Wrestling Legend Kamala Passes Away At 70

Rest in peace to the Ugandan Giant.

Kamala WWE
WWE

Former WWE wrestler James 'Kamala' Harris has passed away at 70 years old.

Jerry Lawler broke the news a few short hours ago. ESPN's Jason King has since come through with new details, stating that Kamala's wife had told him Harris had tested positive for the illness currently ravaging the planet last Wednesday, potentially from one of his regular visits to a dialysis clinic. He was hospitalised later that day but "seemed fine and in good spirits" until yesterday morning, though he entered cardiac arrest and died in the afternoon.

Harris is best known for his work in the WWE, where he wrestled in the '80s and '90s. He had several stints with the world's biggest promotion, including several runs opposite Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship, and also worked extensively in the old Memphis territory, playing his famous 'Ugandan Headhunter/Giant' gimmick.

Advertisement

One of wrestling's formative monster heels, Kamala's last true WWE stint ended in 1993, having feuded with The Undertaker during that run. He remained semi-active in the sport thereafter, appearing for WCW amongst other promotions, even working one last, memorable match against WWE's Umaga in 2006.

We at WhatCulture wish to express our deepest thoughts and condolences to Harris' family and friends at this difficult time.

Advertisement

Watch Next


Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.