Remembering Our Heroes: Wrestlers We Lost in 2018
Alright, guys, gather 'round. Today, we're paying tribute to some of the wrestling world's brightest stars who sadly left us in 2018. It was a tough year for the wrestling community, but their memories live on in our hearts and their legacies continue to inspire us. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and wrestlers who died 2018.
The Year That Was
Before we dive into the stories of our fallen heroes, let's take a moment to appreciate the year that was. 2018 was a rollercoaster ride in the world of sports entertainment. We saw new champions rise, old feuds reignite, and some truly unforgettable moments. But amidst all the excitement, we also said our goodbyes to some true legends.
Browne, The Gift, and The Dragon: Our Biggest Losses
Browne, The Gift, and The Dragon: Our Biggest Losses
Browne: A Rising Star Cut Down Too Soon
First up, we have to talk about Browne, the powerhouse from the Island of Samoa. At just 34 years old, he was taken from us way too soon. Browne was a force to be reckoned with in the ring, known for his incredible strength and agility. He was a two-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion and a one-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. His loss was a shockwave that shook the wrestling world.
Browne's legacy lives on through his family, who continue to honor his memory by carrying on his wrestling legacy. His nephew, Jake Hager, is currently making waves in AEW, and his sister, Sia, is a prominent figure in the wrestling world, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.
The Gift of The Hardy Boyz
Next, we lost Matt Hardy, one-half of the legendary Hardy Boyz. Matt, along with his brother Jeff, revolutionized the tag team division in the late '90s and early 2000s. The Hardy Boyz were known for their high-flying, daredevil style, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the ring.
Matt's legacy is etched in the history books. He's a seven-time World Champion, a 12-time World Tag Team Champion, and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. His influence can still be seen in the ring today, as the next generation of wrestlers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible.
The Dragon: A True Legend
Lastly, we have to talk about Harley Race, the legendary wrestler and promoter known as "The Cardiac Kid" and "King Harley Race". At 76 years old, he was a true pioneer of the sport, known for his tough-as-nails attitude and his incredible in-ring ability.
Race was a nine-time World Champion and a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. His influence on the wrestling world is immeasurable. He trained countless wrestlers, including Kurt Angle, and his legacy as a promoter lives on through his time running the now-defunct World League Wrestling.
The Rest of Our Fallen Heroes
The Rest of Our Fallen Heroes
The High-Flying Liger
We lost Eiji Liger in 2018, a true high-flying legend from Japan. Liger was known for his incredible agility and his ability to fly through the air with the greatest of ease. He was a four-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.
Liger's influence can still be seen in the ring today, as wrestlers like Will Ospreay and Kushida continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the air.
The Enforcer
We also said goodbye to Larry Zbyszko, the legendary wrestler and announcer known as "The Enforcer". Zbyszko was a two-time World Television Champion and a two-time World Tag Team Champion. He was also a prominent figure in WCW, serving as a color commentator and a member of the nWo.
Zbyszko's influence as an announcer can still be seen today, as wrestlers like Paul Heyman and Jerry Lawler continue to set the standard for what great commentary should sound like.
Remembering Our Heroes
Remembering Our Heroes
Their Legacies Live On
As we look back on 2018, it's important to remember that while these wrestlers may be gone, their legacies live on. They paved the way for the next generation of wrestlers, and their influence can still be seen in the ring today.
So, let's raise a glass to Browne, Matt Hardy, Harley Race, Eiji Liger, Larry Zbyszko, and all the other wrestlers we lost in 2018. They were our heroes, our idols, and our friends. They left us way too soon, but they'll never be forgotten.
Honoring Their Memories
And how can we honor their memories? By continuing to love wrestling. By supporting the next generation of wrestlers. By never forgetting the impact these legends had on our lives.
So, guys, let's keep their legacies alive. Let's tell their stories. Let's make sure the world never forgets the names of Browne, Matt Hardy, Harley Race, Eiji Liger, Larry Zbyszko, and all the other wrestlers we lost in 2018. Because they were more than just wrestlers. They were our family.
Rest in power, guys. We'll never forget you.