Wrestling Association, and went on to enjoy great success in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling. He had recently begun working with Nashville-based NWA-TNA (Total Non-stop Action).
Curt Hennig was born March 28, 1958. He made his professional wrestling debut around 1979, after being trained by the legendary Verne Gagne and his father. Hennig had his first major run in the Pacific Northwest from 1982-84, working with Playboy Buddy Rose and Rip Oliver, amongst others. Defeated Sheik Abdullah Ali Hassan (Jerry Kreuger) in Portland, Oregon for the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight title. Held the Pacific Northwest Tag Team titles on a few occasions, including a brief and memorable reign with his father.
When he entered the AWA, he was immediately groomed as a future World Heavyweight champion. Teamed with Scott Hall to win the AWA World Tag team title in 1986, and went on to defeat Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavywight title on May 2, 1987 at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California. Hennig and Bockwinkel's matches included their one-hour draw from the AWA televsion program on ESPN, which many consider one of the great matches of the 1980s.
Hennig became a 2-time WWF Intercontinental champion, and the WCW United States champion in later years. He was one of the top players in the game, working with Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Andre the Giant, Randy Savage and a whole slew of others. Hennig skillfully blended his technical knowledge with the more outrageous stylings of "sports entertainment."
Fellow wrestlers, stunned by the news of his death, talked about Hennig's infectuous sense of humor, his passion for hunting and fishing, and his love for his family. Hennig is survived by wife Leonice; children Joe, Amy, Kaite and Hank; parents Larry and Irene; brothers and sisters, Randy (Nanette), Sandra Scepurek, Susan Strain (Miles), Jesse (Kara); in-laws Dr. Lloyd Leonard (Geraldine); mane nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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