Original Demolition Smash Randy 'Moondog Rex' Colley Has Died

Former WWE and WCW star was 69.

Article lead image
WWE

Randy Colley, best known as Moondog Rex and the original Smash in WWE tag team Demolition, has died.

Memphis Wrestling posted to Twitter last night, confirming Colley's passing:

No cause of death is known at present. Colley was 69 years old at the time of his death.

Advertisement

Born 2 May 1950 in Alexander City, Alabama, Colley got his WWE break at the age of 31, winning the company's tag team championships in 1981 as part of the Moondogs alongside Moondog King. Three years on, he earned a WWE Title shot against Hulk Hogan during a television taping in Canada.

Looking to capitalise on the success of the Road Warriors, WWE introduced a new tag team known as Demolition in 1987. Colley underwent a significant cosmetic makeover as he was repackaged as the team's bruiser Smash, but fans saw through the facepaint almost immediately, and began chanting 'Moondog' at early house shows appearances. He was quickly replaced in the tandem by Barry Darsow.

Advertisement

After leaving WWE, Colley enjoyed a spell in Continental Wrestling under the name 'Detroit Demolition', before assuming his old Moondog moniker in WCW. Amongst his highlights were a Halloween Havoc '90 match against The Junkyard Dog, and being part of a stable of inept cowboys known as 'The Desperados'.

WhatCulture.com sends our deepest condolences to Colley's family and friends.

Advertisement
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.