Former WWE Star Ron Bass Passes Away
He was 68 years old.
Former WWE wrestler "Outlaw" Ron Bass has passed away at the age of 68.
A major player in the Florida territory throughout the '70s and '80s, Bass joined WWE in 1987 and stayed with the company for two years, though he mostly worked as a midcarder.
His biggest success came on the territorial scene. In Florida, he was initially introduced as Dusty Rhodes' childhood best friend before eventually turning on him, resulting in a long-term feud with Rhodes and Barry Windham. Additionally, Bass held dozens of regional championships throughout his career, and even became NWA International Tag Team Champion with Stan Hansen in 1983.
Bass' WWE run was less decorated, though he was able to rub shoulders with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Brutus Beefcake, and Junkyard Dog. He competed in the first ever Royal Rumble in 1988, but eventually retired from the business in 1991, after which he worked in the construction industry.
Bass suffered a burst appendix over a week ago, but didn't realise the severity of the situation. He waited several days to get himself checked out and unfortunately, as a direct result of waiting so long, his body was overcome by the poisoning and he passed away.
WWE have issued the following statement on his passing:-
WWE is saddened to learn that Ronald Heard, known to sports-entertainment fans as “Outlaw” Ron Bass, has passed away at the age of 68. Debuting in 1975, the tough Texan performed in several NWA territories, including Jim Crockett Promotions and Florida Championship Wrestling.It was in 1987 that Bass rose to national fame in WWE. With his ruthless attitude and dreaded bullwhip, Bass battled against classic fan favorites like Junkyard Dog and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake. He even claimed a pinfall victory over a young Shawn Michaels in the 1988 King of the Ring tournament.Following his retirement from the ring in 1991, Bass earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University and became a successful construction equipment salesman.WWE extends its condolences to Heard’s family, friends and fans.
A few video highlights from Bass' career can be found below:-