10 Wrestlers Who Died In 2016
7. Kris Travis
Britain’s Kris Travis was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2014. It was widely assumed that he’d never wrestle again, but the Sheffield native pulled off a minor miracle by returning to the ring for a series of matches in 2015. Tragically, it wasn’t to last: Travis’ horrible disease returned shortly afterwards, he announced his retirement, and succumbed to his illness in March at just 32 years old.
Travis was widely regarded as one of the UK's most promising wrestlers. His talents took him to a multitude of prominent promotions like PROGRESS, RevPro, and Preston City Wrestling, and he took part in TNA’s British Boot Camp series in 2014. Travis teamed with WCPW General Manager Martin Kirby as Project Ego from the late 2000s onwards, and the duo soon became one of the UK’s most successful tag teams, scoring gold in companies like IPW:UK.
One of Britain’s most popular wrestlers, Travis is sorely missed on the UK circuit. His final match (a win over Marty Scurll) came for PROGRESS in September 2015, and tributes poured in from around the globe upon his passing. WWE stars Finn Bálor and Kevin Owens offered their support, Will Ospreay dedicated his 2016 NJPW Best of the Super Juniors win to him, and at NXT TakeOver: Dallas, Bálor paid tribute by painting Travis’ trademark stars on one hand, and a black love heart on the other. A fitting set of tributes for a man who should still be playing a starring role on the British scene.