Larry 'The Axe' Hennig Passes Away Age 82
The father of Mr. Perfect, and the Grandfather of Curtis Axel...
One day after the passing of The Dynamite Kid, wrestling legend Larry 'The Axe' Hennig has sadly died following a long illness and kidney failure. The father of WWE legend Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, and Grandfather of Raw Superstar Curtis Axel was 82.
Debuting all the way back in 1956 after learning the ropes under Verne Gagne, Larry turned out for the AWA and NWA throughout the 1960s and 70s predominantly, but he also managed to wrestle into the 80s as well. The Axe would win five AWA Tag Team Championships during an illustrious career. He's also well-known for being one of the men to challenge Bruno Sammartino for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden.
A number of tributes have already been posted on social media, with Eric Bischoff tweeting: "My sincerest condolences to the Hennig family on the passing of Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig. Too many memories and thoughts to express here, but this one hits home. We spent a little time together this summer. I wish I would have spent more."
Larry's grandson Curtis Axel tweeted: "On behalf of the whole Hennig Family, thank you for your thoughts and prayers." Axel also left the following message:
"82 years old. 5 kids. 28 grandkids. No one has had a bigger impact on my career than my Papa Axe. He's been my biggest supporter since day one! Another father when I lost mine. We lost our King of the Jungle today... Never thought I'd see this day. But he's with my dad now so everything will be ok. Love you Papa Axe. The Hennigs have always held our heads up high! We will continue to do so... You rest assured, The Hennig name will love on FOREVER!!!"
Debuting all the way back in 1956 after learning the ropes under Verne Gagne, Larry turned out for the AWA and NWA throughout the 1960s and 70s predominantly, but he also managed to wrestle into the 80s as well. The Axe would win five AWA Tag Team Championships during an illustrious career. He's also well-known for being one of the men to challenge Bruno Sammartino for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden.
A number of tributes have already been posted on social media, with Eric Bischoff tweeting: "My sincerest condolences to the Hennig family on the passing of Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig. Too many memories and thoughts to express here, but this one hits home. We spent a little time together this summer. I wish I would have spent more."
Larry's grandson Curtis Axel tweeted: "On behalf of the whole Hennig Family, thank you for your thoughts and prayers." Axel also left the following message:
"82 years old. 5 kids. 28 grandkids. No one has had a bigger impact on my career than my Papa Axe. He's been my biggest supporter since day one! Another father when I lost mine. We lost our King of the Jungle today... Never thought I'd see this day. But he's with my dad now so everything will be ok. Love you Papa Axe. The Hennigs have always held our heads up high! We will continue to do so... You rest assured, The Hennig name will love on FOREVER!!!"
Written by Ross Tweddell
Written and video journalist for Cultaholic Wrestling | twitter: @rossonrasslin | instagram: @rossonrasslin
