Death of Dusty Rhodes Still Felt Years On
It’s been some time since the death of Dusty Rhodes due to stomach cancer, and we still realize there is no replacement for The American…
In Memoriam
In Memoriam on Pro Wrestling Stories pays tribute to dead wrestlers who have made a significant impact on professional wrestling. Explore heartfelt tributes and stories that honor these deceased wrestlers’ contributions to the world of wrestling.
Chris Hyatte – RIP to the Most Entertaining Man in the Room
Chris Hyatte died. This time it was for real. Maybe. He’d died maybe a hundred Internet deaths. Hyatte was a lightning rod for readers and…
Killer Kowalski: Secret Tales of a Wrestling Legend
Killer Kowalski headlined around the world, but to me, he was more than a great wrestling villain- he was my friend.
El Santo Unmasked: 10 Secret Tales on the Superstar Luchador
Uncover the untold story of El Santo, one of Mexico’s greatest luchadors and pop culture phenomenons, in these tales of hardship and triumph.
Pepper Martin – A Champion’s Final Fight
Pepper Martin endured it all as an actor, wrestler, and color commentator. He now finds himself fighting his biggest battle yet.
Jimmy Rave – Surrendering His Mind and Body to Wrestling
Former TNA and Ring of Honor star Jimmy Rave surrendered his mind, limbs, and, unfortunately, his life to the business.
Melissa Coates – A Champion’s Fight Outside The Ring
Melissa Coates made a name for herself in multiple fields. But before her untimely passing, she went through her biggest fight yet.
David Gann Remembered, 1971-2018
David Gann wasn’t a famous name. He wasn’t any kind of star. But he was one of us. He was family. It’s our privilege to…
Final Moments of Bruiser Brody and the Mystery that Followed
Circumstances surrounding the murder of Bruiser Brody remain a mystery. Here are the known theories and the twists and turns that followed.
Terry Funk Forever: Secret Journey of a Wrestling Icon
Celebrating Terry Funk: A Texan wrestling icon’s decades-long journey. We remember a man who forged a path that few dared!
Killer Khan: Secret Story of the Scourge From Mongolia
On December 29, 2023, WWE legend Killer Khan died following a tragic incident at his restaurant. Discover his hidden life outside the ring.
King Kong Bundy: Secret Tales on Wrestling’s Mischievous Giant
As it turns out, Christopher Alan Pallies, who played the bald-headed monster King Kong Bundy on screen, was quite the opposite off-camera!
Shad Gaspard – A Hero, Brother, and Friend Forever
I want you to know about Shad Gaspard, the man – my friend, and hero – who should never be remembered as just another pro…
Brickhouse Brown – Passes Away After Initially Kicking Out From Death
We are sad to report that Brickhouse Brown has, in fact, passed away on July 29, 2018 after initially kicking out from death nine days…
42 Pre-TV Wrestling Good Guys Who Built the Babyface
Before TV cameras rolled, these 42 babyfaces packed arenas and built the hero playbook. The pre-TV wrestling legends history nearly forgot.
Sabu Is Gone, But His Pain-Filled Legacy Remains
Remembering Sabu, who bared his heart about his uncle (The Original Sheik), Ric Flair, Vince McMahon, and the death of his girlfriend.
Hayabusa’s Last Match: When Loyalty Turned to Tragedy
On October 22, 2001, pro wrestling saw a moment that defined and ended Hayabusa’s career when a routine move went tragically wrong.
Sweet Daddy Siki Documentary: An Honest Review
Sweet Daddy Siki: an honest look at a gripping yet flawed documentary on a charismatic trailblazer who broke barriers in wrestling and song.
Paul Jones – Wrestling Territory Star ‘No. 1’
When the world saw Paul Jones, he was a shell of his former self. Before becoming a legendary manager, he had a standout wrestling career.
Bruno Sammartino’s Last Christmas: Untold Tales Shared
Bruno Sammartino was my hero since I was 13, and I spent his final-ever Christmas with him. Here is how I found myself in that…
“Oooh Yeah!” The Untold Story of Pampero Firpo
Delve into the life and exploits of the Wild Bull of the Pampas, Pampero Firpo, whose tale goes much beyond inspiring a future WWE Champion!
FRED GEOBOLD: NYC Wrestling Radio Pioneer, Unsung Hero
Fred Geobold wore many hats in life- receptionist/switchboard operator at WBAI-FM, 99.5 in NYC, on-air radio host, folk singer, songwriter, and concert MC.
Lance Russell: Remembering the Nicest Man in Wrestling
Lance Russell had a career in the wrestling business spanning six decades. Listening to him was better than being ringside!
The Grand Wizard of Wrestling – Ernie Roth Remembered
The Grand Wizard of Wrestling was a gaudily attired, smooth-talking manager who fans loathed (though appreciated) with every ounce.
Rick Rude: A Ravishing Wrestler with a Tragic End
Ravishing Rick Rude was one of wrestling’s most charismatic heels, but his life ended in tragedy. Learn about the man and his untimely death.
Angelo Savoldi – The World’s Oldest Retired Wrestler
A notable wrestler’s father once stabbed him. For the “World’s Oldest Retired Wrestler” Angelo Savoldi, authenticity was always involved.
Kerry Von Erich: Devastating Final Days of ‘The Texas Tornado’
It should have been a happy time in the life of Kerry Von Erich. His wife was due to have their second child. Instead, tragedy…
Kevin Sullivan: Dark Secrets and Legacy of Wrestling’s Devil
Explore the dark, secret legacy of Kevin Sullivan, wrestling’s “Taskmaster” and “Prince of Darkness,” as we uncover his rise and tragic end.
Len Rossi – A Gentleman In and Out of the Ring
With an unpretentious yet convincing wrestling style, Len Rossi was a world-class athlete and an even better man. This is his powerful story.
Ivan Koloff: Secret Untold Tale of a Beloved Wrestling Heel
The untold tale of Ivan Koloff: From Canadian farm boy to pro wrestling legend, and his epic upset victory that shook the wrestling world!
Pedro Morales: WWE’s Forgotten Champion and Hero
Pedro Morales: WWE’s first Triple Crown Champion and forgotten legend who transcended wrestling’s barriers. Explore his enduring legacy.
Herb Abrams’ UWF: The Wrestling Dream Gone Wrong
Herb Abrams built the UWF to rival WWE. Empty arenas, chaos, and a notorious final night turned it into one of wrestling’s starkest warnings.
Silver King: Questions After Death of Nacho Libre Star Luchador
He played Ramses in Nacho Libre and wowed fans as a luchador in Mexico. Sadly, Silver King would die in the ring, leaving many questions.
Nikolai Volkoff: Secret Tales of a Wrestling Legend
Nikolai Volkoff was a caring man and one of the few in this business that nobody, not a single soul, could ever say a bad…
![Lanny Poffo over the years. The last image on the right was taken just one day before he sadly passed away. We honor and remember our friend, a man known to wrestling fans as "Leaping Lanny" and "The Genius." [Photo composite by JP Zarka/Pro Wrestling Stories]](https://prowrestlingstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lanny-Poffo-tribute.jpg)
Lanny Poffo: Remembering a Genius Friend
With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Lanny Poffo, known to wrestling fans as “The Genius” and “Leaping Lanny.”
Monster Ripper to Bertha Faye: Secret Story of Rhonda Sing
Rhonda Sing wrestled as the punishing Monster Ripper and Bertha Faye. She had a rapid journey to the top but a fast descent once joining…
Dynamite Kid – Examining His Life and Troubled Legacy
Dynamite Kid Tom Billington was one of the best to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots, but does his troubled past overshadow his…
Bam Bam Bigelow: Secret Life of a WWE Legend
Uncover the remarkable legacy and secret life of the WWE legend with the flaming head tattoo: Bam Bam Bigelow!
Bobby Duncum Sr: The Cowboy Heel Who Made Wrestling Real
Bobby Duncum Sr. had a real fight aura. Bruno Sammartino scouted him, wrestlers revered him, yet fans forgot. Learn why his legend matters.
Bullet Bob Armstrong: Remembering a Legend
There are legends in professional wrestling. And then there’s Bullet Bob Armstrong. He passed away at the age of 80 on August 27, 2020.
Gorilla Monsoon – Remembering “The Manchurian Giant”
When Gorilla Monsoon appeared on WWF TV for the very last time at WrestleMania 15 in March of 1999, I didn’t react well.
Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks: Dark Truth Behind Britain’s Feud
Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks ruled 1970s and 1980s Britain. But the feud was never just good vs evil. Most fans only heard half the…
Haystacks Calhoun: His Incredible Life and Tragic End
A 600-pound farm boy, Haystacks Calhoun became a wrestling icon known for his strength, charm, and enduring legacy–with a tragic end.
25 Pre-TV Wrestling Heels Who Built the Modern Villain
Before cameras rolled, these 25 heels built pro wrestling’s villain blueprint. Yet, most fans have never heard their names. Until now.
Les Thornton: Secret Life of The Original ‘Bruiserweight’
Les Thornton was a technical expert and original ‘bruiserweight’ in wrestling who laid the blueprint for future tough-as-nails competitors.
Sean O’Haire: Wrestling’s Tragic Cautionary Tale
Sean O’Haire captivated audiences in WCW and WWE, but behind the spotlight, his story took a darker turn, leaving a haunting legacy.
The Tragic Final Days of Eddie Guerrero
To put it simply: his heart gave out. The tragic passing of Eddie Guerrero is still hard to fathom. He had just turned 38 the…
Larry Sweeney: Wrestling’s Sweet and Sour Tragedy
“Sweet and Sour” Larry Sweeney had it all. But, his tragic fall left wrestling with one of its greatest lost legends and “What ifs?”
Buddy Landel: The Wrestler With Most Wasted Potential?
A reader asked: Which wrestler had the most wasted potential? Learn why our pick is Buddy Landel and how poor decisions derailed his career.
Crash Holly: Rise and Tragic Fall of WWE’s “Super Heavyweight”
Crash Holly won 22 Hardcore titles and 25+ championships in WWE. But, behind the Attitude Era fun, his story ended in heartbreak at 32.
Jody Hamilton – Behind the Mask of The Assassin
From generating heat that got him in dire trouble to becoming a trainer and promoter, we pull back the mask on The Assassin Jody Hamilton.
Bobby Heenan: Secret History on the Man Behind the Mic
Bobby Heenan was one of the funniest and most talented men ever to grace a wrestling show. But what was he like behind the scenes?
Ben Justice: A Wrestling Legacy Remembered
Ben Justice had a devoted following of fans in pro wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s. Learn about his career and life!
Wrestling Autograph Encounters in the Late ’60s and ’70s
Renaissance man Wayne St. Wayne had many wrestling autograph encounters, even procuring scribbles from the hottest heels during a protected bygone era.
‘Big Daddy’ Shirley Crabtree: Secret History of a British Giant
From great highs to the tragic in-ring accident that led to the death of a wrestler, learn the rise and fall of “Big Daddy” Shirley…
Brad Armstrong – Your Favorite Wrestler’s Favorite Wrestler
Michael Hayes referred to himself as “Your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler.” Good for a promo, but Brad Armstrong was the real thing.
Nicole Bass – The Life and Tragic Passing of My Friend
When my beloved friend Nicole Bass walked into a room, everything just stopped. This is my tribute to her and her life.
12 Years Since the Death of Chris Candido, NJPW’s Tokyo Dome Debut in 1989
This week in Wrestling History – The death of Chris Candido one of the most underrated workers in professional wrestling was announced – a look…
Brian Pillman: 13 Times He Changed Wrestling Forever
13 times Brian Pillman revolutionized pro wrestling: From innovator to Loose Cannon, see how he changed the game forever!
Adrian Street: From Glitz to Grappling, His Legendary Tale
Adrian Street played by his own rules. He’d inflict pain (while keeping mascara intact)! But how hard was life for the sequined grappler?
Kamala: Secret Tale of WWE Woes, Poor Pay, and Treatment
Kamala was a gentle soul outside the ring. This begs the question: did his kind nature lead to him being taken advantage of in WWE?
13 Wrestling Legends Share Thoughts on Brodie Lee
Brodie Lee, AKA Luke Harper in WWE, left a lasting legacy. 13 wrestling legends share heartfelt tributes to honor the man, Jonathan Huber.
Bruno Sammartino – “Our Forever Champ” Remembered
If you saw Bruno Sammartino live – where the love for this impossibly charismatic man was palpable – you’ll never forget the deafening roars.
Masa Saito Remembered: “Brother, He Was Double-Tough”
“What everyone seems to remember is the arrest of Masa Saito – and subsequent conviction – while competing in the AWA in 1984.”
George The Animal Steele: A Teacher’s Secret Life as a Wrestler
Former WWE star George The Animal Steele led a double life! Before his death, he opened up about his secret life and fetish for turnbuckles!
Dale Pierce Remembered – Wrestling Manager Extraordinaire
Dale Pierce simultaneously loved and loathed pro wrestling with a passion that only someone who has devoted their life to it could fully grasp.
Remembering Calgary Stampede Star, TIGER KHAN
Tiger Khan was on the rise. But like many wrestlers before him and likely after, he treated his body like a chemistry set. In the…
Paul Vachon: Secret Tale of Wrestling’s Beloved ‘Butcher’
The saga of Butcher Paul Vachon was nothing short of legendary. Dive into the riveting secret tale of the beloved, barrel-chested baddie.
Legends Live on in “Wrestling Then & Now” Documentary
Many legends of the squared circle have left us but they live on, not only in our hearts but in a film from the heart,…
‘Miss Elizabeth’ Remembered
Years later, the professional wrestling world still mourns the loss of Elizabeth Hulette, known to a generation of wrestling fans as ‘Miss Elizabeth’
Del “The Patriot” Wilkes Overcomes Struggles Before Death
From professional football, to wrestling, and developing a 200-pill-a-day addiction, this is the story of Del “The Patriot” Wilkes.
Sid Eudy (aka Sid Vicious & Sycho Sid): His Secret Story
Discover the secret story of 2x WWE Champion Sid Eudy (AKA Sid Vicious and Sycho Sid) from his life, career, and untimely death.
Art Barr: Secret Tale of a Complex Wrestling Legend
Exploring the complex legacy of wrestler Art Barr: from early promise, through controversy, to a transformative impact on Lucha Libre.
Van Hammer: From WCW Hype to a Life Derailed
Van Hammer’s WCW rise, heat with the boys, and the complicated legacy remembered by Marc Mero and his former wife, Alexis.
Ivan Koloff’s WWE Hall of Fame Shame: Too Little, Too Late?
Ivan Koloff finally joins WWE Hall of Fame after years of snubs. Did the man who ended Bruno’s reign deserve better than the Legacy Wing?
Kirk White – Remembering Wrestling Promoter, Bret Hart Manager
Kirk White was a wrestling promoter and the longtime manager of Bret Hart. I remember my friend, someone I had known since he was just…
‘Big Boss Man’ Ray Traylor’s Secret Life & Tragic Final Days
Ray Traylor, AKA The Big Boss Man, built a career on hard work and dedication. But unexpected tragedy struck at the height of his success.
Bobby Eaton: Secret History of a Beautiful Wrestler
All Bobby Eaton wanted to do was be a wrestler. He did that, and then some. We remember one of the nicest guys in the…
Mantaur Mike Halac: Untold Tales of a Gentle Powerhouse
Dreams die hard. Even at age 55, Mantaur Mike Halac was contemplating returning to the ring before he abruptly, tragically passed away.
Dominic DeNucci – Wrestling’s Shining Light
He wrestled across seven decades throughout his illustrious career. But his accolades take a distant second to Dominic DeNucci, the man.
Harley Race: 15 Untold Stories of Wrestling’s Toughest Icon
Discover 15 untold tales of Harley Race, one of wrestling’s toughest icons, whose legendary strength and resilience defined an era.
Iron Mike Sharpe: Secret Tale of Canada’s Greatest Athlete
From “Canada’s Greatest Athlete” to WWE fall, the secret tale of Iron Mike Sharpe is as colorful as his persona in (and out) of the…