WWE Legend Butch Reed Passes Away at 66

The wrestling world has lost another legend, as Butch Reed passed away on February 5th 2021. Reed was one of the early icons who transitioned from a professional football career to a professional wrestling career. The legend even competed on the independent scene till his retirement in 2011. He died at 66 because of heart complications.

Former WWE superstar Butch Reed has died

Reed played football for the Kansas City Chiefs and began his wrestling training in 1978. He made a name for himself in the NWA and Mid-South Wrestling before attracting the eyes of WWE.

During his time in Mid-South, he faced a plethora of WWE legends, like Ric Flair, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Jim Neidhart, and more.

Reed made his WWE debut at WrestleMania III, probably the best place for a Superstar to introduce himself. He defeated Koko B. Ware in a little under four minutes, but fans often forget their match because of the other legendary battles that took place that night.

Reed was at WrestleMania IV as well, facing Randy Savage in the WWE Championship tournament. He lost that match and parted ways with the company soon after. Reed then wrestled for NWA, who were about to be consolidated by WCW.

In 1989, he teamed up with the legendary Ron Simmons, another former football player, and called themselves Doom. A valet called Woman managed them, who is none other than Nancy Benoit, the wife of late WWE superstar Chris Benoit. He and Simmons beat the infamous Steiner Brothers for the NWA Tag Team Championships.

Reed would continue wrestling till 2011. He competed for independent wrestling promotions like USWA, WLW and many more.

Sister of Nancy Benoit pays tribute to the late great

On Twitter, Sandra Toffoloni paid tribute to Butch Reed after his tragic death. Sandra is the sister of Doom’s valet, Nancy Benoit. Nancy was an incredible manager/valet, and her ring name Woman made her a cult favourite amongst fans.

She managed Doom during their run as NWA Tag Team Championships before aligning herself with Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen. Her role in Doom’s success is disregarded unfairly, majorly because of the star power of Butch Reed and Ron Simmons.

Along with Sandra, WWE Superstars and legends also paid tribute to the legend. JBL talked about how Doom was one of his favourite teams.

Ric Flair remembered the times they shared in the ring at Mid-South Wrestling. Reed called himself the ‘Natural’ which was used by Dustin Rhodes as well. The AEW superstar also paid tribute to him.

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