According to reliable source Pro-Wrestling Sheet, WWE legend Kamala was in intensive care and on life support last week following major surgery.

Kamala’s stepdaughter posted an update Sunday on Facebook saying, “Kamala James Harris had emergency surgery this morning around 3am they didn’t think he would make it out of surgery but God. He’s on life support.”

She posted an additional update today, however, saying he’s “showing signs of improvement.”

PWS has updated their story to reflect some good news.

“Kamala’s stepdaughter wrote on Facebook saying he was taken off the ventilator and is now alert in his hospital room. He’s still unable to talk right now though.”

Kamala, real name James Harris, rose to fame in Mid-South wrestling and other Southern promotions under various names but found his greatest success as the now problematic African character “Kamala.” Harris worked for the WWF off and on for nine years in the late 80s and early 90s. He feuded with Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. He also made wrestling history when he squared off against The Undertaker in the first televised casket match, which took place at Survivor Series in 1992.

Recently, Harris has been plagued by health problems due to diabetes, causing the amputation of both of his legs. It is not yet known if the surgery and life support are related to his issues with diabetes and blood pressure.

Why Kamala Matters

Harris joins a long-line of ex-wrestlers who suffered major health problems after their career ended. “Wrestling ain’t ballet” it takes a real toll on these bodies. Anytime someone says wrestling is “fake” I point them to the dozens of lives lost due to it. It is a brutal business to be sure, but there isn’t a form of entertainment that tells better stories. I am so thankful for men like Kamala, Ric Flair, and countless others who have no-doubt shortened their lives in order to tell beautiful stories in the ring. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

We will keep you updated with any further developments in this story.

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