29 Wrestlers Who Died In 2019

4. Eddie Marlin (15 August)

Ashley Massaro
Post and Courier/Chris Sawyer

Eddie Marlin, one of the most popular babyfaces in Tennessee wrestling history, passed away on 15 August whilst in hospice care. He had turned 89 a week earlier.

Marlin, born in Nashville, TN, made his start in the business in 1949 at the age of just 19. After meeting some pros at the local YMCA, Marlin was recommended to Alabama promoter Nick Gulas following a no-show. From that point, the lifelong wrestling fan didn't look back.

In the ring, Marlin's greatest success came in tag teams alongside Tommy Gilbert, Robert Gibson and Tojo Yamamoto, though his most memorable turn came as the face of son-in-law Jerry Jarrett's Continental Wrestling Association. Occasionally, he'd step back into the tights, most notably for a feud with his former partner Gibson. He even teamed with grandson Jeff Jarrett for a match at the Memphis Showgrounds in 1986.

When the CWA merged with the Von Erichs' WCCW to become the USWA, Marlin remained on board, and even worked a few matches at the Dallas Sportatorium.

His final bout came in 1993, in an unlikely team alongside 'Miss Texas' Jacqueline Moore against Bert Prentice & Leslie Belanger.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.