Wrestling legend and one half of Midnight Express “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton has died at age 62.
Eaton’s sister first reported the news of her brother’s death via her Facebook and it was later confirmed by WWE. The official cause of death was not revealed by his sister.
Eaton had taken a bad fall in late July and was hospitalized for his injuries. The fall resulted in Eaton breaking multiple fingers and damaging his hip. It is unknown if the fall contributed to his death.
A 17-Year-Old Boy To An All Time Great
Eaton is best known for his tag work with Midnight Express teaming with “Lover Boy” Dennis Condrey and later with “Sweet” Stan Lane. The team was also managed by one of the greatest heel manager’s of all time, Jim Cornette. They would become one of the greatest tag teams in the era of great tag teams.
The wrestling career of Bobby Eaton lasted 40 years which is rare in pro wrestling. He started his career at age 17 in 1976 in NWA Mid-America and in just two years he became the tag champion with his partner Leapin’ Lanny Poffo [Randy Savage’s brother].
After picking up his new tag partner, Condrey, in Continental Wrestling Association they took their talents to the legendary Jim Crockett Promotions. While in Jim Crockett Promotions they won the tag championships from The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express and developed a feud with The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express which they became famous for. Midnight Express also had heated rivalries with famous tag teams like The Samoan S.W.A.T. Team, The Fabulous Freebirds, The Steiner Brothers and The Road Warriors.
A Career Full Of Championships And Praise
Reading Bobby Eaton’s accomplishments is just reading a list a mile long full of championships from all of the country full of tag championships reigns and some singles championships. However, the wrestling legend’s greatest accomplishment may be the respect he earned throughout his career.
Mick Foley and Steve Austin have both praised Eaton in their autobiographies as being one of the most underrated and nicest wrestlers in the business. Ted DiBiase said via a tweet “I didn’t know anyone who didn’t absolutely love Bobby. He was just a great guy!” Twitter is full of nothing but praise for this wrestling great. I think it should be everyone’s goal to be as respected and beloved as Eaton was when we all pass.
Us at The Illuminerdi extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Bobby Eaton. Are there any current tag teams in wrestling which you would have loved to see Midnight Express face? How would you rank Midnight Express on the list of greatest tag teams? Leave your comments and share some of your memories of Eaton and Midnight Express below.
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Sources: WWE, Wrestling Inc.
