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The Tragic Toll: A Complete List Of WWE Wrestlers Who Passed Away In 2025 And Recent Years

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The world of professional wrestling is one of incredible highs and devastating lows, a spectacle that often demands an immense physical and emotional toll from its performers. As of this writing on December 19, 2025, the wrestling community continues to mourn the loss of several beloved figures, with 2025 proving to be a particularly heartbreaking year. The passing of legends and former champions serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made in the ring and the complex health issues that often follow a career in the squared circle. This article provides a comprehensive, updated list of the wrestlers the WWE family has lost most recently, along with a look at their incredible careers and the details surrounding their tragic passing.

The recent deaths of high-profile names like Hulk Hogan and Steve "Mongo" McMichael have sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting fans and colleagues alike to reflect on the legacies these men left behind. From Hall of Famers to charismatic tag team specialists, the names on this list represent decades of unforgettable moments. Here is an in-depth look at the WWE wrestlers who have recently passed away, detailing their lives, careers, and the final curtain call for these titans of the ring.

Recent Tragedies: WWE Superstars Who Passed Away in 2025 and 2024

The year 2025 has already seen the passing of multiple wrestling icons, including two of the most recognizable names in the history of the sport. Their deaths, along with other recent losses, highlight the profound impact these athletes had on millions of fans globally and the often-brutal realities of life after wrestling.

Hulk Hogan (Terrence Gene Bollea) - Died July 2025

  • Ring Name: Hulk Hogan, Hollywood Hogan
  • Born: August 11, 1953
  • Died: July 24, 2025 (Age 71)
  • Cause of Death: Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
  • Biography & Career Highlights: Hulk Hogan is arguably the most famous professional wrestler of all time, a cultural icon who spearheaded the 'Hulkamania' era of the 1980s and was instrumental in turning the WWE (then WWF) into a global phenomenon. He was a 12-time world champion across WWE and WCW and a two-time WWE Hall of Famer. His catchphrases, "Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?" and "Brother," are etched into pop culture history. He later reinvented himself as the villainous "Hollywood Hogan" in WCW's New World Order (nWo) stable, creating one of the most successful storylines in wrestling history. His passing in July 2025 was confirmed by WWE and police, marking the end of the biggest wrestling career ever.

Steve "Mongo" McMichael (Stephen Douglas McMichael) - Died April 2025

  • Ring Name: Steve "Mongo" McMichael
  • Born: October 17, 1957
  • Died: April 23, 2025 (Age 67)
  • Cause of Death: Complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
  • Biography & Career Highlights: Before his wrestling career, McMichael was a legendary defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, winning Super Bowl XX. He transitioned to professional wrestling, primarily in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), a WWE competitor. He was a member of the legendary Four Horsemen stable and held the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship. He was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, a battle he fought bravely until his passing in 2025. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a late-career highlight, celebrated by the entire wrestling and football world.

Sir Mo (Bobby Horne) - Died Late 2024

  • Ring Name: Sir Mo, Bobby Mo
  • Born: October 31, 1965
  • Died: Late 2024 (Age 58)
  • Cause of Death: Health complications, including a blood infection, pneumonia, and kidney problems.
  • Biography & Career Highlights: Bobby Horne was best known as "Sir Mo," one half of the WWE (then WWF) tag team Men on a Mission (M.O.M.) alongside Mabel (Viscera/Big Daddy V). The duo achieved success, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championship. Mo's passing in late 2024 due to a series of health issues, including a blood infection and kidney problems, was met with sadness from his former colleagues, who remembered him as a good-natured presence backstage.

The Heartbreaking Pattern: WWE Superstars Who Died Young

The deaths of older legends like Hogan and McMichael are deeply felt, but the passing of wrestlers who were in the prime of their lives or just beginning their post-wrestling careers is particularly tragic. These untimely deaths often shine a spotlight on the physical demands, lifestyle, and mental health challenges inherent in the wrestling industry. The loss of Bray Wyatt in 2023 remains one of the most profound recent examples of a promising career cut short.

Bray Wyatt (Windham Lawrence Rotunda) - Died August 2023

  • Ring Name: Bray Wyatt, The Fiend, Husky Harris
  • Born: May 23, 1987
  • Died: August 24, 2023 (Age 36)
  • Cause of Death: Heart attack, exacerbated by complications from a recent COVID-19 infection.
  • Biography & Career Highlights: Bray Wyatt was one of the most creative and compelling characters of his generation. A third-generation wrestler, he debuted as the eerie, cult-leader Bray Wyatt, captivating audiences with his unique promos and storytelling. He later created "The Fiend," a horror-inspired alter-ego that became a massive merchandise seller and a cultural phenomenon. A former WWE Champion and Universal Champion, his death at 36 from a heart attack, following a battle with COVID-19 that exacerbated a pre-existing heart condition, was a devastating blow to the wrestling world.

The Unseen Toll of the Squared Circle

The frequent occurrence of former wrestlers dying prematurely, often from heart-related issues, is a recurring theme that raises serious questions about the long-term health consequences of the profession. The intense schedule, constant travel, and physical trauma—including concussions and spinal injuries—contribute to a host of health problems later in life. Furthermore, the early days of wrestling saw prevalent steroid and drug use, which has been linked to severe cardiovascular issues in the decades that follow. The passing of young stars like Bray Wyatt, and others before him such as Eddie Guerrero (40), Chris Benoit (40), and Umaga (36), underscores a systemic issue that the industry continues to grapple with.

The wrestling community often refers to the "Curse of the Ring," a term that encompasses the high mortality rate among performers. While the WWE has significantly improved its wellness policy and health screenings in recent years, the damage sustained by older generations of wrestlers is irreversible. The stories of these deceased superstars are not just tales of great matches and championships; they are cautionary tales about the physical price of fame and the need for continuous support for retired athletes.

Honoring the Legacies: More Notable Deceased WWE Superstars

Beyond the immediate recent losses, a number of other influential figures have passed in the last few years, each leaving an indelible mark on the WWE landscape. Their contributions are essential to understanding the history and evolution of the sport.

  • Scott Hall (Razor Ramon) - Died March 2022: A founding member of the nWo and a charismatic WWE Intercontinental Champion. He died at age 63 after suffering three heart attacks due to complications from hip replacement surgery.
  • The Iron Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) - Died June 2023: The former WWE Champion and Hall of Famer was known for his intense anti-American gimmick and memorable feuds with Hulk Hogan. He passed away at 81.
  • Terry Funk - Died August 2023: A legendary figure known for his hardcore style and longevity, Funk was a major star in multiple promotions, including WWE, WCW, and ECW. He died at age 79.
  • "Superstar" Billy Graham - Died May 2023: A pioneer whose physique and charismatic promos heavily influenced future stars like Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura. He died at age 79 after a long battle with various health issues.
  • Butch Miller (Butch of The Bushwhackers) - Died April 2023: One half of the comedic and beloved tag team, The Bushwhackers. He died at age 78.

The list of deceased WWE wrestlers is long and filled with names that evoke strong memories for fans around the world. Every time a former superstar passes away, it serves as a moment of collective mourning and appreciation for the entertainment they provided. The legacy of these men and women lives on through the countless hours of footage, the stories shared by their peers, and the lasting impact they had on the business of professional wrestling.

The WWE continues to honor its fallen heroes, often through Hall of Fame inductions, video tributes, and mentions on their programming, ensuring that the contributions of these legendary figures are never forgotten. As the industry moves forward, the focus on wrestler wellness, both physical and mental, remains a crucial part of honoring the sacrifices made by those who are no longer with us.

wwe wrestler who died
wwe wrestler who died

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