Home Forums The Asylum Shoot The Breeze Wrestling Legend Dies at 74 After ‘Devastating Acc

Kevin Sullivan, the professional wrestling icon who was once one of Hulk Hogan’s biggest rivals, has died. He was 74.

The WWE confirmed Sullivan’s death on Friday, paying tribute to him as a “unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history” who “found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries.”
Slam Wrestling also reported The Taskmaster’s death, quoting Sullivan’s friend Barry Rose in announcing the news. The report did not list a cause, though noted his recent health battles.

Sullivan’s daughter, Nicole, set up a fundraiser earlier this year saying her father was “facing a critical medical emergency and financial crisis” after an unspecified incident. “On May 12th, 2024, while in Florida for autograph signings, Kevin suffered a devastating accident,” she wrote on a GoFundMe page. “He underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis.”

Sullivan began his amateur wrestling career in the 1970s, eventually making it to the WCW in the 1990s. He was a rival to the likes of Hogan, Dusty Rhodes, and The Road Warriors, and went on to work as a booker for the WCW in his retirement.

“I Am So Saddened To Hear About Kevin Sullivan’s Passing,” Ric Flair wrote in a post on X. “Rest In Peace Kevin! You Were An All Time Great Athlete & Friend!”

The WWE confirmed Sullivan’s death on Friday, paying tribute to him as a “unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history” who “found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries.”

Wow sorry to hear of this. RIP Bookerman.

I'm blown away to read the first lines of the story saying that Hulk Hogan's biggest rival was Kevin Sullivan. That is far from the truth. They had a brief feud in the mid 90's which was over his brother Dave dressing like Hogan.

If memory serves it was more of a trio's type set up. Savage, Sting and Hogan vs the two Sullivan's and Avalanche.

Nonetheless it's always tough to see one of the industries long standing members pass.

Anyone remember he was married to "Women", who ended up marrying Chris Benoit. No need to rehash that tragic story.

RIP to the Taskmaster!

I remember his "Prince of Darkness" days. RIP.

I don't remember him being a huge rival of Hogan either. My memory was him being a jobber in Mid Atlantic when he first started. Then he became this kind of out there mind control demonic character. The last time I saw him on TV was on a show called the Legend of Mick Dodge. Apparently he had moved out to the Hoh forest and was living a primitive life style. He was on one of the shows as a neighbor and friend of Mick who he just introduced as Kevin.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6ozule

He is on at about the 22 minute mark

Also at about the 5 minute Mark.

You are correct he was never truly over as a main event guy anywhere. He was around in the business over 20 years. He was in all kind of different territories.

The reference to a feud with Hogan which wasn’t a feud at all must’ve been used to elevate his status in the business. I’d love to know who wrote that piece posted because they are certainly off base with that.