Kevin Sullivan, Wrestling Visionary Known as ‘Taskmaster,’ Dead at 74
Wrestling legend Kevin Sullivan has died at the age of 74.
“A unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history, Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries,” reads a statement from the WWE. “As a villain, Sullivan was a major rival for the ring’s most legendary heroes, including Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan and The Road Warriors. He specialized in leading dangerous factions, which included his wicked Army of Darkness, collegiate bullies The Varsity Club, and the wild Dungeon of Doom, which introduced Big Show to the wrestling world. The onetime ‘Taskmaster’ also became a creative force behind the scenes for WCW.”
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Several big names in the wrestling organization have come forward with tributes to Sullivan, including Triple H, who celebrated his “unwavering passion” and will remember him as “one of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring.”
Diamond Dallas Page says the news of Sullivan’s passing hit him “really hard” as the veteran wrestler was a “huge part” of his life. “Yes, we had our ups and the downs, but like so many of our brothers over the years we really grew to love each other,” he wrote on X. “I’m so glad I got to talk to him before he left this planet.”
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Sullivan “suffered a devastating accident” while in Florida for autograph signings in May of this year, according to a GoFundMe organized by his daughter. Following the accident, Sullivan “underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis. This unforeseen catastrophe has placed an immense financial burden on his family, as Kevin has been in and out of consciousness in the ICU, far from home.”
His daughter continued providing updates throughout his recovery, noting on July 15 that Sullivan was “starting to regain a lot of physical strength … with the goal and ultimate hope that he regains his independence.”
Wrestling fans, how will you choose to remember Sullivan? Drop a comment with your favorite Taskmaster moments below.
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