The wrestling community mourns the loss of Kevin Sullivan, who passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 66. Despite his declining health over the past few months, his death still came as a shock to many within the industry.
Sullivan, known fondly as “Sully,” “Taskmaster,” “Boston Battler,” and “Prince of Darkness,” was a multifaceted figure in professional wrestling, known for his creative mind and significant contributions to the sport. Friends, colleagues, and fans flooded social media with tributes and memories celebrating his life and legacy.
Andrew Anderson, a dedicated student of Sullivan, expressed his grief with a broken heart emoji on Facebook. Anderson had asked Sullivan to introduce him when he received a Men’s Wrestling Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club, highlighting the strong bond they shared.
Gangrel, another wrestling veteran, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, reflecting on the lessons, laughter, and kindness Sullivan brought into his life, expressing deep gratitude for their friendship.
Triple H took to X to recognize Sullivan’s influence, calling him one of the most unique minds in wrestling history, known for pushing creative limits and developing iconic characters. He extended thoughts to Sullivan’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
Many others, including Jacqueline Moore and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, shared emotional responses to Sullivan’s passing, emphasizing his genius and kindness in the wrestling world. Roberts referred to Sullivan as an incredible person with a remarkable mind for the business.
Sal Corrente remembered moments in the ring with Sullivan and the great events they shared, while Billy Silverman shared condolences, recalling how Sullivan treated him well since their first meeting in 1985.
WWE also expressed sadness over Sullivan’s passing, conveying condolences to his family and fans. Numerous wrestlers and associates reminisced about Sullivan’s impact on their careers, such as Alex Pourteau and Neal Koloff, who spoke about the lessons and support they received from him.
Eric Bischoff and Steve Corino both noted how Sullivan’s mentorship transcended wrestling, with Corino regarding him as a second father figure. Les Thatcher and Rick Allen echoed similar sentiments of respect and admiration for Sullivan’s vast talents in wrestling as well as his personal warmth.
As fellow wrestlers and friends continue to mourn and honor Sullivan, his legacy as a brilliant mind and caring mentor remains firmly rooted in the hearts of many.