Several legendary wrestlers in and outside WWE have passed away in 2024. From a Sycho Sid to sadly both of the Wild Samoans. Some legendary figures from the industry have passed on to that wrestling promotion in the sky. With that in mind, we take a look at the iconic wrestlers we lost in 2024.
Sycho Sid/Sid Vicious
Former WWE champion Sid Eudy, better known as Sid Vicious, Sid Justice, and Sycho Sid, died at the age of 63 following a years-long battle with cancer. Eudy headlined WrestleMania twice and was a two-time WWE champion and two-time WCW champion. He’s best remembered for his feuds with Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Shawn Michaels.
Sika Anoa’i
Sika Anoa’i, the father of Roman Reigns, died earlier this year at the age of 79. Anoa’i was one-half of The Wild Samoans with his brother, Afa. The duo captured WWE tag team gold three times. The brothers were enshrined into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
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Afa Anoa’i
Afa Anoa’i, one-half of The Wild Samoans and brother of Sika Anoa’i, passed away this year at the age of 81. He and Sika were three-time WWE tag team champions. Afa later became the manager for the WWE tag team The Headshrinkers, featuring his son Samu and his nephew Fatu — who would later be known as Rikishi. Afa, along with his brother, were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
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Virgil
Mike Jones, better known as Virgil, passed away this year at the age of 61 after suffering a series of strokes that led to dementia. Virgil is best known as the bodyguard for “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase in the late 1980s. He became a fan favorite after turning on DiBiase and becoming “The Million Dollar Champion.” After leaving WWE, he joined WCW and became part of the NWO as Vincent.
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Kevin Sullivan
Kevin Sullivan was one of the greatest villains wrestling has ever seen. He had legendary feuds with Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes, and The Road Warriors. He also led the Dungeon of Doom when he was known as the Taskmaster. Following his wrestling career, he worked in creative for WCW. Sullivan passed away at the age of 74.
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Ole Anderson
Ole Anderson was part of the original Four Horsemen with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Tully Blanchard. Anderson was one of the most decorated tag team wrestlers ever with Arn as part of The Minnesota Wrecking Crew. He and The Four Horsemen had iconic battles with Dusty Rhodes, The Rock ‘N Roll Express, and The Road Warriors. Ole Anderson passed away at the age of 81.
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Ice Train
Harold Hogue, better known as Ice Train, was a former professional wrestler in WCW. He’s best known for teaming up with Scott Norton to form the Fire and Ice tag team. After they split up, Teddy Long became his manager during a short singles stint. Hogue would later return to WCW in 2000 as M.I. Smooth. Hogue passed away earlier this year at the age of 54.
Akebono
Akebono was one of the greatest sumo wrestlers in history, becoming the first non-Japanese-born wrestler ever to reach the highest rank in sumo. Akebono faced off against The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in a traditional sumo match, where he defeated the former WWE and WCW champion. He also wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling, among other promotions. Akebono died from heart failure at the age of 54.
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