Kevin Sullivan, the skilled wrestler referred to as “The Taskmaster” and the “Prince of Darkness,” has died at age 74, World Wrestling Leisure introduced Friday morning. No explanation for demise was given.
“A novel and influential determine in sports-entertainment historical past, Sullivan discovered success each within the ring and behind the scenes together with his penchant for a lot out concepts that pushed artistic boundaries,” the WWE mentioned in an announcement.
Sullivan wrestled for a lot of federations, together with the WWE (when it was referred to as the World Extensive Wrestling Federation) within the Seventies and the Nationwide Wrestling Alliance within the Seventies and early Eighties. He was with the Championship Wrestling from Florida federation within the Eighties when he developed the darkish persona for which he was well-known.
Greatest recognized for his time with the World Championship Wrestling throughout its Nineties heyday, Sullivan was billed as a heel and was well-known for his in-ring feuds with well-liked wrestlers, together with Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and the Highway Warriors. He retired from wrestling in 1997 however continued working for WCW as a booker till 2001.
”Kevin Sullivan had one of the vital distinctive minds within the historical past of our trade, pushing artistic boundaries and creating a number of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring,” WWE Corridor of Famer and chief content material officer Triple H wrote. “He had an unwavering ardour for what we do. My ideas are together with his household, mates & followers.”
Final month, his daughter, Nancy Sullivan, arrange a web based fundraiser for her father, who she wrote had “suffered a devastating accident” whereas signing autographs Might 12 in Florida.
Kevin Sullivan wrestled for quite a lot of federations however was greatest recognized for his time with the World Championship Wrestling within the Nineties.
(WWE)
“He underwent emergency surgical procedure that saved his leg and life however confronted extreme issues, together with sepsis and encephalitis,” she wrote. “This unexpected disaster has positioned an immense monetary burden on his household, as Kevin has been out and in of consciousness within the ICU, removed from dwelling.”
The fundraiser obtained practically $55,000 in donations and is not accepting contributions.
Members of the professional wrestling neighborhood have been posting tributes to Sullivan on X.
“I Am So Saddened To Hear About Kevin Sullivan’s Passing,” wrestling legend Ric Aptitude wrote. “Relaxation In Peace Kevin! You Have been An All Time Nice Athlete & Pal!”
NWA Corridor of Famer and present WWE govt Adam Pearce wrote: “Godspeed, Kevin Sullivan. Whether or not in entrance of or behind the digital camera, your contributions to our trade are with out query. Grateful for the instances we shared, your recommendation, and kindness. Honored to have gone into the @nwa HOF collectively. Relaxation effectively, sir.”
“This one hit me actually laborious,” WWE Corridor of Famer Diamond Dallas Web page wrote. “Sully was an enormous a part of my life. Sure, we had our ups and the downs, however like so lots of our brothers over time we actually grew to like one another.
“You not believing in me initially made me higher, it made me work more durable, and I’m so grateful to have recognized you. You probably did so many nice issues and I’m so proud to have been part of a few of them. God bless you! Love you brother. Relaxation in peace.”
