A Trio Of Tributes

My mother always used to love pointing out how, so often, celebrities would seem to die in threes. While I wouldn’t necessarily consider a couple of these to be main stream celebrities, they were notable wrestling figures-George “The Animal” Steele, Nicole Bass and Ivan Koloff. So, with a nod to my late mother’s theory of threes, it’s time for a trio of tributes.

George “The Animal” Steele

By the time I really was old enough to remember him, he was over the hill, past his prime but always entertaining. From the green tongue, the ridiculous body hair or, of course, the eating of the turnbuckles, he was an original, one of a kind star. As involved as some WWE Legends have been over the years, it perhaps would have been nicer if the unique Steele could have been seen more often (assuming he would have even wanted that). But, memories of his antics will live on forever. RIP, Animal.

Nicole Bass

I think it’s safe to say that, while she had a stint in pro wrestling, her fame (or notoriety) was more driven by her involvement with Howard Stern and his controversial radio show. But, she was still a notable figure in her brief wrestling career too. A big woman, a body builder not unlike Chyna, she unfortunately did not have the same appeal as did the Seventh Wonder of the World. If you wanted to suggest that, given her physical attributes, WWE could have wanted and hoped for more from her career, I’d have a hard time disagreeing. And, like Joanie, Nicole Bass is gone far too soon.

Ivan Koloff

The Russian Bear was taken just a day after George Steele, and had been battling a lengthy illness. The Canadian wrestler, billed as being from the Ukraine, had an extensive and impressive career spanning many federations and promotions. He enjoyed success as a heel pretty much anywhere he went, having multiple titles to his credit. The one thing this highly-regarded Legend does not have? Enshrinment in the WWE Hall of Fame. Perhaps someday soon, we will get to see this Bear posthumously receive that overdue honor.

And, for what it’s worth, a fourth legend, in the form of Chavo Classic. It could be argued that perhaps his offspring are more well known than he was, but he was certainly well known and highly accomplished. You could even say he should have started off the list, since he was the first of this foursome to pass. But, it’s not a competition, but rather a tribute to all of them

Rest in peace.