R.I.P WRESTLING DEATHS 2022

[neilybob]

Rest In Peace dear Lady.

[jimsteel]

Indy wrestler/Promoter Jaysin Strife passed away at 37

[jimsteel]

Midget Wrestler Farmer Brooks who passed away at age 65

[jimsteel]

Missed this one

Jose 'Hurricane' Rivera Passes Away; An Icon Of Puerto Rico

Jose Rivera may not be a well known figure to modern people But for the age of the territories of wrestling, Jose Rivera was key in establishing the island of Puerto Rico as a successful territory back in the 70’s. By all accounts, he was seen as being the island’s #2 star, just behind WWE Hall Of Famer Carlos Colón, prior to his retirement.

Rivera would travel the territories as was to be done in that era of pro wrestling. He would have stints in All Japan Pro Wrestling as The Masked Strangler as well as Gulf Coast Wrestling. A territory between Alabama and northern Florida which would be the home of Jose Rivera prior to his arrival in Puerto Rico’s Capital Sports Promotions.

His stint from the later half of the 70’s until 1982 is his most notable run as a pro wrestler. Seeing him be one of the top stars of the promotion. Known as ‘El Gigante De San Lorenzo’ (The Giant from [town] San Lorenzo) he has been described as “the perfect #2 babyface”. A top of the card act that captivated the audience right away. In his first year for CSP, he would be a part of major angles that culminated in very peculiar matches.

On October 16, 1976, Rivera defeated Michel Martel in a Boxing match. This boxing match only comes after two previous instances of such. The first being Judo Gene LeBell vs Milo Savage in 1963. The second being Muhammad Ali vs Antonio Inoki which had taken place just months before. Notable, as Ali would regularly train in Puerto Rico, in particular, for this fight.

Rivera was the protagonist of a variety of unique firsts in wrestling, before they would become widespread. From wrestling/boxing matches, to arena entrances involving helicopters, he and Carlos Colon were even the island’s first concept of a “Mega-Powers” styled tag team. On December 4th, 1977, he and “Cowboy” Bobby Ellis participated in the first known instance of a Barbed Wire match. The ring ropes were wrapped with barbed wire, decades before FMW, ECW, or TNA would do it. And it became the first step in Puerto Rico morphing into the birthplace of hardcore wrestling.

Rivera had major feuds with the likes of The Mongolian Stomper and of course one of the more recognizable outside wrestlers in the island, Abdullah The Butcher. Much like Carlos Colon himself. He was noted as well for feuding with the Martel’s, the fictitious trio of brothers Daniel, Michel and Pierre Martel. The latter being best known to WWF fans as Frenchy Martin.



In 1977, he would begin teaming up with perpetual top star of Puerto Rico, Carlos Colon. Aiding him to fend off Hugo Savinovich’s constant attempts to eliminate Colon. Their defeat of the Fabulous Kangaroos in March 12, 1977 for the World Tag Team titles would be the start of massive success for them as a tag team. Success that would peak incredibly years later.

[TTX]

RIP

[jimsteel]

Indy wrestler Damon Knight passed away

[jimsteel]

English pro Wrestler Karl Kramer passed away at 54

[jimsteel]

Indy wrestler Scrapyard Dog Passed away

[jimsteel]

WINNIPEG WWE PROMOTER ‘DOC’ HOLLIDAY DIES AT 80

[jimsteel]

Former TNA announcer Don West has passed away after battling brain cancer AT 59. The news broke via Mike Tenay's Twitter account.

Tenay tweeted, "Just heard from wife Terri that our brother @donwestdeals will be spending New Years in heaven. Terri said D-Dub finally had to tap out from his match with lymphoma. We bonded as soon as we met, both as broadcast partners and friends. Years of great moments both on and off camera"

In the 90s, West achieved success as the host of the Shop at Home Network. He was beloved for his energetic and loud personality. That love grew when he began working for TNA Wrestling in 2002. West also hosted "The Sports Reporters" radio show in Nashville, TN from 2001 until 2008.