Wrestling Legend Kevin Sullivan Dies at 74

Mar. 15, 2025

Kevin Sullivan.Photo:WWE

WWE

Kevin Sullivan, a former professional wrestler best known for his role in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW), has died. He was 74.On Friday, Aug. 9, the WWE confirmed the news of Sullivan’s death. “WWE is saddened to learn Kevin Sullivan has passed away at age 74.  A unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history, Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries,” the organization said in astatement.The WWE’s statement continued, highlighting some of Sullivan’s memorable wrestling moments, matches and competitors.Kevin Sullivan.John Barrett/PHOTOlink / MediaPunch /IPX/APNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“As a villain, Sullivan was a major rival for the ring’s most legendary heroes, including Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan and The Road Warriors. He specialized in leading dangerous factions, which included his wicked Army of Darkness, collegiate bullies The Varsity Club, and the wild Dungeon of Doom, which introduced Big Show to the wrestling world," the WWE said.The organization added, “The one-time ‘Taskmaster’ also became a creative force behind the scenes for WCW,” which he first became involved with in the late ’80s.“WWE extends its condolences to Sullivan’s family, friends and fans,” the statement concluded.Longtime wrestler and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H reflected on Sullivan’s impact on the sport in a statementposted to X(formerly Twitter). “Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unique minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and developing some of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring. He had an unwavering passion for what we do,” he wrote.From Left: Paul Orndorff and Kevin Sullivan.John Barrett/PHOTOlink /MediaPunch /IPX/APWhile a cause of death has not been revealed,Fox affiliate WJWreported that aGoFundMewas set up for Sullivan, explaining that the former wrestler was “facing a critical medical emergency and financial crisis” following an accident he suffered while in Florida for autograph signings in May.Per the organizers of the fundraiser, “he underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis.“In an update to the campaign on July 15, they said that Sullivan was in the process of recovering, with the “ultimate hope that he regains his independence.”

Kevin Sullivan, a former professional wrestler best known for his role in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW), has died. He was 74.

On Friday, Aug. 9, the WWE confirmed the news of Sullivan’s death. “WWE is saddened to learn Kevin Sullivan has passed away at age 74.  A unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history, Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries,” the organization said in astatement.

The WWE’s statement continued, highlighting some of Sullivan’s memorable wrestling moments, matches and competitors.

Kevin Sullivan.John Barrett/PHOTOlink / MediaPunch /IPX/AP

John Barrett/PHOTOlink / MediaPunch /IPX/AP

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“As a villain, Sullivan was a major rival for the ring’s most legendary heroes, including Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan and The Road Warriors. He specialized in leading dangerous factions, which included his wicked Army of Darkness, collegiate bullies The Varsity Club, and the wild Dungeon of Doom, which introduced Big Show to the wrestling world,” the WWE said.

The organization added, “The one-time ‘Taskmaster’ also became a creative force behind the scenes for WCW,” which he first became involved with in the late ’80s.

“WWE extends its condolences to Sullivan’s family, friends and fans,” the statement concluded.

Longtime wrestler and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H reflected on Sullivan’s impact on the sport in a statementposted to X(formerly Twitter). “Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unique minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and developing some of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring. He had an unwavering passion for what we do,” he wrote.

From Left: Paul Orndorff and Kevin Sullivan.John Barrett/PHOTOlink /MediaPunch /IPX/AP

John Barrett/PHOTOlink /MediaPunch /IPX/AP

While a cause of death has not been revealed,Fox affiliate WJWreported that aGoFundMewas set up for Sullivan, explaining that the former wrestler was “facing a critical medical emergency and financial crisis” following an accident he suffered while in Florida for autograph signings in May.

Per the organizers of the fundraiser, “he underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis.”

In an update to the campaign on July 15, they said that Sullivan was in the process of recovering, with the “ultimate hope that he regains his independence.”

source: people.com