Steve 'Mongo' McMichael Passes Away

Former American football standout and World Championship Wrestling star Steve McMichael has passed away at the age of 67.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Mongo’ (after a character in the film Blazing Saddles), McMichael had battled ALS for the past four years.

A star defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, he was part of the team that won the 1985 Super Bowl. He retired from the game in 1994 and, in 2024, McMichael was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While wrestling fans know him best for his four-year stint with WCW, he first showed up in WWE, as a member of fellow football player Lawrence Taylor’s entourage during Taylor’s feud (and subsequent WrestleMania XI main event) with Bam Bam Bigelow.

Later that year, Mongo joined WCW, debuting on the debut edition of Nitro as a colour commentator. Eventually, McMichael entered the ring and soon joined the Four Horsemen. As a Horseman, McMichael had one run as WCW United States Champion.

Though his in-ring skills were generally considered below par by most, the charismatic McMichael was well-liked in the locker room and became close friends with several members of the WCW roster. These included fellow Horsemen member Ric Flair, who commented on McMichael’s passing via social media, writing:

“The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A Battle! Rest In Peace My Friend!”

Cultaholic would like to extend its condolences to the family, friends and fans of Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael.