New Zealand Wrestling Legend Steve Rickard Dead At 85

Radio New Zealand reports that Steve Rickard passed away overnight at the age of 85. He was living with two of his sons in Queensland, Australia.

Rickard (real name Sydney Mervin Batt) was born in Napier in 1929. He toured worldwide as a wrestler and promoter during the 60s and 70s. He was also the host of the TV wrestling show On The Mat

His son, Tony Batt, said: “He was so passionate about wrestling, he would not, if it was up to him, I think he would go on and on until he died. Because he was just one of those guys that loved and breathed wrestling.”

The entire family were involved with Rickard’s career, according to Batt.