CURT HENNIG, 1958-2003: Sad news to report that pro wrestler Curt Hennig, also known throughout his career as "Mr. Perfect," passed away this morning at the age of 44. A Minneapolis native and son of the legendary grappler Larry "The Ax" Hennig, Curt Hennig got his start in the late '80s with the Minnesota-based AWA, where he had a memorable rivalry with Jerry "The King" Lawler. Hennig then moved on to the WWF where he was a top competitor for several years, using the Mr. Perfect nickname; on two occasions I saw him wrestle (and lose to) Hulk Hogan in Minneapolis, the second time in a steel cage match. Back injuries kept Hennig out of action for much of the mid-'90s, but he remained active as both a manager and a broadcaster, later resurfacing in the last days of Ted Turner's WCW, where he battled Master P in that group's infamous "Rap vs. Country" feud. Hennig then made a memorable but all-too-brief comeback last year in the WWF.
Hennig's premature death follows those of Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Yokozuna, and many others, underscoring the danger (and drug use) prevalent in the wrestling game. Regardless, Curt Hennig's legacy is secure, and he will be missed.
Here's the Star Tribune obituary.