‘RIP the warriors’: A glimpse of pro-wrestlers who handed away in 2021

The yr 2021 has been a tricky one for the pro-wrestling circuit with the worldwide pandemic forcing restrictions within the early half of the yr. Apart from that, 2021 additionally witnessed the demise of a number of notable wrestlers who had served the trade previously. While some had been capturing stars a number of had drifted into obscurity. Let’s take a look at these superstars.
Jack Lanza

Legendary pro-wrestler Jack Lanza, aka Blackjack Lanza, handed away on the age of 86. Lanza had plied his commerce for numerous wrestling promotions, together with the WWE, NWA, and AWA. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon had expressed his condolences on social media. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jack Lanza. He was a man’s man, respected and beloved by all. He worked for and loved WWE for many years. His loyalty and dedication will never be forgotten,” McMahon had written in a publish on Twitter. Lanza into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Butch Reed

American wrestler Bruce Franklin Reed, whose ring identify was Butch Reed, handed away on the age of 66 in February this yr. He labored for numerous wrestling promotions, together with the then-WWF and WCW. As a charismatic performer, he was in a position to woo the viewers and was additionally known as Hacksaw or the Natural. He gained the Intercontinental Championship in WWE.
Barry Orton

Brother of ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton and uncle of present WWE celebrity Randy Orton, Barry, died in March 2021 on the age of 62. He had a stellar profession within the WWF, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Stampede Wrestling, and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Loads of success in-ring success additionally got here within the tag workforce division the place he gained the championship with each his brother Hector Guerrero.
Jimmy Rave

American pro-wrestler Jimmy Rave ( actual identify James Michael Guffey) handed away at a comparatively younger age of 39. The former Ring of Honor star battled drug habit and in addition underwent a triple amputation. In October, Rave opened up on how he contracted MRSA, which compelled the ex-Impact star to have each his legs amputated lower than a yr after shedding his left arm. His profession started in 1999 the place he carried out within the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) after which in TNA and WWE-produced “Sunday Night Heat”.
Ryan Sakoda

Former WWE celebrity Ryan Sakoda died aged 46. Sakoda was part of the SmackDown roster and was seen very often through the period of Ruthless Aggression within the early 2000s. He is finest identified for being the henchman of former WWE celebrity Tajiri. Sakoda was additionally among the many regulars on the impartial circuit in California.