 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
PERFECT McPinions
There will be another McPinions later this week with the indy rankings. Right now, I can’t compile them. Please read this and I hope you will realize how great Curt Hennig was.
I am writing this on Monday February 10th, 2003 at 5:43 PM. I have just found out that one of my favorite wrestlers growing up, Mr. Perfect, Curt Hennig has been found dead in a motel room in Tampa, FL.
Before I continue with the story and my feelings about it, I have to
wonder why the wrestling gods do this. There is no other sport or any
other field, whether it be acting or music that has its stars die, seemingly
by the handful. From Texas Tornado, Owen Hart, Yokozuna, British Bulldog,
Brian Pillman and the myriads of others, it is sad that these fine men
have been taken from us. It hurts.
Here is the story that we know so far:
Credit:1wrestling.com
Curt Hennig, who was in his prime one of the most talented wrestlers of the modern era, died earlier today in Tampa. He was 44.
Hennig was in town for a show being promoted by Jimmy Hart at the Tampa State Fairgrounds tonight. He was seen alive at 9:30 a.m. by Mickey Jay in his room, but a few hours later when he failed to show up at the gym, a workout partner went back to the room and he was found passed out at about 1 p.m. He was officially pronounced dead a short time later.
UPDATE from the Torch
Curt Hennig travelled to Florida on Sunday with referee Mickey Jay. He did publicity interviews for a Tampa State Fair Grounds event on Sunday. This morning around 9:30 a.m. Jay checked in with him and they arranged a 1 p.m. lunch. When Hennig didn't make the scheduled lunch, they checked on him in his hotel room and found him dead.
Police and local media are the hotel and a number of people are being interviewed, although apparently no foul play is suspected at this time.
Hennig was scheduled to wrestle Ian Harrison & Jimmy Hart tonight in a two-on-one match.
Hennig, known as "Mr. Perfect," was a top-level wrestlers much of the past 20 years in pro wrestling, including main eventing in the AWA in the late '80s. He was never the centerpiece of either the WWF or WCW, but often worked main events.
His father, Larry "The Axe" Hennig, is still alive and lives in Minnesota. Curt grew up in Robinsdale, Minn.
Personally, Hennig was one of my faves growing up. I remember watching WrestleMania V in awe in his match with the Blue Blazer. I remember it being my favorite match on the show, and everyone else wondering why. I think that’s when I realized I was a wrestling work-rate fan. Hennig was a classic heel. His feuds with The Texas Tornado and Hulk Hogan really let him shine at his best.
The match of the year in 1991, in my opinion, was the match I attended at MSG. It was SUMMERSLAM 1991, and it was Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect. Mr. Perfect did the job that night, and put Bret Hart over as a legit singles wrestler. I remember that being the best match on the card, and everyone agreed that night.
Here is a quick title history of Mr. Perfect that I can remember.
Titles Held:
Pacific Coast Title
AWA Tag Title(With Scott Hall)
AWA Title
WWF IC Title
WCW Tag Team Title (with Barry Windham)
WCW US Title
Here are some Mr. Perfect highlights that I have complied:
Curt Henning: Career Highlights
After completing his training, Hang competed primarily in Wisconsin, Colorado, and Canada.
- In 1981, Henning had a short stint with the WWF as a jobber. His next stop was the NWA-Pacific Coast Federation.
- On May 10, 1983, Hennig defeated Sheik Abdullah Ali Hassen for the Pacific Coast title in Portland, OR.
- Hennig captured the Pacific Cost Tag Team titles with Buddy Rose on November 5, 1983, from Rip Oliver and The Assassin.
- On December 23, 1983, Henning and Pat (Scott) McGhee defeated the Dynamite Kid and The Assassin for the Pacific Coast Tag Team title in Eugene, OR.
- In 1984, Hennig joined the AWA. A year later, Hennig found himself the ideal tag team partner in "Big" Scott Hall.
- On September 28, 1985, Henning, Hall, and Greg Gagne defeated Ray Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel, and Larry Zbysko at Superclash in Chicago, IL.
- On January 18, 1986, Henning and Hall defeated Steve Regal and Jim Garvin for the AWA World Tag Team title in a 58 minute match in Albuquerque, NM.
- At WrestleRock '86, Henning and Hall beat Bill and Scott Irwin to retain the AWA World Tag Team title in Minneapolis, MN.
- On May 2, 1987, Henning defeated Bockwinkel for the AWA title in San Francisco, CA when Zbyszko handed him a roll of coins. The title was held up and upon review was awarded to Henning eleven days later.
- In 1988, Henning arrived in the WWF as Mr. Perfect.
- Mr. Perfect defeated the Blue Blazer (Owen Hart) at Wrestlemania V.
- Mr. Perfect won a tournament to capture the vacant Intercontinental title on April 23, 1990. Bobby The Brain Heenan interfered in the final match against Tito Santana on Henning's behalf, and became his perfect manager
- On November 19, 1990, Mr. Perfect captured his second Intercontinental title from Kerry Von Erich.
- In 1991, Henning served both as Ric Flair’s executive consultant and as a WWF commentator.
- On September 1, 1992, Mr. Perfect interfered in a WWF title match that assisted Ric Flair in winning the WWF title.
- A short time later, a feud between Mr. Perfect and Flair ensued which led to a January 1993 loser-leaves-federation match. Mr. Perfect was victorious, landing Flair back in WCW.
- Mr. Perfect pinned Lex Luger at Wrestlemania IX in Las Vegas, NV.
- In the summer of 1993, Henning seriously injured his back. He received
compensation from Lloyds of London. At the time, his future in the ring
was in jeopardy.
- On October 21, 1996, Henning double crossed Marc Mero and helped Hunter Hearst Helmsley to capture the Intercontinental title.
- Following a contract dispute with the WWF, Henning signed with World Championship Wrestling.
- Henning was Diamond Dallas Page's mystery partner at the 1997 Bash at the Beach, but turned against DDP during the match.
- On August 21, 1997, Henning and Flair defeated Syxx (X-Pac) and Konnan at Clash of the Champions XXXV.
- A few days later, Henning joined the Four Horsemen, accepting Arn Anderson's spot.
- At the 1997 War Games, Henning turned his back on the Horsemen and joined the New World Order.
- The next night, Henning defeated Steve Mongo McMichael for the United States title.
- Henning formed the West Texas Red Necks with Bobby Duncum Jr., Barry Windham, and Kendall Windham. The group recorded their own entrance theme, Rap Is Crap
- On February 21, 1999, Hennig and Barry Windham defeated Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko for the WCW World Tag Team title.
- Prior to the 1999 Great American Bash Hennig requested Master P.'s autograph, but threw the CD down to enrage his entourage.
- In the Summer of 2000, Hennig's WCW contract expired.
- On July 28, 2000, Hennig defeated Brutus Beefcake to become the first Superstars of Wrestling champion in Wollongong, Australia.
- In the Summer of 2001, Hennig was recognized as the first MEWF (Main Event Wrestling Federation) champion.
- Hennig returned to the WWF at the 2002 Royal Rumble as Mr. Perfect.
- In May 2002, WWE released Hennig from his contract.
- Late 2002, Mr. Perfect travels to NWA TNA for a series of matches.
I know the WWE will do the right thing tonight and have a 10 bell salute
for Mr. Perfect.
In closing, I want to send condolences to Curt Hennigs personal friends and family. This is tragic. I was a “perfect” mark and hopefully he’s teaming up with Rick Rude in heaven against Owen/Bulldog for the Heaven Tag Team Titles.
Send questions, comments, or Mr. Perfect stories to: themic@sscwwrestling.com
