Kevin Sullivan Passes Away

Kevin Sullivan has passed away at the age of 74. 

Florida wrestling historian Barry Rose confirmed Sullivan's passing, writing: "With the heaviest of hearts, we are devastated to have to report the passing of the legendary Kevin Sullivan. May he RIP and his family, friends and fans find comfort in how much he was loved."

It was revealed earlier this year that Sullivan suffered a "devastating accident" and he underwent life-saving emergency surgery. Sullivan suffered from post-surgery complications, however, including sepsis and encephalitis and he was still in hospital as of July. 

Ric Flair sent a message of support to Sullivan only last night, tweeting: "Kevin Sullivan Has Been One Of My Closest Friends In The Business. His Knowledge Of All Sports, Not Just Wrestling, Is Unparalleled. He Is One Of The Most Brilliant Minds In The History Of Our Business. Kevin Led WCW To A Year And A Half Victory Over WWE, And Dealt With So Many Personalities Like Hall, Nash, The NWO, Eric Bischoff, The Nature Boy Ric Flair, And Hulk Hogan! Stay Strong Kevin!!!! We Need You!"

Born on October 26, 1949, Kevin Sullivan began his pro wrestling career in the early 1970s, working in various territories across the United States. He rose to prominence in Championship Wrestling from Florida under his Prince of Darkness gimmick, inspired by the Satanic Panic. He primarily served as a heel in the territories portraying occult characters. 

Kevin Sullivan returned to World Championship Wrestling in 1994 and spent the mid-1990s feuding with Hulk Hogan, first with the Three Faces of Fear and then the Dungeon of Doom where Sullivan portrayed The Taskmaster. Sullivan later effectively booked his own divorce from Nancy Toffoloni, later Nancy Benoit, as he booked Nancy to manage Chris Benoit as part of his feud with Sullivan. This led to a retirement match at Bash at the Beach 1997, which Sullivan lost. Sullivan's retirement didn't last, though, and he had 82 matches until his final in-ring outing in 2019

Sullivan then focused on his job as booker of WCW and he had several stints as head booker of the Turner-owned promotion. Sullivan exited WCW in 2001 and he remained influential on the independent wrestling scene, including a brief run in Ring of Honor from 2016 to 2017. 

Sullivan's second marriage to Linda Taylor, a former bodybuilder, resulted in two daughters, and the married couple ran a gym in Florida for a time. 

Cultaholic extends its condolences to Kevin Sullivan's family and friends.