Wrestling legend dealing with serious health issues; GoFundMe launched
A veteran pro wrestling star is receiving thoughts and prayers from the WWE Universe and the rest of the industry tonight after the announcement of an ongoing critical medical emergency and financial crisis. It was just disclosed how serious the matter is, and how fans could help.
Kevin Sullivan made his name in WCW, but he began his career in 1970 and worked various roles for companies like WWE, aka WWWF, Jim Crockett Promotions, Championship Wrestling from Florida, ECW before it was Extreme, and SMW, among others. He returned to WCW in 1994, and was an active competitor until his retirement in 1997. Sullivan then increased his booking duties and was promoted to role of head booker in 2000, but fired before WWE purchased the company in 2001. The former WCW World Tag Team Champion would go on to work for ROH and several indie promotions, and TNA for one night only.
The Taskmaster is currently battling serious health issues. Conrad Thompson and Dutch Mantell took to X/Twitter today to announce an update on Sullivan's condition, noting that his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses. As of this writing, the campaign has raised $19,032 of a $20,000 goal. Some of the 191 donors include Stacy & Jim Cornette with $5,000, Chris Jericho with $2,500, Cody Rhodes and Diamond Dallas Page with $1,000 each, David Flair, Nick Aldis, and Cary Silkin, among others.
"The Taskmaster Kevin Sullivan needs help. Got news today that my friend of over 50 years needs help. If you can help him out, it would be highly appreciated. Read it all on the GoFund me page set up for him," Dutch Mantell wrote.
The message from Sullivan's family noted how he is facing a "critical medical emergency and financial crisis," after suffering a devastating accident on May 12 while in Florida for autograph signings. The 74-year-old underwent emergency surgery to save his leg and his life, but there were severe complications, including sepsis and encephalitis.The Boston native has reportedly been in and out of consciousness while stuck in the ICU, and far away from home, while his family deals with the immense financial burden.
It was noted that the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Famer and the NWA Hall of Famer has shown incredible resilience, and months later, is still fighting to regain his independence.
Wrestling legends from WCW reunite for book and photo
Former WCW stars Kevin Sullivan and David Penzer recently worked together on the "Sitting Ringside" book released by the longtime ring announcer.
Penzer took to X to share a recent photo of The Taskmaster and himself and revealed that Sullivan is his mentor and good friend, and thanked him for writing the foreword to the book. Penzer also said Sullivan was wrestling on the first show he ever attended in 1977.
"Huge thanks to my mentor and good friend @realkevsullivan for writing the Forward [sic] for Sitting Ringside. He wrestled on the first show I ever saw live in 1977, so it was meant to be. Go to davidpenzerbook.com to check it out!" David Penzer wrote with the photo below.
Penzer has worked with TNA in recent years. He is also a real estate agent in Tampa, Florida, since 2014. The 58-year-old published his "Sitting Ringside" memoir this past April, which is the first of two volumes on his wrestling career.