The professional wrestling world lost another member over this past weekend, as former WWE (then WWF) superstar "Iron" Mike Sharpe passed away. He was 64 years old. WWE.com confirmed the news Monday. Sharpe, whose father and uncle wrestled professionally as a tag team in the 50s, began training at the age of 25, under Dewey Robertson, and made his debut back in 1973. The Hamilton, Ontario native would wrestle for numerous Canadian promotions including Gene Kiniski's NWA All-Star Wrestling, and also appeared in Mid-South wrestling, winning a couple of belts after moving to Louisiana. He signed with the then-WWF in 1983, calling himself "Canada's Greatest Athlete" and wearing a trademark black arm brace supposedly covering up an injury that just never seemed to heal - and which doubled as a hiding spot for foreign objects he could then sneak into matches. Sharpe actually fought for the World Wrestling Federation championship against Bob Backlund just months after his promotional debut, in April 1983 in Philadelphia. After losing the title shot, he became an enhancement talent, but a reliable one known for putting opponents over. In fact, Sharpe's career in this capacity lasted all the way until 1995 - over a decade in the promotion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PVOsmGnD1o Notable bouts included being Ivan Putski's opponent in Putski's 1987 comeback match at Madison Square Garden, and making it to the second round of the 1988 King of the Ring tournament. He also tagged with Hulk Hogan in NJPW in 1984. After his in-ring career wound down, Sharpe opened a wrestling school in New Jersey, where he trained, among others, Charlie Haas and Mike Bucci (aka Simon Dean). Sharpe's cause of death is unknown at this time. It was reported that he was found dead in his home in Hamilton, ON. Sharpe had been forced to use a wheelchair in recent years due to back problems. Our condolences go out to the Sharpe family, his loved ones and friends.
Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.
