Wrestling’s Golden Era Casts a Long Shadow as Many Stars Die Young
THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – For fans who grew up glued to their televisions during the 1980s and 1990s, the larger-than-life characters of professional wrestling defined an era. But the glitter and grandeur of the squared circle came at a high cost—one that has become increasingly apparent in recent years.
With the passing of Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) at the age of 71, the wrestling world loses one of its most iconic figures. Yet Hogan’s age at death is something of an anomaly. Many of his peers from wrestling’s so-called “golden age” didn’t live nearly as long.
The Toll of the Ring: A Dangerous Era for Pro Wrestlers
As John Oliver noted in a 2019 exposé, the early death rate among professional wrestlers—particularly those from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) era—is dramatically higher than in other pro sports leagues, including the NFL. For many wrestlers who were household names during the 1990s boom, heart attacks, drug overdoses, and lifestyle-related illnesses became all too common.
At WrestleMania VI, held at Toronto’s SkyDome in 1990, 43 superstars took part. Today, 24 of them have passed away, and only six lived to see their 70th birthday.
Among those lost are some of the biggest names of the era:
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The Ultimate Warrior (54) – heart attack, 2014
- Lanny Mark Poffo (December 28, 1954 – February 2, 2023) better known by his ring names “Leaping” Lanny Poffo and the Genius – Cardiac Arrest
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Andre the Giant (46) – heart failure, 1993
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“Macho Man” Randy Savage (58) – heart attack, 2011
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Roddy Piper (61), Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (63), and Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig (44)
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Miss Elizabeth, Big Boss Man, Earthquake, and Rick Rude, all gone far too soon
Tragedies That Shook the Wrestling World
One of the most heartbreaking moments in wrestling history came in 1999, when Owen Hart died in the ring after a stunt went wrong. He was just 34 years old.
Other fan favorites from the 1990s who have passed include:
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Chyna (46) – drug and alcohol-related death
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Yokozuna (34)
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Road Warrior Hawk (46) and Animal (60) of the Legion of Doom
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Crash Holly (32), British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith (39), Luna Vachon (48)
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Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) (63) – complications following surgery
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Vader, Sid Vicious, and The Iron Sheik, all of whom died in their early 60s or 70s
A Legacy That Still Inspires, Despite the Cost
While wrestling has evolved in terms of safety, health protocols, and athlete support, the legacy of the 1990s is bittersweet. For fans in Thunder Bay and around the world, these performers weren’t just athletes—they were icons, bringing energy, charisma, and unforgettable moments to every show.
Great North Wrestling brought some of the biggest names in wrestling to Thunder Bay back in 2009. Lanny Poffo, the Genius came up early, and spent time in Thunder Bay at the Boys and Girls Club and at Woodcrest School.
Kevin Nash and the Genetic Freak Scott Steiner were also on the card.
Over time working with Hannibal and Great North Wrestling I got to met Terry Funk, and some of the wrestlers who I had grown up watching. It was a great experience, especially serving as Ring Announcer.
But behind the characters and storylines was a grueling lifestyle: relentless travel, physical punishment, painkiller dependency, and a lack of long-term medical care. Many veterans of that era paid the ultimate price.
Remembering the Stars
Here are just some of the notable wrestlers from the 1990s who are no longer with us:
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Rick Rude (40)
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Big Boss Man (41)
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Earthquake (42)
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Mr. Perfect (44)
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Dino Bravo (44)
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Hercules (47)
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Sherri Martel (49)
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Randy Savage (58)
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Roddy Piper (61)
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Razor Ramon (63)
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King Kong Bundy (61)
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Paul Bearer (58)
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Gorilla Monsoon (62)
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Vader (63)
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The Iron Sheik (81)
Each of these names meant something to fans who tuned in week after week. They may be gone, but their contributions to professional wrestling live on in memory, legacy, and in the hearts of the fans they entertained.
