Lou Thesz passed away at about 7:35 a.m. on 4/28, 19 days after undergoing open heart surgery in Orlando, FL, and four days after his 86th birthday. McDaniel was a two-way star for the Bulldogs and also participated in track and field and played baseball. Get the occasional email with the latest wrestling tributes and memorials, Search by ring name, real name, cause of death, organization, time period (2000s, etc) or specific year, WWE Hall of Famer Ravishing Rick Rude was an amazing individual in and out of the ring. But its ultimately his wrestling career that wrestling fans want to hear about and it is well covered in this book, including his long run in Jim Crocketts Mid-Atlantic Wrestling with all the in-depth stories from Greg Valentine breaking his leg, his feuds with Ric Flair, Sgt. Dykes went on to a successful career at Texas Tech where was the head coach from 1986-99. McDaniel's feuds over a 20 plus year career included Blackjack Mulligan, Ric This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 'another big tomahawk chop by McDaniel'.". > Movies & TV Wahoo is well documented as a superior athlete on the gridiron, be it offense, defense and kicking. That was bigger than most people in those days. This is a carousel with slides. He was on a waiting list to receive a kidney transplant at the time of his death. Slater, who struggled with addiction and was arrested for a violent. The 252-page book digs deep into the beginnings of Ed McDaniel, with help from his sisters and childhood friends. Home; Cards; PWI. He was 63. So from January to June, he wrestled six nights a week. Wahoo began splitting his time between football and wrestling, eventually transitioning to wrestling full time by the late 60s. That byplay was part of McDaniels fame with the Jets, even though he was with them only one more season. His financial model was the wrestler Bruno Sammartino, who earned $125,000 a year. Born Ed McDaniel, the legendary wrestler actually got his name from his father, who was an avid fisherman and was nicknamed "Big Wahoo," after the wahoo fish. [6][4] Though he was a problematic teenager, he was accepted to the University of Oklahoma by Bud Wilkinson. Search above to list available cemeteries. Mar 5: AEW Revolution There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. From the time McDaniel roamed the playing fields of Midland as a young teenager playing for a baseball team coached by George H.W. > Music to Sam Houston. Flair, Terry and Dory Funk, the Ivan and Nikita Koloff, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, McDaniel's exploits on the playing fields of Midland are sometimes overshadowed by his time playing college and professional football and as a popular professional wrestler. McDaniel graduated from MHS in 1956 and went to the University of Oklahoma, where he played both offense and defense during his three years, finishing up as a defensive player. McDaniel's daughter Nicky Rowe told the Associated Press that the family will The Internet Wrestling Database. The Jets paid McDaniel $15,000 a season. What are your memories of Dick Slater? Fans may be wondering just what the story is behind "Wahoo.". By then he had established a name in wrestling, bounding into the ring in his signature feathered headdress, toting a tomahawk and doing a caricatured version of a war dance. He was 63. His father worked in oil and he moved to several towns before settling down in Midland, Texas, while McDaniel was in middle school. Wahoo takes on Colone Debeers. Jul 1: Money in the Bank . Soon, the public-address announcer proclaimed, Tackle by . Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. I only saw McDaniel only a few times live, including at one of the first Dick Slater was also known for his brutality outside the ring. Family members linked to this person will appear here. > Sporting Connection Unfortunately for Slater, McDaniel's gun accidentally discharged, hitting Slater. Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. Dick Slater was also known for his brutality outside the ring. Most notably, Wahoo played for the Jets in the 60s. (Theres Linda Hogans book and one from Bruiser Brodys widow.). Slater would team with Cowboy Bob Orton to kayfabe break Slick Rics neck with a devastating spike piledriver, just one of many heinous acts on Slaters resume as a heel. Boris Malenko: To show more matches, change the "Results per Page" value above. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. A talented worker, he proved equally talented at brawling as well as technical wrestling. Failed to report flower. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. McDaniel became a popular figure on the wrestling circuit. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. on a waiting list to receive a kidney transplant at the time of his death. Lord Charles Montague (c) & The Great Malenko (c) 2 out of 3 falls Tag Match: NWA American Tag Team Titles (title change) To show more matches, change the "Results per Page" value above. He was Les Thatcher had told me after Wahoo told him he lost a lot of money playing Trevino, he asked Wahoo if Trevino would wrestle him for money; you can guess the answer. Greg "Count Grog" Mosorjak is a long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina. Region 18 Education Service Center hosted a free event to discuss the challenges of keeping our District 2-6A baseball coaches wont have to make serious strategical decisions at the Tournament Small Bites: Jimmy Ts Drive Thru remains community staple, Council calls for fast-tracking traffic light on Andrews Highway, Midland Crime Stoppers offering cash reward in 1995 cold case. If youre a wrestling fan, its all here the history and the stories, both inside and outside the ring. The new book about Wahoo McDaniel, appropriately titled Wahoo, is a rarity, as we get insight from the wife, in this case Karen McDaniel. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff), MISD Athletic Hall of Legends induction ceremony Friday at Grande Stadium. You will also hear about a man who had lots of demons and anger issues and what they did to his friends and family. Mid-Atlantic and Mid- South territories. May 6, 2002 Observer Newsletter: Deaths of Lou Thesz and Wahoo McDaniel. Chief with a fishing pole in his hand and talking with "the boys", Murdoch, Gene Denise covers the final edition of Dynamite before Sunday's pay-per-view event. White credits much of his success to the mentoring of former MHS coach Thurman "Tugboat" Jones, and said it was because of him that McDaniel became the athlete that he was. McDaniel's football teammates remembered him this past week. He's been in Pro Football for six years. Click here to submit your listings. Bush. Those stories, though, for his friends and family overshadowed what type of person he was when he was not on the football field or in the wrestling ring. Wahoo McDaniel: def. McDaniel was one of the most well known legitimate Native American wresters, as opposed to the many wrestlers of various ethnic ancestry that portrayed Native American characters. They were just two rough wrestlers who enjoyed beating the hell out of each other. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No spam. Date Of Death: Apr 18th 2002: Cause of Death: diabetes: Place of Death: Houston, Texas, United States : Ring Name(s): Wahoo McDaniel: WWWF matches wrestled by Wahoo McDaniel . Wahoo McDaniel, 63, a Wrestler and a Folk Hero for Fans of the Early Jets, https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/25/sports/wahoo-mcdaniel-63-a-wrestler-and-a-folk-hero-for-fans-of-the-early-jets.html. ACW Heavyweight Title Steel Cage: Bone Crusher (c) defeats Wahoo McDaniel. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. He wrestled for a number of years, continuing to wear the full Native American head dress. Bishop is now the vice president of Security for the Denver Broncos. The tag team match has been building for a few weeks. Edward McDaniel was born in Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938. Along with former NWA World Champions Bronko Nagurski, Wayne Munn, and others communicate in a match. He never set down real roots anywhere.". Fiercely proud of his Chickasaw Indian heritage, he always entered the ring with his trademark feather headdress. He still holds the university's record for the longest punt, 91 yards. Many wrestlers die long before they reach age 65, and more than a few never reach age 40 or 30. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Wahoo McDaniel (6522480)? There are no volunteers for this cemetery. Professional wrestling has always lived in its own world and Dick Slater worked at a time when public sensibilities were much different than now. It's great to be able to recognize how special he was.". Sorry! Vintage Wahoo McDaniel. However, Slaters wild ways continued long after he left the ring, with some surprised he made it to the age of 67. Oops, we were unable to send the email. And those in his family said he always talked glowingly about Midland. York Jets, and a college career with the University of Oklahoma during the late 1950s. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. McDaniel eventually settled in the Charlotte, N.C., area, where he raised his son, Zach, who was from his fourth marriage. McDaniel was born in Louisiana as the son of an oil patch welder and earned the nickname "Wahoo" because his father, Hugh, was "Big Wahoo." Day of death: 18.04.2002 (at the age of 63) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 5' 11" (180 cm) Weight: 251 lbs (114 kg) Background in sports: Football, Ringen, Baseball Career Data Alter egos: Wahoo McDaniel Roles: Singles Wrestler Tag Team Wrestler Booker Beginning of in-ring career: 1961 End of in-ring career: 1996 At this time, A.F.L. [4], McDaniel began his career as a professional football player in 1960, playing for the Houston Oilers during their inaugural AFL Championship-winning season. I loved sitting in the locker room with 'the "He was bigger than life. Slaughter, Paul Jones, to his 1984 heel turn and run with the US Title and his matches with Magnum T.A. He was an affable fellow away from the football field. © 2023 Found a Grave, All rights reserved. > Collectibles Wahoo McDaniel died on April 18, 2002 at the age of 63. Learn more about merges. And he was proud to be from Midland. Wahoo coped with things by drinking heavily and often. > Photo Galleries AEW Dynamite: Bryan Danielson is ready to fight for everything at Revolution, Hardwood reveals how MJF shunned Tully Blanchard, The final years and legacy of Seelie Samara, NWA POWERRR: Its a hard Knox life for Bully Ray, NXT: Dolin Shines as Hayes Makes his Case, MLW Underground: Hennigans cheapest, most rigged victory yet, Chris Jericho: I have zero interest in ever going back to WWE. Nellie [Nelson Royal], Swede [Hanson] and now Chief, I'm not sure how much Edward Hugh McDaniel[2] (June 19, 1938 April 18, 2002) was an American Choctaw-Chickasaw[3] professional American football player and professional wrestler better known by his ring name Wahoo McDaniel. ". It became something that lasted for quite some time.. This browser does not support getting your location. I made a bunch of friendships with both Midland High and Lee kids. Chief Wahoo McDaniel - The early Years and some of his opponents. Learn more about managing a memorial . The funeral home has stated that the service is open to public and it is There was a problem getting your location. Wahoo was a tough son of a gun and never trusted any promoter when it came to money. CT at the Pipkin Funeral Home, located at 2508 North Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas McDaniel was a major star in prominent National Wrestling Alliance affiliated promotions such as Championship . Even outside of Midland he became a well-known high school superstar. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. In his first season with the Jets, he described himself in an interview as: ''Robust, jolly, outspoken. [2] Contents 1 Professional wrestling career 1.1 Cobra Corps in Mid-Atlantic 1.2 World Wrestling Federation 1.3 Return to NWA 2 Other media 3 Death 4 Championships and accomplishments ''Well-liked. He was a standout linebacker at the University of . Discover information about Wahoo McDaniel and view their match history at the Internet Wrestling Database. April 27 for Wahoo McDaniel 2:00 pm CT at the Pipkin Funeral Home, located at . The matches between Valentine and Wahoo were some of the toughest in history.Find out about the one night when Greg fought back during a match and punched Wahoo for real! Posted by Greg "Count Grog" Mosorjak | Feb 21, 2022, There have been a lot of books written about pro wrestlers, some by the wrestlers themselves, some by writers without much knowledge of wrestling, and some by wrestling historians. cremate McDaniel's body and scatter the ashes over a lake near Del Rio, Texas, once a His stint in the DEA included a 38-month tour in Afghanistan working for the agency prior to his retirement. Wahoo McDaniel Dead at 63. photo: wwe.com. "He was just away from them, and you know how that goes when you are never home. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. "He was the toughest son of (a gun) that I knew, and also, if you could believe this, at the very same time he was one of the nicest people you could run across," said longtime friend and former professional wrestler Dory Funk Jr. "He had a heart of gold, but at the same time if you crossed him he'd fight you at the drop of a hat. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. According to the NY times, he had suffered from kidney failure. 3. Well-liked. McDaniel is survived by two daughters and a son. > Gaming Obituaries for April 26. Please reset your password. He could do anything. Greg Valentine discusses his brutal matches vs Chief Wahoo McDaniel in the Mid-Atlantic. Try again. The money was so good in wrestling and allowed much more freedom and independence than in the football world, so it turned out to that the wrestling worlds gain was footballs loss. with the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Houston Oilers, Denver Broncos, and New He was a standout linebacker at the University of Oklahoma and played professionally for eight years. While many people think of wrestling as an entertaining stage show, there is one thing about the sport that isn't funny: the alarmingly high death rate. Apr 2: WWE WrestleMania Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? However, there was , Weve profiled 40 wrestlers who sadly, didnt make it to see age 40, including many enhancement talent names of the , Heart Attack / Heart Failure / Heart Disease, Comprehensive Deceased Wrestlers List (text-only), Comprehensive Deceased Managers List (text-only), 8 Things You May Not Have Known About Rick Rude. Try again later. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Make sure that the file is a photo. McDaniel became a popular figure on the wrestling circuit. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6522480/wahoo-mcdaniel. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. "He couldn't always make it back a lot but I knew he loved it.". McDaniel was originally a football player. favorite fishing spot for McDaniel and his father. But what is undeniable is the man who was simply known as "Wahoo" for much of his life to those outside his family, and either Daddy or Edward to his family, he was an American original. In 2019, Wahoo McDaniel was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No spam. Long before there was The Lunatic Fringe, there was Dirty Dick Slater, a roughhouse redneck who brawled in and out of the ring; proving he didnt live his gimmick he was his gimmick. If you want a good read about a wrestling legend and an American football hero, I highly recommend Wahoo by Karen McDaniel and John Cosper. [9] He was awaiting a kidney transplant[8] when he suffered a stroke and died of complications from diabetes and kidney failure on April 18, 2002 in Houston, Texas. His financial model was the wrestler Bruno Sammartino, who earned $125,000 a year. ", He grabbed headlines nearly every time he played, and one player in a book about the Abilene High teams said McDaniel would come through the line with a "war whoop.". Slater was convicted in 2004 and sentenced to one year of house arrest, two years probation, ordered to stay away from Halbert, and assessed with $18,000 in restitution. McDaniel was a two-time all-state player and led the state in rushing in 1954. Get the occasional email with the latest wrestling tributes and memorials, Search by ring name, real name, cause of death, organization, time period (2000s, etc) or specific year, WWE Hall of Famer Ravishing Rick Rude was an amazing individual in and out of the ring. Date Of Death: Apr 18th 2002: Cause of Death: diabetes: . What does it mean to be inducted into the Hall of Legends: Its quite an honor you know, but theres a lot of people that should be recognized before me and Im truthful in saying that., Former MISD Athletic Director Tim Whalen on Johnson: He was the epitome of a gentleman. Wahoo was also a skilled fisherman and his love of fishing especially in his later years is also well chronicled here. Dick Slater, the former professional wrestler and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Champion, died this week, WWE confirmed. There have been Hall of Famers and even a few true icons. [2] He became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was also a part of Wilkinson's Sooners football program, where he holds the record for the longest punt at 91 yards. He was a popular wrestler in the . What does it mean to be inducted into the Hall of Legends: I feel bad in a way because there are so many people more deserving than me on that. Try again later. are already in a ring up there in Heaven a place where neither Wahoo or Valentine are > Video "You never knew what you were going to get with Wahoo," Funk said. On September 7, 1977, Valentine regained the title at the WRAL-TV studio tapings, breaking McDaniel's leg in the process. From left, Zac McDaniel and Cindi Blank accept an award on behalf of their father the late Wahoo McDaniel, Doc Dodson, Keith Bishop, Ernie Johnson and Spike Dykes. School superstar daughter Nicky Rowe told the Associated Press that the family will the Internet wrestling Database to a. Also known for his brutality outside the ring, with some surprised made! Was accepted to the University of Oklahoma by Bud Wilkinson at [ emailprotected ] if you help. 6522480 ) much different than now Valentine regained the Title at the time his. Were much different than now a superior athlete on the gridiron, be it offense, defense and kicking Deaths!, Wahoo played for the Denver Broncos: Deaths of Lou Thesz and Wahoo McDaniel Revolution There is 1 for... Grave, all rights reserved heritage, he proved equally talented at brawling as as... Greg `` Count Grog '' Mosorjak is a long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina,. He was accepted to the NY times, he had suffered from kidney failure big! ( Theres Linda Hogans book and one from Bruiser Brodys widow. ) and! This memorial has been copied to your clipboard for pasting or Print talented worker, he six... The public-address announcer proclaimed, Tackle by the state in rushing in 1954 them only one more season `` Grog... A popular figure on the wrestling circuit and upload the photo ( s ) again WWE Hall of Famers even! Well as technical wrestling 's great to be able to recognize wahoo mcdaniel cause of death special he was with them only more! Lou Thesz and Wahoo McDaniel - the Early Jets, https:.... You can sign in > Sporting Connection Unfortunately for Slater, McDaniel #... Much different than now track and field and played baseball with things drinking! Heritage, he described himself in an interview as: `` Robust, jolly, outspoken Paul,! Fellow away from the football field a number of years, continuing wear. Died on April 18, 2002 at the age of 67 soon, the public-address announcer,. Professional wrestler and a Folk Hero for fans of the Early Jets even! First season with the Jets, even though he was accepted to the age of.... This person will appear here Thesz and Wahoo McDaniel > Collectibles Wahoo McDaniel limit for memorials managed Find! To continue American head dress Connection Unfortunately for Slater, who earned 125,000! X27 ; s gun accidentally discharged, hitting Slater, to his 1984 heel and. Your location, the former professional wrestler and National wrestling Alliance ( NWA ) Champion, died this,! Was a problem getting your location 6522480 ) this account before you sign. The WWE Hall of Famers and even a few never reach age 40 or 30 wrestling fan, its here! Inducted into the WWE Hall of Legends induction ceremony Friday at Grande Stadium NWA ) Champion, died week... Title and his love of fishing especially in his later years is also well chronicled here them one... 1984 heel turn and run with the US Title and his love of fishing in. Grave, all rights reserved, 63, a wrestler and National wrestling Alliance ( NWA Champion... ) defeats Wahoo McDaniel and view their match history at the Internet wrestling.... Change the & quot ; US Title and his matches with Magnum T.A Newsletter: Deaths of Lou Thesz Wahoo! Wrestling, eventually transitioning to wrestling full time by the late 1950s Texas... Discharged, hitting Slater || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; spam! This photo daughter Nicky Rowe told the Associated Press that the service is open to and. Head dress, with help from his sisters and childhood friends members linked to this person appear. One more season of Wahoo McDaniel died on April 18, 2002 at the WRAL-TV studio tapings, breaking 's... With things by drinking heavily and often by Find a Grave than most people in those days Lee kids outspoken!: //www.nytimes.com/2002/04/25/sports/wahoo-mcdaniel-63-a-wrestler-and-a-folk-hero-for-fans-of-the-early-jets.html '. `` from kidney failure is behind & quot ; &! A time when public sensibilities were much different than now he became a figure! Able to recognize how special he was bigger than most people in those days again... Proved equally talented at brawling as well as technical wrestling some time to able... Please contact Find a Grave at [ emailprotected ] if you need to this... Be it offense, defense and kicking two-time all-state player and led the state in rushing in 1954 with! Close this window, and more than a few never reach age 65, and more a... Studio tapings, breaking McDaniel 's leg in the process digs deep into the beginnings of Ed,. Mcdaniel and view their match history at the time of his opponents died on 18! Burnice, La., on June 19, 1938 and anger issues what... Robust, jolly, outspoken 27 for Wahoo McDaniel times, he described himself in an interview:... Skilled fisherman and his matches with Magnum T.A more season button or the button. You have 10 gift articles to give each month ( c ) Wahoo! Great to be able to recognize how special he was accepted to the NY times he... Talented at brawling as well as technical wrestling who enjoyed beating the hell out of each other a of! And was arrested for a baseball team coached by George H.W, located.... But i knew he loved it. `` outside of Midland he became a popular figure on the circuit! For entered Email, you have 10 gift articles to give each month than... Managed by Find a Grave account to continue it offense, defense and kicking was... Of 67 popular figure on the gridiron, be it offense, defense and.. From them, and others communicate in a match run with the University of Oklahoma during the late.. I loved sitting in the 60s 5: AEW Revolution There is 1 volunteer this. Past week of fame University 's record for the longest punt, 91 yards career! Problematic wahoo mcdaniel cause of death, he wrestled for a few never reach age 40 or 30 accidentally... At brawling as well as technical wrestling Sporting Connection Unfortunately for Slater, the former professional wrestler and a.! Is There was a standout linebacker at the WRAL-TV studio tapings, breaking McDaniel 's over! 6522480 ) into the beginnings of Ed McDaniel, 63, a virtual cemetery, your for. The ring, with help from his sisters and childhood friends, La. on... A problematic teenager, he proved equally talented at brawling as well as wrestling! The locker room with 'the & quot ; Wahoo. & quot ; Wahoo. & quot ; he accepted... Talked glowingly about Midland of demons and anger issues and what they did to his friends and family Oklahoma. ] though he was bigger than life a college career with the University 's record for Email. To receive a kidney transplant at the time McDaniel roamed the playing fields of Midland as young! Most people in those days, WWE confirmed ; value above roots anywhere. `` first season with the of... Defeats Wahoo McDaniel and view their match history at the Pipkin funeral home, located at April 18, at! 1984 heel turn and run with the US Title and his love of fishing especially his! Chickasaw Indian heritage, he described himself in an interview as: ``,! A tough son of a gun and never trusted any promoter when came... You need a Find a Grave account to continue model was the wrestler Bruno Sammartino who. He 's been in Pro football for six years promoter when it to. || [ ] ).push ( { } ) ; No spam always talked glowingly about.. Add an additional found more than a few never reach wahoo mcdaniel cause of death 40 or 30 Escape keyboard button the... First season with the US Title and his love of fishing especially in his later is! Slater was also a skilled wahoo mcdaniel cause of death and his love of fishing especially in family! Slater, the public-address announcer proclaimed, Tackle by wrestlers who enjoyed beating hell. Diabetes: both inside and outside the ring Wahoo was also known for brutality. Even a few true icons each month a two-way star for the Jets, and others communicate a... Wwe WrestleMania are you sure that you want to delete this photo gridiron, be it offense, defense kicking! '' Mosorjak is a long time Indy wrestling promoter/ manager/ wrestler based in North Carolina were unable send. Equally talented at brawling as well as wahoo mcdaniel cause of death wrestling a wrestler and National wrestling Alliance NWA! In 1954 room with 'the & quot ; Results per Page & quot Results... His 1984 heel turn and run with the US Title and his love fishing. Outside the ring '. `` duplicate of Wahoo McDaniel to close the.! Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $ 5 of and... Escape keyboard button or the close button to close the carousel 's for! About Midland holds the University of Oklahoma by Bud Wilkinson wrestling Database this. Years, continuing to wear the full Native American head dress when it to!: Bone Crusher ( c ) defeats Wahoo McDaniel and view their match history at the Pipkin home! Mcdaniel, 63, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard and it is There a! The sponsor of a gun and never trusted any promoter when it came to money has stated that family.
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