Former WCW star and booker Kevin Sullivan has died at the age of 74. The news of Sullivan’s passing was initially broken by PWInsider early Friday morning. It was later announced by WWE. Kevin Sullivan has been dealing with health issues as of late and he ultimately died from said issues. The issues first presented themselves after a recent emergency surgery. The exact details surrounding the illness and his death are not yet known.
Sullivan first debuted in 1970. He made his rounds in NWA territories throughout the decade and even found himself wrestling for Vince McMahon Sr. in his WWWF territory. Along the way he found himself wrestling some of the best wrestlers of the time including Austin Idol, Fabulous Freebirds, Jerry Lawler, Buzz Sawyer, and Eddie Graham among others.
Courtesy Of WWE
Kevin Sullivan Portrayed a Famous Prince of Darkness Character
Next Sullivan moved on to Championship Wrestling from Florida where he would find the gimmick he excelled at and would dip into from that point forward. He tapped into the Satanic panic of the time and developed a demonic character. He portrayed a cult leader and master of the occult. During his promos, he would summon dark spirits and became known as The Prince of Darkness.
Sullivan eventually found himself in WCW and started a feud with one of the most important wrestlers of all time, Hulk Hogan. He and his Three Faces of Fear faction challenged Hogan and pushed him to his limit.
However, that was just the start of the mental havoc Sullivan would unleash on WCW. In 1995 he would help to form and eventually lead the Dungeon of Doom. This new faction would introduce one of, if not the best big men of all time, The Giant aka Big Show. This new faction led by Sullivan under his new gimmick of the Taskmaster would continue the mission of Faces of Fear and was dead set on destroying Hulkamania.
Courtesy Of WWE
From the Taskmaster To Mr. Bookerman
In 1997 Sullivan stepped away from the ring and began a role backstage. He started booking for WCW. He would hold this role until 2001 when WWF/WWE bought WCW.
Sullivan’s legacy in wrestling is one of exploring new types of gimmicks and pushing the boundaries of what gimmicks could be. WWE acknowledged his legacy as someone who had a “penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries.”
Sullivan’s career also involved some controversy and drama. He booked an on-screen relationship with his real-life wife and Chris Benoit which turned into a real relationship. Also an incident with current NXT wrestler Lexis King’s dad, Brian Pillman. Pillman grabbed a mic mid-match with Sullivan and said “I respect you bookerman.” This was a reference to Sullivan being the booker and breaking the fourth wall of kayfabe during a time when that didn’t happen.
Wrestlers and colleagues shared their condolences and memories upon hearing about Sullivan’s death. The current RAW GM Adam Pearce shared a tweet with the pair holding up their NWA Hall of Fame plaques.
Godspeed, Kevin Sullivan. Whether in front of or behind the camera, your contributions to our industry are without question. Grateful for the times we shared, your advice, and kindness. Honored to have gone into the @nwa HOF together. Rest well, sir. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/OsoSmC1L4F
Pearce’s remarks are echoed by the entire wrestling community. The variety of wrestlers who are sharing personal remembrances of Sullivan shows just what an impact he had on the people he worked with.
Legends like DDP, Ric Flair and Dutch Mantell to promotions like NWA, AEW and TNA all shared condolences and memories. Even current stars in wrestling like Karrion Kross have shared some personal memories of interacting with Sullivan and the legacy he left on wrestling.
WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Triple H, also shared his thoughts on the legacy in wrestling that Sullivan left behind. He had this to say on what he meant to wrestling.
“Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unique minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and developing some of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring. He had an unwavering passion for what we do. My thoughts are with his family, friends & fans.” Kevin Sullivan may not be a household name, but his fingerprints on wrestling are all over. The Wyatt Sicks or the House of Black may not be a thing without Sullivan and his darker characters.
We here at The Illuminerdi share our deepest condolences to Kevin Sullivan’s friends and family. Please share some of your favorite moments of Sullivan’s long career and what impact you can see today over on our social media.
