WWE champion Darren Drozdov has died of natural causes at 54, revealed a statement by the family on Friday, News About Nigeria confirms.
Before wrestling, Drozdov had a stint in American football, playing with the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos.
He made it to the then WWF (World Wrestling Federation), now WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) in 1998, having begun on the independent wrestling circuit.
However, he didn’t last long in the ring after he was paralyzed from injuries suffered in sparring in 1999.
The injury came on October 5, 1999, when he was wrestling D’Lo Brown at a SmackDown taping at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. During the match, he landed on his head and fractured two neck vertebrae.
However, while the match was never aired on television, Drozdov recovered according to reports, and started moving his arms and upper body, but remained in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
In the statement by his family, he was described as a fighter whose faith in humanity never faltered.
“There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now,”
“We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone. All of his fans, teammates, colleagues, and friends for all the love and support he received over the years.
“You all gave him meaning, purpose and something to live for. He loved each and every one of you and cherished the conversations, notes, and letters he received. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.”
His sparring partner Dwayne Johnson also took to social media to send in his tribute, recalling fond memories with the dead.
“We wrestled on a lot of cards together. Such an awesome dude.”
“Great personality and great wrestling talent,” he added. “We always talked about football and fishing. Sending love, strength, mana and light to his family. RIP brother.”
The WWE also registered its condolences. “WWE is saddened to learn that Darren Drozdov passed away on Friday, June 30, at age 54,” adding that the “WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends and fans.”
