British professional wrestling legend Drew McDonald has died at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer. The news of McDonald’s passing came through on February 9. You can watch him wrestling one of his final matches in August 2014 above.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He Once Feuded With Chris Benoit
In addition to being a legend in the world of British wrestling, McDonald wrestled in Stu Hart’s Stampede wrestling in Calgary for a time. There he went by the moniker of Ben Doon McDonald while he feuded with Chris Benoit. During WCW roadshows in the UK during the 1990s, McDonald was a feature. In one high-profile matchup, he was defeated by Buff Bagwell.
2. He Once Wrestled as Part of the F.A. Cup Final Coverage
Such was McDonald’s, and the rest of professional wrestling on ITV’s World of Sport, popularity in the 1980s in the UK, he was featured during the 1984 F.A. Cup Final. The soccer attraction, the most watched sporting event in the U.K., showed a match between McDonald and Giant Haystacks, as part of the coverage. You can watch the encounter above.
3. The Wrestling Community Had Rallied Around McDonald Since His Cancer Diagnosis
It was known since January 2015 that McDonald had been suffering from cancer. Several fundraising matches were organized to help him fight his illness. One such fundraiser was due to be held on February 13.
4. WWE Stars Have Tweeted Their Condolences
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Drew McDonald.Drew was a great unselfish Pro.A wonderful rogue (cont) http://t.co/n2VKRUfTcI
Several WWE stars past and present have been tweeting their condolences to McDonald:
Just saw news of Drew MacDonald’s passing, a British and Europe wrestling legend-especially with the boys!! Great guy, good friend. RIP.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Drew McDonald, a legend in British wrestling. Only wrestled him once, but he was a true gent. Rest in peace.
RIP Drew McDonald. A true British Legend!
5. The WWE’s Paige Was Among His Students
He was a native of Perth, Scotland, but wrestled for most of his career in England. He later opened a wrestling school in the city of Leeds where former WWE champion Diva Paige learned her trade. He will be featured in a book about the history of professional wrestlers in Scotland. According to his Wrestling Data page, he was born Chalres Shaw but later changed his name to Drew McDonald. He was trained by Ian Law. His finishing move was the sit down jawbreaker that he christened the Celtic Crusher.
