16 Wrestlers Who Died In 2017

In March, 'Outlaw' Ron Bass was rushed to hospital after his appendix burst. He died shortly after as a result of complications from surgery. He was 68.

Bass, born Ronald Heard, began his wrestling career in 1971, becoming a regular across the NWA as a face under the rather prosaic gimmick of 'Cowbow' Ron Bass, or the slightly more interesting, perfidious variation 'Outlaw' Ron Bass when playing heel. It was during his early career that he teamed with fellow 'Texans' Black Bart and Barry Windham, the latter pairing ending in bitter dispute over a saddle gifted to Bass - a present from Dusty Rhodes.

The 'Outlaw' made his WWE bow in 1987, occupying a comfortable role as a mid-card heel after initially sending challenges to prominent babyfaces Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake. He went on to compete in the company's first ever Royal Rumble match, and qualified for the 1988 King of the Ring tournament after a generation-spanning match with a young Shawn Michaels.

After losing his hair at the hands (or rather, clippers) of Brutus Beefcake, Bass rapidly dropped down WWE's totem poll. He frequently opened the house staring at the ceiling before his release in 1989, and continued to wrestle for another two years before retirement forced him to hang up his hat. Post-career, Bass worked in the construction industry, found God, and, oddly, appeared in a film alongside Brian Blair as 1920s football coach Joseph Arcarese. He died before it was released.