Iconic WCW Booker, Massachusetts Native Dies At 74

The wrestling world was saddned Thursday when it learned that Kevin Sullivan died at 74 years old.

Sullivan was an influential wrestler and booker and grew to fame during his NWA career in the territroies. The Cambridge, Mass., native went by multiple names during over his four decades in the pro wrestling industry. He went by Johnny West and The Boston Battler early in his career and had iconic matches with the likes of Jerry "The King" Lawler" and made waves with his "Prince of Darkness" character at Championship Wrestling from Florida.

He also wrestled in Jim Crockett Promotions, Smoky Moutain Wrestling and Eastern Championship Wrestling before his second run in WCW where most fans might remember Sullivan as part of the "Three Faces of Fear" and "Dungeon of Doom" storylines with Hulk Hogan. Also during his second run with WCW in the 1990s, Sullivan had memorable feuds with Brian Pillman and Chris Benoit while also being one of the creative forces behind the scenes.

WWE and AEW were among pro wrestling promotions to send its condolences to Sullivan's family. WWE chief content officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque, talent Adam Pearce and retired wrestlers Diamand Dallas Page and Ric Flair sent tributes on social media to Sullivan.

Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unique minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and developing some of the most intriguing characters to step into the ring. He had an unwavering passion for what we do. My thoughts are with his family, friends & fans. https://t.co/uEz12aiKGQ

— Triple H (@TripleH) August 9, 2024

Godspeed, Kevin Sullivan. Whether in front of or behind the camera, your contributions to our industry are without question. Grateful for the times we shared, your advice, and kindness. Honored to have gone into the @nwa HOF together. Rest well, sir. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/OsoSmC1L4F

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— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) August 9, 2024

Just heard that Kevin “Sully” Sullivan has passed away. His passing really hurts my heart.

I recently was talking to Ric Flair who told me that Sully wasn't doing well and I should call him. I immediately called him, and I talked about it on an interview I did with @CodyRhodes.… pic.twitter.com/sdbVZNJHzX

— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) August 9, 2024

Sullivan was involved in a "devastating accident" that had a major impact on his health. He underwent sugery and sustained multiple complications, and the accident reportedly affected his ability to function independently.

"The Taskmaster" was a former WCW World Tag Team Champion, NWA United States Tag Team Champion and a member of the NWA Hall of Fame and New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.