10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (June 26)

7. Buddy Landel Passes Away

This past Monday, professional wrestling lost yet another brother, as 'Nature Boy' Buddy Landel passed on. Wrestling fans only really familiar with the WWF/WWE won't remember the man all that much, because he only had a few fleeting tenures in Vince McMahon's juggernaut promotion, most notably facing Bret Hart for the WWF Heavyweight Title on an episode of WWF Superstars in January, 1996. Aside from that, Landel only made one Pay-Per-View appearance in the WWF, losing in short order to Ahmed Johnson at In Your House 5: Season's Beatings in December, 1995. There were rumours at the time of the man receiving a push, but a lot of fans found it hard to really get invested in his character, due to the overwhelming similarities between Landel and the man many considered the real 'Nature Boy', Ric Flair. Last Sunday, Buddy was involved in a car crash, and was quickly taken to hospital. Returning home to his house in Virginia, Landel was found dead by his wife the next day. WWE have posted a short message on their official website, sending their condolences to the man's family, and recognising his achievements as a multi-time champion on the independent scene.