Pro wrestling legend Sid Eudy, whose big frame and imposing presence catapulted him to the top of the industry in the 1990s, has died aged 63.
Eudy lived in a suburb outside downtown Memphis, Tennessee, with wife Sabrina Estes Eudy.
Their son, Gunnar, posted news of his father’s death on Facebook before it was later confirmed by the Crittenden County coroner.
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Gunnar Eudy said his father died “after battling cancer for several years”.
Eudy, also known as Sycho Sid and Sid Vicious, won the WWF championship twice, the WCW world heavyweight championship twice and the USWA unified world heavyweight championship twice.
He performed mainly during the 1990s, when pro wrestling had a resurgence among mainstream audiences, headlining multiple pay-per-view shows for WWF and WCW — including WWF’s WrestleMania VIII and 13 in 1992 and 1997, respectively, as well as WCW’s Starrcade in 2000.
Billed at 6’9” (205cm) he was physical as well as theatrical.
Eudy’s WWE bio said he was a standout presence in a sport dominated by human spectacle.
“One of the most brutal Superstars to ever terrorise WWE, the sadistic Sid brought an intensity that few could ever hope to contain,” the bio said.
“Just ask the litany of ring legends who have incurred his wrath — a hit list that includes Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, Bret ‘Hit Man’ Hart and many more.”
He joined WCW in 1989 and was making a name for himself and dispatching foes in WWE by 1991, the company said in its obituary.
He went on to win the WWE championship in 1996 and 1997 and became known as ‘The Master and Ruler of the World’, WWE said.
Wrestling legend Sting wrote: “One of the most believable big men EVER. I loved working with Sid and will miss him.”
Pro wrestler and Hall of Famer Booker T Huffman said Eudy was instrumental in his career.
“Without Sid Vicious, I don’t think my brother and I would have made it to WCW,” he said, referring to brother Lash, known in the ring as Stevie Ray.
“His impact on this business was undeniable, and he paved the way for so many of us. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
Son Gunnar agreed that Eudy wasn’t all brute force.
“He was a man of strength, kindness, and love, and his presence will be greatly missed,” he wrote on Facebook.
He is survived by Sabrina, Gunnar and another son Frank.