When we were young, the WWE Superstars were equivalent to comic book characters. A large portion of the WWE fanbase involves kids, and there is a reason why the product is catered to the youngsters. When Hulk Hogan slammed Andre the Giant, he was, for the children around the world, the strongest man alive.
But as we grow older and wiser, we start seeing things for what they really are. Yes, the WWE Superstars possess superhuman strength, but at the same time, the reality dawns on us that they are mere mortals. We begin to take a peek behind the curtain - the facade that is the kayfabe aspect of the industry. While we’re still intrigued by the characters, we begin to appreciate them more, knowing that they, like us, are human beings.
This comes at a price; no longer can we believe that ‘dead men’ could walk amongst us. Similarly, our naivety is replaced by pragmatism. The WWE Superstars go through ups and downs and face their own battles and demons. Today, we take a look at five Superstars who are battling life-threatening illnesses.
#5 Kamala: Faced Undertaker at Survivor Series 1992
In 1984, the WWE audience first got the glimpse of the wild savage from Uganda. Kamala was an imposing figure, standing toe to toe with the biggest Superstar at the time, Andre the Giant. Kamala was involved in numerous legendary battles against the likes of Andre, Hogan and The Undertaker. However, when the cameras stopped rolling, James Harris, who played the character of Kamala, was known as a gentle giant.
Kamala dropped off the radar after 2008, until news emerged in 2011 that he was suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes. Kamala’s left leg had to be amputated due to complications stemming from those ailments, and the very next year, his right leg was amputated as well. Kamala continues to battle for his life and has been hospitalised multiple times since his amputation.
#4 “Superstar” Billy Graham
Armed with his unique persona, Adonisesque charm and ability to work the microphone, “Superstar” Billy Graham revolutionised the industry. A former WWE Champion (WWWF at the time), Graham was involved in notable feuds with the likes of Dusty Rhodes and Bob Backlund.
WWE and Billy Graham endured a tumultuous relationship, and the former WWWF Heavyweight Champion even levelled false accusations against the McMahons and the company. However, with Graham’s health deteriorating, the Superstar from yesteryear reached out to the McMahons and extended an olive branch. Graham, for years, has suffered from liver damage, undergoing a liver transplant in 2002.
However, in 2012, Graham was once again hospitalised and diagnosed with third stage liver disease and cirrhosis; he was given a few years to live.
Also read: 5 professional wrestlers with the best MMA records
#3 Rico Constantino
There was a time when WWE wasn’t afraid to push the envelope. Post-Attitude Era, the company was still trying to figure out the best way to move forward, and that was when they introduced the character of Rico Constantino - a gay stylist- who aligned himself with Billy and Chuck. Rico had a decent run on the main roster, with his most memorable victory coming against “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.
However, Rico was released from the promotion in 2004, and he started competing in Japan. He was largely away from the public eye, but in 2016, his friend and former WWE developmental manager Kenny Bolin provided an update on the unconventional Superstar. Kenny revealed that Rico was “very, very sick”, and was dealing with severe concussions, a collapsed lung and serious heart problems.
Kenny didn’t delve much into Rico’s health but said that Rico was in dire need of assistance.
#2 Bobby Heenan
To those of us who were fortunate to see the likes of Andre the Giant and Ricky Steamboat wrestle while growing up, the 80’s was arguably professional wrestling’s greatest period - its Golden Era. Just like Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler in the Atittude Era, Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan became the voices of WWE during the Golden Age of wrestling.
Bobby Heenan was given the nickname ‘Weasel’ for his underhanded tactics and penchant for backing the heels. Heenan would often back the bad guys, relying on snarky remarks and apologetic rhetoric. However, Heenan was also one of the most likeable characters and became a fan favourite for his humour and ability to improvise during bouts.
In 2002, it was reported that Heenan had throat cancer. Bobby confirmed the same and had to undergo numerous surgeries to rebuild his jaw. In 2013, it was further revealed that Bobby was undergoing treatment for tongue cancer. Heenan made a rare appearance in 2016, during the Icons of Wrestling & Comic Book Collectorfest, with Bobby’s frail frame a stark contrast to his physical appearance during the 80’s and 90’s.
#1 Big Van Vader
One could make a case for Vader being the best ‘big man’ in professional wrestling history. Vader was one of the very few super heavyweights that could execute a perfect moonsault. In his heydey, Vader was one of the biggest draws in the industry and sold out arenas in North America and Japan. In fact, Vader was a three-time WCW Heavyweight Champion, and when Vince McMahon brought him to WWE, he wanted to make him the company’s biggest heel.
Things didn’t work out as planned, mostly due to the backstage politics that created a negative environment in WWE in the mid 90’s, and Vader left the company in 1998. Vader continues to wrestle to this day, but back in November 2016, Vader informed the fans that he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and isn’t expected to live longer. Since then, Vader has said that he would be willing to leave his last breath in a wrestling ring, and would continue to wrestle till the end.
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