Curt Hennig was found dead today in a hotel room in Florida. He was only 44 years old, and was last seen in good spirits mere hours before his death. At this particular time, no other information is available, but I recommend WrestleZone for updates. For just a moment, I’d like to reflect on Curt and what he has meant to this sport.

Curt Hennig wrestled only under two monikers in his professional career, his own name and that of Mr. Perfect. His entrance was memorable, if only for his spitting and swatting of the gum he chewed on his way to the ring. In true “Perfect” fashion, I never recall seeing him miss.

Curt’s most well known feuds were arguably with Bret Hart, and their styles worked together in a way to tell a story in the ring like few others could even dream of. His amateur background ensured that if any athletic feat was necessary, Curt could be counted on to deliver with perfect timing and accuracy, whether it was against other top-notch pros like Hart, or carrying crossover stars such as his match with Dennis Rodman.

Allies at times in his career have ranged from Scott Hall and Verne Gagne to the members of the “West Texas Rednecks,” with Bobby Duncum, Jr., and Barry and Kendall Windham. He was also a member of the Four Horsemen starting in late 1997.

Even though he started his pro career with the WWF in 1981, he moved from the jobber position to higher-card stints in the Pacific Coast Federation and the AWA, holding singles and tag titles in both promotions before coming back to the WWF in 1988 as Mr. Perfect. In this stint, Hennig held the Intercontinental title multiple times. Later, he went to WCW, then came back to the WWF for a final run.

Unfortunately, Hennig had a part in “Plane Ride from Hell” incident, widely known to the internet fans as one of the biggest behind the scenes disasters to date. Days later, Hennig was released and continued to wrestle in smaller promotions and on the indy circuit. Despite his years in the business and some career-threatening injuries (including a major back injury about a decade ago), Mr. Perfect/Curt Hennig always entertained, and never ceased to put on high-caliber old-school matches highly revered by the long time fans of the sport.

We always hate to say good-bye to a superstar, and the pain of someone passing on at such a young age affects us all. Curt was truly a legend, and heartfelt condolences go out to his surviving family. We will never forget the sacrifices Curt made for the sport, and we will continue to praise the modern Curt Hennigs, such as Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and Chris Benoit, who possess an athletic ability above and beyond the typical professional wrestler. We will miss you, Curt, but we will not forget you.

Nobody's Perfect, but some are very good.

Credits:
Alan Edwards. alanpugh@sbcglobal.net to get in touch. As always, keep your shoulders off the mat, and keep reaching for the ropes…transmission complete…

*static*