In light of Chris Kanyon’s passing over the weekend, it’s interesting to note that a total of twenty-two talents who performed for World Championship Wrestling in 1998 have since passed away – nearly equal to a 25-man MLB roster. Likewise, a total of six wrestlers who performed for the World Wrestling Federation the very same year have since passed on (Big Boss Man, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, Golga, Owen Hart, Road Warrior Hawk and Test). However, only two WWF performer deaths have been attributed to drug use while the WCW list is significantly greater.
In its entirety, here is the list of deceased talents who performed for WCW in 1998. With the exception of one performer, all deaths listed occurred before the age of 50.
» Bam Bam Bigelow – 2007 / 01 / 19 (45)
» Bobby Duncum, Jr. – 2000 / 01 / 24 (34)
» Brady Boone (referee) – 1998 / 12 / 16 (40)
» Brian Adams – 2007 / 08 / 13 (44)
» Chase Tatum – 2008 / 03 / 23 (34)
» Chris Adams – 2001 / 10 / 07 (46)
» Chris Benoit – 2007 / 06 / 24 (40)
» Curt Hennig – 2003 / 02 / 10 (44)
» Davey Boy Smith – 2002 / 05 / 17 (39)
» Eddie Guerrero – 2005 / 11 / 13 (38)
» Elizabeth – 2003 / 05 / 01 (42)
» Emory Hale – 2006 / 01 / 28 (36)
» Johnny Grunge – 2006 / 02 / 16 (40)
» Joey Maggs – 2006 / 10 / 15 (37)
» Kanyon – 2010 / 04 / 02 (40)
» Louie Spicolli – 1998 / 02 / 15 (27)
» Mark Curtis (referee) – 1999 / 09 / 08 (37)
» Randy Anderson (referee) – 2002 / 05 / 05 (42)
» Ray Traylor – 2004 / 09 / 22 (41)
» Rick Rude – 1999 / 04 / 20 (40)
» Renegade – 1999 / 02 / 23 (33)
» Rocco Rock – 2002 / 09 / 21 (50)
Additionally, six more talents who joined WCW after 1998 have since passed on – Chris Candido, “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, Mike Awesome, Rhonda Singh, Sherri Martel and The Wall. All six deaths listed occurred before the age of 50.
On a final note, Kanyon’s passing marks the fifteenth consecutive year in which at least one talent who performed for WCW between 1991 and 2001 has died.
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