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2020 has been a pretty bad year for almost everyone. The same has been the case in the world of professional wrestling as we lost several notable names and legends in the business this year. They may have left this world, but professional wrestling fans will always remember them for their contribution and dedication to the business.
In this article, let's take a look at 10 professional wrestling deaths that occurred in 2020. Be sure to comment down and let us know your favorite memories of these stars.
#10 La Parka II (January 11, 2020)
La Parka II (Real Name: Jesús Alfonso Huerta Escoboza) was best known for his work in Mexican professional wrestling promotion AAA, where he was one of the biggest stars. Unfortunately, in October 2019, he hit the steel barrier and concrete floor headfirst in a botched move during his match against Rush. He was immediately taken to the hospital after the accident and was paralyzed.
He did undergo surgeries but the injuries prove to be fatal, leading to his death on January 11, 2020. This once again was a reminder to all the professional wrestling fans just how much risk these stars take every time they step inside the ring. La Parka II was posthumously inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame soon after his death.
#9 Rocky Johnson (January 15, 2020)
WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, father of former WWE Superstar and legend The Rock, was one of the trailblazers who paved the way for men of color in the world of professional wrestling. He became the first black champion in WWE history in 1983 when he and Tony Atlas won the WWF Tag Team Championship.
After retiring from in-ring action in 1991, he trained his son Dwayne Johnson, who as we know went on to become one of the biggest stars for the company. In 2008, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his son. He died earlier this year on January 15, at the age of 75.
#8 Howard Finkel (April 16, 2020)
Regarded as one of the greatest in-ring announcers of all time in professional wrestling, Howard Finkel was one of the voices of WWE. His iconic voice and ring-announcement style are fondly remembered by professional wrestling fans even to this day. Working with the company since 1975, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Howard Finkel was one of the longest-serving employees of the company and worked in backstage roles during the final year of his life. He died on April 16, 2020, after suffering a stroke in 2019. Recently, at WWE Backlash 2020, the company played a recording of Howard Finkel introducing both Randy Orton and Edge during the 'Greatest Wrestling Match Ever'.
#7 Shad Gaspard (May 17, 2020)
One of the most shocking professional wrestling deaths of this year was that of former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard. Best known for his time in WWE alongside JTG as Cryme Tyme, Shad Gaspard was on Venice Beach with his son on May 17, 2020, when a strong rip current caught them. When the lifeguards came, he instructed them to save his son first. While they were successful in doing so, Gaspard got pulled by the current and was missing for days.
It was on May 20th when his body was found washed ashore and was identified. The incident shook the professional wrestling world to its core but everyone stood up to salute how he died a hero, saving his son.
#6 Hana Kimura (May 23, 2020)
One of the most disheartening deaths in the world of professional wrestling, Hana Kimura passed away at the age of just 22 on May 23, 2020. It is suspected that she committed suicide after getting some hated criticism online. On the morning of her death, she posted self-harm images on her social media handle, leaving everyone concerned.
A rising star of professional wrestling promotion Stardom, Hana Kimura's death shook everyone to the core. Several professional wrestling promotions including NJPW and AEW paid respects to her and several wrestlers criticized fans for posting hate comments to wrestlers, which ultimately resulted in the demise of a young star.
#5 Kamala (August 9, 2020)
Kamala (Real Name: James Arthur Harris) was best known for his time in WWE as The Ugandan Giant, coming to the ring in war paint and an African mask with a spear. He was part of the first-ever casket match at Survivor Series 1992 where he took on The Undertaker. He also won multiple championships in several professional wrestling promotions.
Kamala tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized. His diabetes further complicated his situation. On August 9, 2020, he passed away after a cardiac arrest at the age of 70. WWE and several wrestlers paid tribute to Kamala after his demise.
#4 Bob Armstrong (August 27, 2020)
Father of WWE Producers Scott Armstrong and Road Dogg, Bob Armstrong (Real Name: Joseph Melton James) had a highly successful career in professional wrestling, winning several titles in different promotions. Starting his professional wrestling career in 1960, Bob Armstrong's last wrestled in May 2019 for Continental Championship Wrestling.
Bob Armstrong was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2011. On August 27, 2020, he passed away at the age of 80 due to bone cancer. The entire professional wrestling fraternity paid their tributes to the legend.
#3 Road Warrior Animal (September 22, 2020)
One half of the legendary tag team The Road Warriors/The Legion of Doom, Road Warrior Animal (Real Name: Joseph Michael Laurinaitis) was one of the most popular tag team stars in the world of professional wrestling. A former three-time Tag Team Champion in WWE, Animal was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 alongside his tag team partner Hawk and their manager Paul Ellering.
He passed away on September 22, 2020, at the age of 60 due to natural causes. His sudden demise came as a massive shock to the professional wrestling world as well as to everyone here at Sportskeeda as he was working as a co-host of Sportskeeda's Monday Night RAW review show, Legion of RAW, alongside Dr. Chris Featherstone.
#2 Tracy Smothers (October 28, 2020)
Professional wrestling legend Tracy Smothers (Real Name: Tracy Stanton Smothers) wrestled for several top professional wrestling promotions including WCW, WWF, and ECW. While he didn't have a great time in WWE, Tracy Smothers has a long list of championship victories across several wrestling promotions.
Smothers passed away on October 28, 2020, at the age of 58 after being diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019. Fans and wrestlers came together and paid respects to him on social media.
#1 Pat Patterson (December 2, 2020)
WWE Hall of Famer and legend Pat Patterson's impact on the company as well as the world of professional wrestling has been second to none. The creator of the concept of Royal Rumble and the first Intercontinental Champion, Pat Patterson was one of the biggest pillars for WWE even during his final years.
The first openly gay professional wrestling superstar, Pat Patterson was considered to be Vince McMahon's right-hand man. He passed away earlier this month on December 2, 2020, at the age of 79, leaving a massive void in the world of professional wrestling. Several current WWE Superstars paid respects to him, revealing the impact he had on their career.
