Former WCW Personality Ralphus Has Passed Away

John Riker passed away sometime last year, Chris Jericho reveals.

by Andy H Murray
Ralphus Chris Jericho
WWE

John Riker, known to wrestling fans as WCW's Ralphus, has passed away.

Chris Jericho broke the news during the latest episode of his Saturday Night Special YouTube series. "I just found out he passed away like last year," the AEW wrestler said of his former sidekick. "God bless John Riker. That was his real name."

One of the hosts of the Wrestling Club with Darren and Brett is Ralphus' nephew and confirmed that Riker died in February or March of last year, saying that "his health really took a turn in the last couple of years." The cause of death has not been disclosed.

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Debuting in 1998, Ralphus worked a stint as "Jericho's Personal Security" in WCW, having previously served as a truck driver for the promotion. Jericho recruited Ralphus as his personal bodyguard but Riker was taken off television when 'Y2J' jumped ship to WWE in 2000. Later, Ralphus returned to join forces with Norman Smiley.

Used primarily as a comedy character through his run, Ralphus actually wrestled four matches for WCW, all of them for the Hardcore Championship in 2000. He was unsuccessful on every occasion, falling to the likes to Terry Funk.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.