This has not been a very kind year to professional wrestlers. Just five months into 2018, the deaths of names such as Johnny Valiant and Bruno Sammartino have all been reported. Unfortunately, another professional wrestler has officially passed away. Nick “Big Bully” Busick died at the age of 63 earlier today. He had been dealing with spinal fluid cancer since last year. Busick most famously competed in the WWF from 1989-1991. Busick was back in his home in West Virginia receiving hospice care before he died from his illnesses. Big Bully Busick’s wife confirmed her husband’s tragic passing by posting the following message for his fans today on Facebook: “Big Bully Busick has past with his wife and children at his side. Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and prayers. Nick Busick was so humbled by all of your cards prayers visits.”
It has become rather apparent over the past couple of weeks that the state of Florida is desperate to host WrestleMania within the next five years. The city of Tampa has already submitted a bid to hose the event at some point down the line, and the city of Orlando has also confirmed that they are working on bringing the event back to the city for a third time. The Orlando Sentinel has just confirmed that the Orlando County Commissioners have agreed to submit $1 million to bring back WrestleMania some time between 2022-2025. The deal is being developed as part of a bid worth $3 million with the over $2 million going towards bringing the Special Olympics Summer Games to the city.
WWE will be hosting their second United Kingdom Championship tournament in the UK later on this summer. Fans may remember that the inaugural tournament last year was won by current NXT Superstar Tyler Bate, who managed to win the UK Championship at just 19-years-old. Bate’s wrestling career is still young, but there is no denying that he has a ton of potential. Unfortunately, it sounds like a slight delay in Bate’s career may have just been created for him. Although Bate defeated Kassius Ohno to move on in PROGRESS Wrestling’s Super Strong Style tournament, was removed from the tournament due to an injury he picked up during the match. Fortunately, his injury is not believed to be too serious.
BREAKING NEWS regarding the #SSS16 tournament and @Tyler_Bate. pic.twitter.com/fqyasx6h1G
— PROGRESS Wrestling (@ThisIs_Progress) May 7, 2018