Pro wrestling legend Sid Eudy, whose large stature and imposing personality catapulted him to the top of the industry in the 1990s, has died, the Crittenden County, Arkansas coroner said Monday. He was 63.
Eudy lived with his wife, Sabrina Estes Eudy, in the suburb of Marion, located 12 miles west of Memphis, Tennessee. His son Gunnar posted the news of his father's death on Facebook.
Gunnar Ud said his father died “after battling cancer for several years.”
According to his biography on IMDb, Eudy, also known as Sycho Sid and Sid Vicious, won the WWF Championship twice, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship twice.
He performed primarily in the 1990s, when pro wrestling was re-emerging among mainstream audiences, and he headlined several pay-per-view shows for the WWF and WCW, including WWF’s WrestleMania VIII and 13 in 1992 and 1997, respectively, and WCW’s Starrcade in 2000, as noted in the bio.
He was also physically imposing, standing 6 feet, 9 inches tall. Eudy's WWE bio (the WWF was renamed in 2002 after a challenge by the World Wildlife Fund) states that he was an extraordinary presence in a sport dominated by human spectacle.
The bio reads, “One of the most ruthless Superstars to terrorize WWE, the ruthless Sid brought an intensity that few could handle. Just ask the list of in-ring legends who have suffered his wrath – the hit list includes Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, Bret 'Hit Man' Hart and many more.”
He joined WCW in 1989 and by 1991 was making a name for himself and defeating foes in the WWE, the company said in its tribute article.
He won the WWE Championship in 1996 and 1997, and WWE said he became known as the “Master and Ruler of the World”.
Professional wrestler and Hall of Famer Booker T. Huffman said on Monday on X that UD played a key role in his career.
“Without Sid Vicious, I don't think my brother and I would have made it to WCW,” he said, referring to brother Lash, who was known in the ring as Stevie Ray. “His impact on this business was undeniable, and he paved the way for so many of us. My deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
The son Gunnar agreed that UD was not just the use of brute force.
“He was the epitome of strength, kindness and love, and his presence will be greatly missed,” she wrote on Facebook.
He is survived by Sabrina, Gunnar and another son, Frank.