Former WWE wrestler Darren Drozdov dies at 54 after being paralyzed in 1999 ring harm

Former WWE star Darren Drozdov has died on the age of 54. An accident within the ring in 1999 left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.

WWE introduced his demise Friday afternoon.

“Darren Drozdov’s dominance within the ring made him a notable determine in WWE and was recognized to followers as each Puke and Droz throughout his time within the ring,” the wrestling firm stated. stated in an announcement.

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WWE is saddened to study that Darren Drozdov handed away on Friday, June thirtieth on the age of 54.

WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s household, buddies and followers. https://t.co/7gDRO0tiGl pic.twitter.com/EqPtbGIPy8

—WWE (@WWE) June 30, 2023

Drozdov’s household additionally issued an announcement, confirming that he died of pure causes on Friday morning.

“There are not any phrases to specific the deep sense of loss and disappointment we’re feeling proper now,” stated the bereaved household. “Darren, affectionately often known as ‘Dross’, was concerned in a tragic ring accident whereas wrestling for WWE in 1999 that left him a quadriplegic. Nonetheless, regardless of being unmoved from the neck down for the previous 24 years, Dross maintained his championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest. ”

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In October 1999, Drozdov slipped out of Brown’s arms and fell on his neck throughout a match with fellow wrestler Dillo Brown throughout the taping of “WWE SmackDown.” Earlier experiences stated the accident fractured two vertebrae in his neck. the big apple occasions report.

Tributes poured in from the skilled wrestling world following the information of his demise, together with a heartfelt tweet from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recalling wrestling with Drozdov. .

We’re very sorry to listen to that certainly one of our Brothers of the Ring has handed away.
Darren Drozdov, aka Droz.
We wrestled with quite a lot of playing cards collectively. he is a really good man He has a terrific character and nice wrestling expertise. We all the time talked about soccer and fishing. Sending love, energy and mana…

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 30, 2023

Unhappy to listen to of the passing of Darren Drozdov. Darren was all the time vigorous and a terrific man with a great snicker.#RIP dross

— Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) June 30, 2023

Previous to wrestling, Drozdov performed faculty soccer on the College of Maryland and was finally drafted into the NFL. He performed three seasons with the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos.

The Broncos took to Twitter to specific their condolences after studying of Drozdov’s demise.

We’re saddened by the passing of Darren Drozdov, who performed for the Broncos in 1993-1994 and later grew to become the Broncos. @WWE wrestler.

“Dro” embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication to beat adversity and our hearts exit to his household. pic.twitter.com/9clWCZxRdt

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 30, 2023

After a profession within the NFL, Drozdov joined WWE in 1998 and located a fan in WWE Government Chairman Vince McMahon. McMahon nicknamed Drozdov “Gero”, fascinated by the rookie’s potential to vomit on command.

Shortly after becoming a member of Drozdov started showing on WWE tv. It was then often known as the World Wrestling Federation (“WWF”).

Based on Fox Sports activities, the participant wanted 24-hour residence care when he was injured in 1999, and Drozdov stated WWE and McMahon had been in between a number of surgical procedures within the years following the accident. He continued to help him.

Based on Drozdov’s household and former skilled wrestler Marc Melo, he all the time stated: Being paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair does not imply my life is over. I’ve realized to dwell once more and my life just isn’t over but. ”

So unhappy to listen to that former WWE Celebrity “Droz” Darren Drozdov handed away. He was a terrific particular person with a terrific perspective. In his personal phrases, he sums up his fixed positivity within the midst of adversity: “There’s all the time one other day. Simply paralyzed and in a wheelchair… pic.twitter.com/HcTBtmb23H

— Mark Mero (@MarcMero) June 30, 2023

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For the final 20 years of his life, Drozdov lived along with his sister and household in New Jersey, throughout the river from his household residence.

“He was a loyal son, brother and good friend who all the time put others, particularly his household, first,” Drozdov’s household continued in an announcement Friday. “He was type, beneficiant, and all the time there for individuals. He was a guiding gentle, illuminating our lives with boundless love and marvel. His smile was therapeutic.” The heat, love and laughter had been contagious.”

They stated they “might all the time flip to him for knowledge and luxury” in occasions of want.

“His absence leaves an enormous gap in our household and our hearts,” added the Drozdovs. “Anybody who knew Darren is a greater particular person due to it.”

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