10 Wrestlers Who Died In 2016
8. The Mongolian Stomper
Bret Hart once referred to The Mongolian Stomper, Archie Gouldie, as “the best wrestler to ever come out of Canada” on an episode of Legends of Wrestling. This might seem like a stretch given the volume of talent to come out of that country over the years, but his accomplishments stack up with anybody.
Gouldie’s athletic background came through football, and he amassed an impressive championship resumé throughout Canada, America, and Puerto Rico. Primarily working for the NWA and Stampede, Stomper worked as a heel and developed a reputation as a legitimate tough guy. He was no one-dimensional brawler, however, and Stomper was a surprisingly diverse athlete whose style meshed well with everyone he faced.
The Mongolian Stomper’s hard-hitting style and imposing size made him a huge draw in America, and while he rarely spoke, he was often accompanied by legendary managers like JJ Dillon and Gary Hart. He drew numerous sellout crowds during his time in Memphis, and is still regarded as one of the territory’s most successful wrestlers alongside Jerry Lawler and Jackie Fargo.
Gouldie passed away after undergoing hip surgery in January, and his last big run came for Jim Cornette’s Smokey Mountain Wrestling in the 1990s.