Who is Kevin Sullivan? Know all about the WCW legend who passed away at 74

On August 9, 2024, the world of wrestling was met with the news of Kevin Sullivan's death. Earlier this year, Sullivan, who was 74 years old, was involved in a car accident that majorly impacted his health. After his death, WWE's official X (Twitter) handle sent their condolences to the legendary performer's friends and family.

Kevin Sullivan began his professional wrestling career in the early 1970s with the National Wrestling Alliance's Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling. Between 1982 and 1987, the veteran wrestled for Championship Wrestling from Florida, where he went up against names like Dusty Rhodes, Barry Windham, and Mike Graham.

One of Sullivan's biggest breaks came when he joined Jim Crockett Promotions in 1987. In his four-year stay at the promotion, which eventually became World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Kevin formed The Varsity Club with Mike Rotunda and Rick Steiner.

By 1989, the faction met its end, and The Taskmaster went on to form another faction called Sullivan's Slaughterhouse with Cactus Jack and Buzz Sawyer, who was later replaced by Bam Bam Bigelow. After his contract with the company expired in 1991, Sullivan wrestled in Japan and promotions like Smoky Mountain Wrestling and Eastern Championship Wrestling.

However, The Gamesmaster made his return to WCW in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, Sullivan formed iconic factions like The Three Faces of Fear and Dungeon of Doom. Throughout his wrestling career, he feuded with several iconic names like Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, to name a few.

Even after his retirement, Kevin Sullivan appeared at independent promotions, and his last appearance came at Ring of Honor in 2016-17. When it comes to the championship gold, the legendary performer had 34 title reigns across promotions. He was also the former WCW World Tag Team Champion and NWA United States Tag Team Champion. The veteran was inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2014.

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Ric Flair wrote a heartfelt message after Kevin Sullivan's death

In Kevin Sullivan's GoFundMe post, his family revealed that The Taskmaster had to get surgery after he met with an accident on May 16th. While the surgery saved Sullivan's leg, it left him fighting with complications like Sepsis and Encephalitis.

Earlier today, legendary wrestler Ric Flair took to his X (Twitter) account and wrote an emotional message. The Nature Boy praised Sullivan's wrestling career and his mind in general and also asked The Taskmaster to stay strong. However, Sullivan eventually passed away.

The 16-time World Champion expressed his heartfelt condolences on X (Twitter) following Sullivan's demise.

"I am so saddened to hear about Kevin Sullivan’s passing. Rest in Peace, Kevin! You were an all time great athlete and friend!'' he wrote.

Sullivan's death has brought a lot of sadness to the world of professional wrestling. However, his legacy will always stay alive, given the wonderful work he did inside the ring.

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Everyone at Sportskeeda sends their condolences to the Sullivan family.