Today is another dark day for wrestling fans all around the world. Just over a month after The Iron Sheik’s tragic demise, another revered wrestling legend passed away on July 24th. Known in wrestling circles as the ‘Sadist in Sequins’, the 82-year-old earned quite the reputation for dishing out brutally beautiful violence. His wife Linda, a fellow wrestler, confirmed to the BBC that Street died because of sepsis. He was recovering from a stroke-related bleed in the brain that happened earlier this month.
The man who once made sure that renowned British broadcaster Jimmy Savile never stepped foot in the ring again after his one and only bout breathed his last breath at The Grange University Hospital in Wales, as confirmed by his family. The kid from Wales had a different destiny outlined for him – to become a coal miner just like his dad. However, he embarked on a unique journey that started with bodybuilding, followed by the dislocation of his first opponent’s shoulders, and a beat down on Savile that was described as a “hungry fox going after a chicken”.
Adrian Street leaves for his heavenly abode after leaving behind a distinguished career and fruitful personal life
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Despite playing a heel on-screen, fans loved Adrian Street for his larger-than-life presence. Upon learning the prospect of following in his father’s footsteps, he left home to pursue his passion. He left home at 16 years of age despite warnings from his father, who he did not share a good relationship with. Determined to make a name for himself and prove his father wrong, he looked to establish himself in the pro wrestling business. His first professional wrestling match took place in 1957. His misconception about the fundamentals of the business led to him dislocating his opponent’s shoulder. Realizing his shortcomings, he took a good, long look in the mirror to make room for improvement. And since that moment, there was no looking back for him.
While honing his skills, Street soon realized the banality of the black-and-white nature of the pro wrestling landscape in British wrestling. He understood that he had to weave a new fabric in a world where everyone was cut from the same cloth. Street started dying his hair and wore exuberant clothing to create a flamboyant persona. He evoked a negative reaction from the masses, but a reaction nonetheless.
Slowly but surely, his traits combined with his in-ring skills earned him a place in the hearts of fans after he showcased his range. After that, not only did Adrian Street wrestle in several countries and win NWA championships, but he also gained the love of fans on a worldwide scale. From his outlandish costumes to kissing his opponents during matches, he always kept fans entertained.
He went on to prove his detractors and, more importantly, his father wrong. From working with Randy Savage to gaining acceptance in the proverbial wrestling hall of fame, everything was going well until 2001 when Street encountered cancer. Although it seemed like the end of his career, he hung on and survived it. This shows just how mentally strong Adrian Street was – a true fighter. He ultimately retired in 2014 after giving us several memorable moments over a career that spanned nearly 60 years.
Today, Street has left us forever. His tragic demise sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Several current and retired wrestling stars took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary wrestler.
“A genre-bending pioneer” Triple H, Drew McIntyre, and several other stars mourn Street’s painful demise
Moments after Adrian Street’s death, Triple H took to social media and sent his thoughts and prayers to Street’s family. The WWE legend praised the Welshman for changing the wrestling world forever.
A genre-bending pioneer whose larger-than-life presence and ruthlessness between the ropes changed the wrestling world forever. Honored to have called Adrian Street a friend.
My thoughts are with Miss Linda and the family, friends and fans of Adrian Street. pic.twitter.com/fQrbWPem8p
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 31, 2023
Following in Triple H’s footsteps, Drew McIntyre and William Regal also paid tribute to Adrian Street. They called him one of the toughest men they ever met and expressed their deep sadness at his passing away.
Adrian Street was before his time, a genuine trailblazer and one of the toughest men you could wish to meet. My thoughts go out to his wife Linda & the rest of his family and friends. RIP pic.twitter.com/6N3uLvgYYO
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) July 31, 2023
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and truly a one off talent Adrian Street. My deepest condolences to Linda and Adrian’s family. Rest well.x
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2023
Ex-WWE star and fellow Welshman, Flash Morgan Webster, also reacted to Street’s death. Webster recalled his special moment with Adrian Street when he became the first Welsh champ in WWE before Street’s eyes. Just like others, he also paid condolences to Adrian Street’s family.
So sad to hear about the passing of the great Adrian Street.
A true pioneer and a trailblazer. Was honoured for him to be front row when we became the First Welsh champs in WWE.
Condolences to Adrian’s wife Linda and his entire family.#RIPAdrianStreet ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Fxd09vm31P
— Flash Morgan Webster (@Flash_Morgan) July 31, 2023
Famous wrestling journalists Dave Meltzer, Nick Aldis, And WWE on TNT Sports also eulogized the wrestler after learning about his demise.
Adrian Street was a master entertainer. Very sorry to hear of his passing.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) July 31, 2023
RIP
Exotic Adrian Street.A truly remarkable man. What a life. pic.twitter.com/2TI00hVSJv
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) July 31, 2023
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"It's too dark down there, I was born for the spotlight!"
Adrian Street was way before his time. Coming from a mining family he chose sequins and flamboyance as he became the man people loved to hate across the United Kingdom.
A pioneer. An icon. An incredibly tough man.
RIP pic.twitter.com/BFPmppvt8D
— WWE on TNT Sports (@wweontnt) July 31, 2023
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Apart from these superstars, several fans from all around the world joined in mourning the saddening demise of Adrian Street. He was a true icon and pioneer in pro wrestling. R.I.P. Adrian Street.
What did you make of the devastating news? Let us know in the comments section below.