Former WWE wrestler Kevin Sullivan, also known as the Prince of Darkness and The Taskmaster, died. He was 74. He is best known for his matches against Hulk Hogan and Dusty Rhodes, as well as for heading his own Army of Darkness. WWE issued a statement announcing his passing, calling him “a unique and influential figure in sports-entertainment history.”
The release continued: “Sullivan found success both in the ring and behind the scenes with his penchant for far out ideas that pushed creative boundaries.” His cause of death has yet to be announced. Sullivan experienced a “devastating accident” while in Florida for autograph signings in May, according to his daughter’s GoFundMe page.
Nicole Sullivan wrote: “He underwent emergency surgery that saved his leg and life but faced severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis.”
Former wrestler Paul Levesque, formerly known as Triple H, stated on X/Twitter: “Kevin Sullivan had one of the most unusual minds in the history of our industry, pushing creative boundaries and producing some of the most intriguing personas to ever enter the ring. He was unwaveringly passionate about what we do. “My thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.”
Kevin Francis Sullivan was born on October 26, 1949 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He began his career as an amateur wrestler in Boston before graduating to the professional circuit in Montreal in the early 1970s.
He was known early in his career as Johnny West and The Boston Battler, before being inspired by heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest to become the Prince of Darkness in the early 1980s. His persona also drew on occult and cultish imagery, playing off the era’s satanic panic.
Sullivan’s crew, the Army of Darkness, would dress like a cult and enter the ring to the sounds of Deep Purple or Jeff Beck.
Typically taking the role of the “heel,” Sullivan became well-known for his rivalry with the likes of Rhodes and Barry Windham.
In the 1990s, he became a regular fixture of World Championship Wrestling, where he feuded with Hogan and Randy Savage.
He retired from wrestling in 1997, but continued to work in the industry as a booker.
