Tribute to the wrestling greats who we lost in 2023…
WWE fans and the whole wrestling world have been mourning in 2023 with many devastating losses.
As the year comes to an end, it’s time to pause and reflect on those we’ve lost, from Bray Wyatt and WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk to rising British star Kurtis ‘Mad Kurt’ Chapman and Ring of Honor legend Jay Briscoe.
Terry Funk and The Iron Sheik died earlier this year and just yesterday, it was announced that Killer Khan had died aged 76 after suffering a ruptured artery.
Bray Wyatt
The wrestling world was absolutely shattered when Bray Wyatt died aged 36 on August 24.
The heartbreaking news was announced on social media by WWE chief Triple H – real name Paul Levesque – as he wrote: ‘Just received a call from WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda who informed us of the tragic news that our WWE family member for life Windham Rotunda – also known as Bray Wyatt – unexpectedly passed earlier today.
‘Our thoughts are with his family and we ask that everyone respect their privacy at this time.’
Months after his death, fans had a festive surprise when it was revealed he had a voice acting role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever and fans are in tears after hearing him one last time.
Wyatt, real name Windham Rotunda, plays a prison guard in the movie – which was released on the streaming platform this month – in what was his only acting performance outside of his WWE alter egos.
His fans had always hailed his undeniable potential in Hollywood, which is on full display in the scene.
Between being fired by WWE in the summer of 2021 and his shock return to the company at Extreme Rules in October 2022, he had been working on his own horror movie alongside ex-Marvel writer Rob Fee and practical effects guru Jason Baker.
The film got put on hold when he made his comeback, with Fee also hired by WWE and Baker brought back on board to create Wyatt’s masks.
Terry Funk
Just one day before Bray’s death, it was revealed that WWE legend Terry Funk had died aged 79.
The Hall of Famer’s death was confirmed by Ric Flair, who praised his peer as being ‘unbelievably fearless’.
‘In my entire life, I’ve never met a guy who worked harder. Terry Funk was a great wrestler, entertainer, unbelievably fearless, and a great friend,’ he wrote at the time.
‘Rest in peace my friend Terry Funk knowing that no one will ever replace you in the world of professional wrestling!’
Funk was regarded as a pioneer in wrestling, both in the hardcore style and the business as a whole, with a career spanning several decades from his debut in 1965 until his final match in 2017.
His fellow Hall of Famer Mick Foley admitted he is ‘struggling to process’ the death of his ‘dear friend’.
On Facebook, he said: ‘I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, and one of my closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.
‘If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him.’
Jay Briscoe
On January 17 this year, Ring of Honor star Jay Briscoe died in a car crash aged 28.
He was hailed as an innovator in tag team wrestling alongside his sibling Mark, and the Briscoe Brothers held the ROH World Tag Team Titles at the time of his death.
ROH and AEW boss Tony Khan wrote at the time: ‘Sadly, Jamin Pugh has passed away. Known to fans as Jay Briscoe, he was a star in ROH for over 20 years, from the first show until today.
‘Jay and his brother Mark dominated ROH, reigning as champions to this day. We’ll do whatever we can to support his family. Rest In Peace Jamin.’
WWE boss Triple H was among those to pay tribute, tweeting at the time: ‘An incredible performer who created a deep connection with wrestling fans across the globe. My condolences to the family and friends of Jay Briscoe.’
He joined ROH in 2002, forming a team with his brother and going onto to become one of the greatest duos in the history of the business as they were inducted into Ring of Honor’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2022.
Jay even inspired friend Nigel McGuinness, and his spirit lives on through the UK star’s live magic show Celebration.
The Iron Sheik
WWE fans lost Hall of Famer The Iron Sheik in June, with the iconic and outspoken star’s family confirming the news on social media.
They paid tribute to the ‘force of nature’ and ‘true legend’, both his larger than life wrestling persona and the real man behind it.
It was later reported he died of cardiac arrest, and Sheik – the only Iranian champion in WWE history – left behind an incredible legacy.
He won the World Heavyweight Title in 1983, and shaped generations to come, having a profound impact on the likes of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
The wrester turned Hollywood star knew Sheik from his childhood, when his late father Rocky Johnson appeared in both Jim Crockett Promotions and WWE.
In 1997, he even accompanied The Sultan to the ring as he faced The Rock himself in the latter’s first WrestleMania match.
In an emotional video, The Rock said: ‘Thank you, Iron Sheik, for the memories. You are a legend. You will be missed, but never forgotten.’
Mad Kurt
The beloved and hilarious underdog was just 26 years old, and fans were heartbroken after London-based promotion Revolution Pro Wrestling revealed the news.
They wrote in a statement: ‘We, at Revolution Pro Wrestling are absolutely heartbroken to report the loss of our dear friend Kurtis Chapman.
‘We watched Kurtis grow from a child to a young man who loved professional wrestling and continued to excel in all aspects of his life.
‘One of the most gifted technical wrestlers, charismatic characters and magnetic personalities. He will never be forgotten.’
He became known for his comedic in ring style and his ability to brilliantly troll other wrestlers online, having first started wrestling as a teenager almost a decade ago.
In 2018, he captured the Rev Pro British Cruiserweight Title, holding the championship for six months.
Billy Graham
In May this year, WWE Hall of Famer ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham died aged 79 after a long health battle.
He had been on life support following a ‘myriad’ of health issues before his death on May 17.
He influenced the likes of Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, and the latter revealed the tragic news as he tweeted: ‘The Superstar Billy Graham just left us. Thank you for all your influence on my career!’
In their own tribute, WWE wrote: ‘WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham has passed away.’
They added: ‘A former WWE Champion, Graham’s flashy fashion style, over-the-top interviews and bodybuilder physique created the archetype for a generation of Superstars that followed in his footsteps.’
Battling a significant infection in his ears and skull, the wrestler and bodybuilder – who was a training partner and close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger – also suffered with diabetes, hearing loss and congestive heart failure.
The star made his name in the American Wrestling Association, while he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, having helped influence the careers of the likes of Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Scott Steiner.
Bushwhacker Butch
WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Butch sadly died in April, as his tag team partner Bushwhacker Luke revealed at the time.
Butch – whose real name was Bob Biller – was 78 when he died after travelling from New Zealand to the United States.
He had a medical episode shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, where he was rushed to hospital and died on April 2.
Luke said on Instagram: ‘Late last night, I lost my friend, brother and tag team partner of over 50 years with the passing of Bob “Butch” Miller.
‘My heart goes out to his wife Helen, his lovely daughters Sharon and Kirsten and all of his grandchildren.’
He added: ‘If you were to read the story of my life it would say that I am only child, but it would be wrong.
‘In life I had a brother and his name was Bob Miller. I love you, Bob. Until I see you again, WOOOOAHH YEEEEAAHH!’
Darren Drozdov
Former WWE star Droz died on June 30, aged just 54.
During his time with the company, the late star – whose real name was Darren Drozdov – was also known to fans as Puke.
In a statement at the time, his family said: ‘We are sad to share our beloved Darren passed away this morning of natural causes.
‘There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now.
‘Darren, affectionately known as “Droz,” was involved in a tragic ring accident while wrestling for the WWE in 1999 that rendered him a quadriplegic.
‘Nevertheless, Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years.
‘His own words sum up his relentless positivity in the midst of adversity: “There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.” ‘
Jerry Jarrett
On February 14, TNA Wrestling promotor and co-founder Jerry Jarrett died aged 80.
The wrestling legend launched the company – which has returned to its TNA roots after years as IMPACT Wrestling – with his son Jeff Jarrett in 2002.
Retired star Dutch Mantell wrote: ‘SAD NEWS: I’m hearing reports of my friend and long time booker/promoter Jerry Jarrett died this morning in TN.
‘I last saw him last year when we did the VICE show THE TERRITORIES in Atlanta. Very creative booker. Condolences to Jeff/Deborah and the Jarrett family.’
Jarrett made his name as a promoter in wrestling across a number of decades before he sold United States Wrestling Association in 1995, and then returned to wrestling with son Jeff to launch TNA in 2002.
Former IMPACT star and current WWE SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis joined those paying tribute, as he wrote: ‘I’m very sad to learn of the passing of Jerry Jarrett.
‘One of the most successful promoters in American Wrestling history. The last time I saw Jerry was in Charlotte NC, and what he said to me that day is one of the most cherished memories of my career. RIP.’
Mike ‘Mantaur’ Halac
Former WWE wrestler Mike ‘Mantaur’ Halac died aged 55 in July, with his daughter Demi revealing the sad loss.
In an announcement on his personal Facebook Page, she wrote: ‘He went peacefully in his sleep. He’s no longer in pain. This really hit home to lose my father, he will forever be in my heart and many others. I love you dad. Make the skies beautiful for me.’
He first started wrestling under the name Bruiser Mastino for the Catch Wrestling Association in the early 1990s.
The 400lbs star, who was open about his health struggles with diabetes over the years, went onto join the then-World Wrestling Federation, now WWE, and appeared as Mantaur.
The character was based on the mythical Minotaur, which was half man and half beast.
He left the company in 1995 and spent some time under the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) banner, also returning to CWA for a brief spell.
In 1996, he was back in WWE as Goldust’s bodyguard, and he returned the following year as Tank for another brief stint, before appearing on the independent scene across the United States until 2019.
His final match came four years ago when he reprised the Mantaur character at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 3 for GCW.
Killer Khan
Known to WWE fans as Killer Khan, wrestler Masashi Ozawa died this week aged 74.
The Japanese-born star enjoyed some memorable rivalries with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant and Bob Backlund.
He first started wrestling in 1971, and was a big name across Japan and the US.
He enjoyed a brief return to WWE in 1987 with Mr Fuji by his side, but would soon retire from the wrestling industry.
Ozawa then moved into the culinary world, starting up his own restaurant in Tokyo.
He even tried his hand at singing, releasing tracks as Shinjuku Sanhyakugoya, including 2005 song Furusato Maka (Japan Crown).
Absolute Andy
Last month, German wrestler Absolute Andy – real name Andreas Ullman – died aged 40 after a long health battle.
During his in-ring career, he became a mainstay in WXW following his 2005 debut, going onto wrestle the likes of AEW’s Bryan Danielson and future WWE stars GUNTHER and Ilja Dragunov.
During his time with WXW, he held the company’s World Heavyweight Championship and Shotgun Title, while he also had several runs with the tag championships.
In 2018, he triumphed in that year’s WXW 16 Carat Gold Tournament, and later beat Dragunov for the Unified World Wrestling Championship.
Announcing his death, WXW hailed Andy as ‘one of the most distinguished wrestlers’ in their history.
‘Absolute Andy is undoubtedly one of the most renowned and beloved wrestlers in the German-speaking world,’ the promotion continued in the statement translated from German.
‘The day before yesterday, Andy lost his lengthy battle with illness and passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.’
Adrian Street
In July 2023, Adrian Street died at the age of 82, with his family announcing the news on July 31 after his stay at Cwmbran’s Grange University Hospital.
The flamboyant Welsh wrestling icon, who rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s, underwent brain surgery shortly before his death.
Most famously, in 1971 he beat disgraced TV star Jimmy Savile in the ring, quite literally leaving him black and blue.
He previously recalled: ‘The promoters were trying to put Savile across as a bit of a tough guy. But I was having none of it. I kicked his legs from underneath him, then I picked him up by his hair, held him upside down and dropped him on his skull.’
He added: ‘Then when I looked down at my hands, I realised they were covered in hair – Savile’s. I’d torn huge clumps out of his scalp.’
Street moved to Canada and the US in the 1980s where he continued wrestling before settling down in Florida, and he would later move back to his home of Wales.
In 2019, a biopic was made about his life, titled You May be Pretty, But I Am Beautiful.
Larry Poffo
WWE and WCW legend Lanny Poffo died in February aged 68.
The wrestler known as The Genius, who appeared for the likes of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) over his own memorable career, was the younger brother of late Hall of Famer ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage.
Fellow wrestler ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan confirmed the sad news, tweeting: ‘With a very, very heavy heart, I’ve been asked to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Lanny Poffo, The Genius. RIP Lanny.’
Poffo and his brother both joined WWE around the same time in 1985, with Poffo inducing Savage into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015, after his death.
As well as wrestling, Poffo published two books, one of which was a collection of poetry in which he raised awareness of drugs and alcohol.
He also released biographical comic The Genius Lanny Poffo in 2018.
Everyone has KO News pays tribute to every member who has lost their lives in 2023.
