List of WWE Superstars, Pro Wrestlers Who Died in 2024 – News18

2024 has been a challenging year for the wrestling world, with the loss of several iconic figures. Here’s a list of pro wrestlers who passed away in 2024 so far.

Sid Eudy (Sid Vicious)

Former WWE and WCW Champion Sid Vicious, real name Sidney Raymond Eudy, has passed away at the age of 63 following a long battle with cancer in August this year. Sid Vicious was one of the most imposing and charismatic figures in professional wrestling, known for his towering 6’9″ frame and his intense persona. He made his mark in 1989 when he signed with WCW, where he wrestled against some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Steiner Brothers, The Road Warriors, and The Four Horsemen. Throughout his career, Sid was also a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and two-time WWE Champion, headlining major events such as WrestleMania VIII, WrestleMania XIII, and the final WCW Starrcade in 2000.

Sika Anoaʻi

Sika Anoaʻi, the father of Roman Reigns and late WWE star Rosey died at the age of 79. Regarded as a legend in the sports entertainment industry, Sika was best known for teaming with his brother, Arthur “Afa” Anoa’i Sr., in the iconic tag team The Wild Samoans. The duo’s fearsome presence and unhinged style made them massive stars for WWE in the late ’70s and early ’80s as they dominated the tag team division, winning the championship on three separate occasions.

Afa Anoa’i Sr.

WWE Hall of Famer and uncle of current WWE Superstar Roman Reigns. Afa Anoa’i Sr., who was one-half of the legendary tag team The Wild Samoans, passed away at the age of 81. Afa Anoa’i Sr. and his brother Sika Anoa’i dominated the wrestling scene in the 1970s and 1980s as The Wild Samoans. The duo’s fearsome in-ring presence earned them three World Tag Team Championships in WWE, cementing their status as one of the most formidable tag teams in history. Beyond their achievements in WWE, The Wild Samoans also made their mark in promotions such as Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where they gathered numerous accolades.

Virgil (Michael Jones)

Michael Jones, popularly known as Virgil during his time in the WWE, passed away aged 61. Jones broke through alongside “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and would go on to capture the Million Dollar Title, claim WrestleMania victories, and be featured as the original bodyguard of The nWo during a legendary career. Jones’ journey began after a conversation with Tony Atlas, and he then began training with WWE Hall of Famer Afa of The Wild Samoans. After initial success on the regional scene as Soul Train Jones, including scoring tag team gold alongside The Rock’s Father, Rocky Johnson, Jones found his home in WWE as Virgil.

Kevin Sullivan

Legendary professional wrestler Kevin Sullivan passed away at the age of 74. Best known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Sullivan was renowned for his creative genius, particularly in crafting memorable heel personas like The Taskmaster. His in-ring career began in the early 1970s, leading to notable feuds with stars like Hulk Hogan and Dusty Rhodes. Despite his health declining after an accident in May 2024, Sullivan’s influence in the wrestling world remained strong. WWE and fellow wrestlers, including Triple H, paid tribute to his lasting impact on the industry.

Ole Anderson

Ole Anderson, a professional wrestler whose tough, no-nonsense style led him to become a founding member of the famed collective known as The Four Horsemen, has died aged 81. Anderson gained that reputation early in his career as a tag-team champ, paired with partners billed as relatives, including Arn Anderson. They gained notoriety as the tag team known as The Minnesota Wrecking Crew, the WWE said

Paul Vachon

Former wrestler and promoter Paul Vachon passed away at 86 on February 29. Vachon, a tag team champion with his brother Maurice and promoter for Grand Prix, also worked for the WWF. He was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and fought cancer for decades.

Tony Jones

Former WWE wrestler Tony Jones, known as ‘Shooter,’ has reportedly passed away at 53. Cause of death remains unknown, with some sources citing a ‘sudden’ event. Jones had brief WWE stints and made his mark in the independent circuit with All-Pro Wrestling and others. He appeared in the 1999 documentary Beyond the Mat.

Akebono Tarō

A former sumo wrestler turned pro wrestler, Akebono made an impact in both Japan and WWE, known for his match against Big Show at WrestleMania 21.

Francisco Ciatso

Frankie ‘Francisco’ Ciatso, a was regular in the Florida independent wrestling scene since the late 1990s. He passed away in January this year aged 48. Known for his work in the indie scene in the Southeastern U.S., Ciatso was respected for his passion for the business and mentoring younger wrestlers. He had a prolific career, working for numerous promotions in Florida. He also appeared on NWA TNA TV and Deep South Wrestling’s TV program and occasionally on WWE TV for enhancement work. Ciatso’s career was featured in the 2019 documentary “Journeyman,” which won Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Film Awards that year.

Bad Bones (John Klinger)

A popular professional wrestler in the Indie circuits in Europe, John Klinger passed away in May this year. Reason for his death remains unclear at this moment. The official handle made the announcement of, Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), a German-based pro-wrestling promotion on X (formerly known as Twitter). Klinger has been in the pro wrestling circuit for over two decades and has made brief stints in popular promotions like Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA Wrestling) where he was known as ‘Bad Bones’. Klinger was a key figure in wXw where he won many major titles with the promotions having competed in about 450 matches in his career.

Anthony Gaines

Gaines was a rising star in the indie wrestling scene, known for his energetic performances in Pro Wrestling Rampage and Empire State Wrestling.

Asahi

Japanese joshi wrestler Asahi – who wrestled for the Actwres girl’Z (AWG) promotion – died in an apparent car crash in February this year.

Chris Markoff

A veteran of the 60s and 70s, Markoff was known for his work in AWA, where he won multiple tag team championships.

El Signo (Antonio Sánchez Rendón)

A legendary luchador, El Signo was a pioneer in the trios matches and a significant figure in the Universal Wrestling Association.

Harold Hoag

A journeyman wrestler with appearances in various promotions in the 80s and 90s, he wrestled for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) throughout the 1990s.He died aged 56 in January.

James Castle

A British indie wrestler, Castle was known for his high-flying style in the UK wrestling scene. He wrestled in nternational Pro Wrestling: United Kingdom (IPW:UK) and Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro). He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2019, and by January 2024, Castle’s diagnosis became terminal and he died five months later on 15 June 2024, at the age of 35.

Mosco de la Merced (Juan Conchillo)

A popular luchador in the 90s, Mosco de la Merced was known for his high-flying style and memorable feuds in AAA.

Scott Henson

An indie wrestler and podcaster, Henson was known for his love for wrestling and his analytical approach to the sport.

Yutaka Yoshie

Japanese wrestling star Yutaka Yoshie, 50, collapsed in his dressing room and passed away after a match for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). His condition rapidly deteriorated post-match, leading to hospitalization where he sadly did not recover. Yoshie, also known for stints in Pro Wrestling NOAH and ZERO-ONE, had no cause of death released.