10 Wrestlers Who Died In Their Prime

Professional wrestlers passing before their time is an issue that has plagued the industry for decades. The blame can be placed on a series of factors: Lack of healthcare, the rampant drug and steroid use, the brutal nature of the profession, illness, violence, and poor personal decisions.

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No matter who or what is at fault, it doesn't change the fact that each premature death is a needless tragedy that has taken a toll on fans and peers alike. While some wrestlers left behind a complete legacy, in the most unfortunate cases, some leave us before their stories are done being told. Here are a few that, sadly, died in their prime.

10 Brian Pillman (35)

Following a football career, Brian Pillman quickly became a star in Canada's Stampede Wrestling. With the looks, charisma, and in-ring ability, Pillman was the complete package and destined for pro-wrestling stardom. Flyin' Brain made his way to WCW where he was a perennial show stealer on just about every card he was put on. After runs with "Stunning" Steve Austin and The Four Horsemen, Pillman had a stint in ECW before a car accident sidelined him.

He'd resurface in WWE, linking up with fellow Canadians as part of the anti-American Hart Foundation. With the Attitude Era ready to explode, The Loose Cannon could have been a key player, but he never got that chance. An undetected heart disease would shockingly end Pillman's life at just 35.

9 Crash Holly (32)

Mike Lockwood is one of the most fondly remembered parts of the Attitude Era. This Holly Cousin was a welcomed addition to any Raw or PPV, as he launched the iconic 24/7 rule in defense of his Hardcore Title. As the WCW roster merged the WWE in 2001, the Houdini of Hardcore was lost in the shuffle and eventually released in 2003. Those who have deep-dived Lockwood's career would know that only a fraction of his in-ring ability was displayed in WWE.

Possessing a style more akin to today's high flying, fast-paced wrestlers, Crash still had a lot to contribute to the business. Unfortunately, as Lockwood's career and personal life were in a downswing, it led him to taking his own life.

8 David Von Erich (25)

Maybe it was the merciless world of pro wrestling. Maybe The Sportatorium was built on an ancient burial ground. Either way, The Von Erich Family Curse seems to be legitimate. Still in his mid-twenties, David was often regarded as the most talented Von Eric Brother. His rise in World Class Championship Wrestling was punctuated by memorable feuds with the likes of The Freebirds and Ric Flair.

As David branched out from his father's promotion his stock became even more valuable with each new company he shined in. Then, the curse reared its ugly head. While on a tour of All Japan, David overdosed on painkillers, leaving behind a world of untapped potential.

7 Reid Flair (25)

Being born into wrestling royalty, every door in the industry was wide open for Reid Flair. Reid made his WCW debut at the age of ten, displaying his amateur wrestling skills in a showdown with Eric Bischoff. Once he turned 18, Flair made his official in ring debut in, of course, Charlotte, NC. Reid teamed up with his brother David to take on The Nasty Boys, with Hulk Hogan as special guest referee.

From there, a determined Reid set out on the indie circuit to prove himself, never wanting to rely on his father's connections to make it. A signing with All Japan in 2013 seemed to be the first step on the climb to stardom, but Reid's personal demons caught up to him. His long battle with addiction came to a harrowing end when an overdose stopped his promising career in its tracks.

6 Chris Candido (33)

Best remembered as Skip from the Boddydonnas, a quick skim through Candido's pre and post-WWE career proves that he's one of the most underrated wrestlers in history.

Chris started learning the business from his grandfather at just nine years old, and he began his career by (illegally) hitting the independent circuit as a teen. Following his WWE run, Chris reinvented himself in ECW by joining the Triple Threat Stable with Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow.

However, a drug problem would derail his career heading into the 2000's. By 2005, Chris had cleaned up his act and rededicated himself to the craft, which makes his story even sadder. While making his comeback, Candido suffered a broken leg during a match that required surgery. In a cruel twist of fate, that surgery led to a blood clot that ultimately killed Chris at just 33.

5 Umaga (36)

Boasting size, the prestigious Anoaʻi family pedigree, and the prettiest Samoan Spike in the game, Eddie Fatu had all the tools to make it in the pro wrestling industry. After training at his uncle Afa's school, he circled the globe honing his skills, even having a WWE run with his cousin as 3 Minute Warning.

Upon returning to the WWE, Fatu was given a huge push becoming the monster heel: Umaga. He'd take on a who's who of challengers including Ric Flair, HHH, John Cena, and was part of the infamous Wrestlemania 23 angle with Bobby Lashley, Vince, and Trump. However his failure to adhere to WWE's wellness policy eventually lead to his dismissal in 2009. Later that year, he tragically died of a drug overdose.

4 Bruiser Brody (42)

The great Bruiser Brody was a monster amongst men. A pioneer of hardcore, Brody's rebellious nature also helped paved the way for independent wrestling, as he was never one to commit to a single promotion. After becoming a legend on the territory circuit, there was only one place to go: the WWE.

While this never happened, rumors dictate that plans were in the works for Bruiser to be the next monster to take on Hulk Hogan. True or not, a trip to Puerto Rico would cancel any hopes. Jose Gonzalez, booker of WWC and Carlos Colon's business partner, murdered Brody in cold blood after one of their many disputes. Brody would never get justice as Gonzalez was acquitted, and fans would never get to see the big man on the grandest stage.

3 Andy Kaufman (35)

When this high profile funny man walked off stage and into Memphis Wrestling, few could have predicted that we'd get one of the greatest wrestling angles ever. Kaufman was obviously not a great in-ring performer, but his talents on the mic were unapparelled. An instant heat magnet, Kaufman become one of wrestling's biggest heels as he faced Jerry Lawler in the early '80s.

A cancer diagnosis would cut Andy's career and life short, leaving fans of both his in-ring and stand-up work wondering what could have been. Kaufman's comic brilliance plus the Jerry Lawler in his prime could have made an already legendary run even better.

2 Eddie Guerrero (38)

By the time Eddie passed away, he had already immortalized himself as one of wrestling's greats. But, passing under forty, he still had much more to give. Coming from the historic Guerrero Family, Eddie was able to make a name for himself as he rose through the ranks of ECW, WCW, and all the way to a WWE Championship.

Eddie's comedic timing, oozing charisma, and god-tier wrestling ability captivated fans across the word before heart failure lead to his untimely death. While fans are left pining for more of Eddie's performances, what's truly missed is his brilliant mind. Pro-wrestling will never be as good as it could have been if Eddie were still here to guide it.

1 Owen Hart (34)

With the most senseless, and gut-wrenching pro-wrestling death, Owen Hart's fall from Kemper Arena's rafters in May of 1999 is still emotionally devastating for those who saw it or even just heard about it. One of the most beloved superstars of all time, Owen earned his spot in the limelight even when his superstar brother Bret "The Hitman" Hart was dominating the WWE.

Owen's talents were seemingly limitless. While he never got the push he deserved, his matches with British Bulldog, Shawn Michaels, and Bret are still talked about today.

Owen left behind fond memories, an unforgettable string of matches, and a wound fans still haven't recovered from over twenty years later.

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