After the news of Maxx Justice’s death rocked the WWE world, leaving fans devastated, we’ve taken a look at some of the past wrestlers whose lives were tragically cut short
WWE wrestler Maxx Justice has died after being knocked off his bike by a vehicle in a road accident, aged 63. The star, whose real name is Mike Raybeck, was on his way home from work in California when he was fatally struck, causing his tragic death.
His career spanned from the 1990s to the early 2000s and was mostly spent with the All Pro Wrestling, but he also competed in WWE when it was still under its previous name, the World Wrestling Federation. But it’s not just Maxx Justice whose life came to a heartbreaking, sudden end, as a number of WWE stars have passed away over the years in sad circumstances.
READ MORE: Maxx Justice dead: Former WWE star killed after being knocked off bike by vehicle
Chris Benoit
Perhaps one of the most shocking cases in the wrestling world was Benoit. In 2007, the Canadian fighter killed his wife and son before taking his own life. He was 40 at the time, and his legacy was quickly ruined by the notorious killings.
Owen Hart
At just 34, Canadian wrestler Owen Hart sadly fell to his death during a live WWF event in 1999 due to a harness malfunction. The cause of death was later revealed to be internal bleeding from blunt force trauma. The impact severed his aorta, resulting in Hart bleeding to death just minutes later.
Brian Pillman
Brian Pillman was an American professional wrestler and football player. He was best known for his appearances in Stampede Wrestling in the 1980s, World Championship Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Federation in the 1990s. He sadly died in 1997 at 35 from a heart attack, just before a scheduled WWF pay-per-view match.
Dino Bravo
Italian-Canadian professional wrestler and promoter Dino Bravo was found shot dead with multiple gunshots in 1993 in what’s believed to be a mob-related hit, but to this day, his case remains unsolved.
Shad Gaspard
The former American WWE star and actor died a hero in 2020 after directing rescuers to save his son as the pair got caught up in a riptide. Shad sacrificed his own life to save his son, who managed to survive thanks to his dad. After his death, Shad was awarded the Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2022.
Crash Holly
American wrestler Crash Holly was found dead in 2003 after committing suicide by mixing prescription medication and alcohol at wrestler Stevie Richards’ house. It’s believed his career had declined after WWE’s release.
Mike Awesome
Mike Awesome was best known for his appearances with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). However, the star killed himself in 2007 after reportedly dealing with depression and career decline.
Perro Aguayo Jr
Mexican wrestler Aguayo died in a freak accident from a cervical spine trauma, reportedly as a result of the dropkick that propelled him forward to the ring ropes, causing severe whiplash trauma that snapped his neck in 2015.
Silver King
The professional wrestler and actor from Mexico died after collapsing in the ring in front of fans during a bout in London. He suffered a heart attack in the ring mid-event, initially mistaken for a routine wrestling moment. Fans criticised the amount of time it took for him to receive medical attention.
Bruiser Brody
Bruiser Brody was stabbed backstage in a shower by fellow wrestler José González, also known as Invader 1, during a wrestling event in Puerto Rico. González was charged with murder but claimed self-defence and was acquitted by a jury and was not convicted of murder.
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