very sad and tragic one...Brian was a real man..

I just wish I was older back then and watched all those good matches...I am only 16, I missed out on alot of good stuff..

JM

[jimbob007]

Yes it is hard to believe it is 10 years since he died and the first HIAC took place both on the same day.

[Deathstroke]

Nobody loved Brian Pillman more than I did, so needless to say that was a very sad day for me that I remembered all too well. R.I.P. Brian...I guess heaven needed a Loose Cannon.

[Disenfranchised]

It was disgusting how Warrior laughed at "Renegade" Richard Wilson's death in his shoot interview.

[m_risinger]

im sure all those posts about fritz isn't true. no way

[ArmTheHomeless]

Originally Posted by Snitsky

Thanks, even if this doesn't get stuck, I'll post later on with alot of good stuff about my favorite deceased wrestlers and I encourage some of you to do the same.

I'll admit, I have a tendency to get a little teary eyed when reliving some of the great memories and moments of these departed athletes, so I need to wait for a time when I feel like letting some emotion out!

In-laws are over right now so it's not a good time to show any weakness in front of the wifes father.

I'll probably also post my favorite matches and promos of my top fallen wrestlers as well.

Wait you're a dude? Wow I totally had you pegged as a female for some reason wtf was I thinking lol.
Anyway I miss Benoit truely one of the greatest of all time unfortunately it appears that what he did tarnished his legacy. I remember seeing him win the title at Wrestlemania and thought he looked so perfect finally holding that belt up above his head and then Eddie came down it was totally their night.
I dont believe WWE should dissasociate themselves from everything Benoit because you cannot deny the mans legacy inside the ring. But that's just my opinion. Yes what he did was wrong but the man is still a legend.