Wrestlers Who Sadly Died In 2025 So Far

The wrestling world has had a heartbreaking year, with beloved names from global promotions passing away across the first ten months of 2025. Below is a concise, fact-focused look at notable wrestlers we lost this year, including key career highlights, ages, and circumstances around their passing. This roundup covers performers from major companies and independent scenes worldwide to give fans a clear picture of the losses the community has endured so far.

Hulk Hogan

Terry Gene Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, died at 71 on July 24, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida. Authorities and medical reports attributed his death to a heart attack, with records noting a history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation. WWE confirmed his passing the same day, and tributes poured in from across sports and entertainment. Hogan’s career spanned from the late 1970s through 2012, and he was a two-time WWE Hall of Famer.

Sabu

Terry Brunk, better known as Sabu, passed away at 60 in May 2025. He rose to international prominence in ECW during the 1990s and influenced modern hardcore and high-risk styles worldwide. News of his death was shared through obituary notices, and fans commemorated his legacy of innovative offense and daredevil spots. His career included notable runs in Japan and the United States beyond ECW.

Sir Mo (Bobby Horne)

Bobby Horne, remembered as Sir Mo of Men on a Mission, died at 58 in October 2025 after recent hospitalizations for pneumonia and a blood infection. He performed in WWF from 1993 to 1996 and held the WWE Tag Team Championship with Mabel in 1994. Horne continued working on the independent scene and contributed as a trainer and mentor in later years. He had previously undergone a kidney transplant in 2018 and battled significant health issues in recent years.

Black Bart (Richard Harris)

Richard “Black Bart” Harris died on January 9, 2025 after battling stage 4 colon cancer. A 30–year veteran, he wrestled across NWA territories and appeared in WWF and WCW, capturing regional titles including the NWA National Heavyweight Championship. His family and the Cauliflower Alley Club shared news and remembrances in the days following his passing. He was 76.

Colonel DeBeers (Ed Wiskoski)

Edward Wiskoski, known in the AWA as Colonel DeBeers, died on January 22, 2025 at age 80. He was a prominent heel for the American Wrestling Association in the late 1980s and later worked as a trainer and promoter. Obituaries and organizational posts documented his death and career impact. His passing was widely noted by historical wrestling outlets.

Osamu Nishimura

Japanese technician Osamu Nishimura died on February 28, 2025 at age 53 following a public battle with cancer. He was a standout for New Japan Pro-Wrestling with acclaimed runs emphasizing classical mat work and fundamentals. Japanese and English-language reports confirmed his passing, and retrospectives highlighted his in–ring style and political service in local office. He formally retired in late 2024 before his health declined.

Australian Suicide (Broderick Shepherd)

Broderick Shepherd, known as Australian Suicide in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, died on March 6, 2025 at age 32 in Mexico. He held the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship and also wrestled in Australia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Reports described a medical emergency shortly before his death and efforts by family to repatriate his remains to Australia. Tributes from colleagues and promotions reflected his influence in the lucha scene.

Vince Steele

Independent heavyweight Vince Steele died at 39 after a reported cardiac event during a match in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey on March 16, 2025. Local authorities and the hosting promotion confirmed the emergency response at the venue. Steele had been a fixture of the New York–New Jersey scene for years and worked with multiple regional companies. Memorials and statements from promotions and peers recognized his long-running presence in the area.

Eric Priest (Mike Boehne)

Midwestern veteran Mike Boehne, known as Eric Priest, died at 50 in February 2025 following a motorcycle accident. He wrestled across the Great Lakes independents and appeared for promotions with regional TV exposure during the early 2000s. Obituaries and local tributes detailed his career and community ties. Events in Chicago later honored his memory.

Taishin Nagao

All Japan Pro Wrestling announced the death of rookie talent Taishin Nagao at age 21 on September 7, 2025. He had been hospitalized since late May after being struck by a tour bus, with reports citing abdominal trauma and an extended ICU stay. AJPW and multiple outlets shared confirmation and background on the incident. Fans and colleagues posted messages commemorating his perseverance through training and early matches.

Gregory “The Great Wojo” Wojciechowski

Gregory Wojciechowski, known as “The Great Wojo,” died in August 2025 at age 73. A decorated amateur from Ohio, he transitioned into professional wrestling and competed regionally for years. Local press and obituary notices referenced a sudden cardiac event. His legacy includes accomplishments in both amateur and professional ranks.

Tomohiko Hashimoto

Japanese wrestler and promoter Tomohiko Hashimoto died on August 5, 2025 at age 47 after a battle with liver cancer. He was a mainstay of DDT in the 2000s and later founded Pro-Wrestling A-TEAM. Japanese media and wrestling outlets reported his illness and passing, including his step back from duties earlier in the summer. Tributes recognized his dual impact in the ring and behind the scenes.

Jonathan “Jaka” Echevarria

Florida-based independent wrestler Jonathan Echevarria, known as Jaka and a former EVOLVE Tag Team Champion, died at 39 in early September 2025 after a heart attack. Reports noted he had recently competed for a Florida promotion. Friends, partners, and promotions across the U.S. shared remembrances and set up support funds for his family. He was widely recognized on the Northeast and Florida independent circuits.

Kevin Nikel (Knuckles Madsen / Ivan Warsaw)

Independent veteran Kevin Nikel, who wrestled as Knuckles Madsen and Ivan Warsaw, died at 41 in July 2025 after a shooting in Arkansas. Law enforcement and multiple outlets confirmed the incident and subsequent investigation. Nikel had prior experience in WWE developmental and worked widely on the independents. Memorial posts from wrestlers and regional promotions reflected his long tenure and reputation.

If we missed someone meaningful to you, share their name and what you remember most about them in the comments so we can add and honor them too.