The WWE community is mourning the loss of one of its own. Darren Drozdov a former professional wrestler, passed away on June 30 from natural causes, the WWE confirmed in a statement posted on Friday. He was 54.
“An imposing force in the ring, Darren Drozdov became a notable figure in WWE,” the organization noted of his legacy in the ring. “Known to fans as both Puke and Droz during his time as an in-ring competitor. Drozdov captivated audiences in the late 1990s with his time spent in the Legion of Doom teaming with Animal and his Droz’s World vignettes.”
They added, “WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends, and fans.”
Darren began his career in the National Football League, playing defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos before a brief stint in the Canadian Football League. However, he transitioned to professional wrestling in the late ’90s before a tragic accident in the ring in 1999 rendered him a quadriplegic.
In a statement from Darren’s family shared by WWE, they wrote that despite his accident, “Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years.”
“His own words,” they continued, “sum up his relentless positivity amid adversity: ‘There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.'”
Darren’s loved ones also took a moment to thank the fans that stood by him in the years following his accident, adding, “He loved every one of you and cherished the conversations, notes, and letters he received. His faith in humanity never faltered, so know that for all the love you’ve shown him, he loved you back.”
They also had special thanks for WWE, saying that the organization always made sure Darren had the proper care and treatment following his accident.
“He was a devoted son, brother, and friend who had always put others first, especially his family,” the family’s statement continued. “He was kind, generous, and was always there for his people. He would not want anyone to be sad at this moment and would want this to be a celebration of his life, to be remembered for all the great things that he accomplished, the fun, the laughter, and the great memories he shared with everyone.”
Following the news of Darren’s death, Dwayne Johnson who came up through the WWE in the mid-‘90s, took a moment to express his condolences and share memories about his late colleague.
“Man, I’m so sorry to hear one of our ring brothers has passed away. Darren Drozdov aka Droz,” the Black Adam star tweeted on June 30. “We wrestled on a lot of cards together. Such an awesome dude. Great personality and great wrestling talent. We always talked about football and fishing. Sending love, strength, mana, and light to his family. RIP brother.”
In other news – Siba hosts US actor Anthony Anderson at her restaurant – Photos
Siba Mtongana is beaming with pride after hosting US actor Anthony Anderson at her restaurant. The actor, who recently traveled to Cape Town to celebrate Juneteenth (a federal holiday in the US commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans) in a “special way,” dined at SIBA — The Restaurant on Thursday evening and met the celebrity chef.
Siba took to her timeline, sharing a picture of herself with Anthony, with the caption: “I’m just a kid from Compton’ … ‘I’m just a kid from Mdantsane’.” Read More
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