More Death

World Wrestling Entertainment has learned that Brian Adams, also known to our fans as Crush, has been found dead today.

Known for his formidable strength, the Hawaiian native made his first impact on the U.S. wrestling scene in the late 1980s with the NWA’s Pacific Northwest organization.

When he debuted in WWE in summer of 1990, he joined Ax and Smash as the third member of the legendary tag team, Demolition. A change in the rules allowed the trio to hold the World Tag Team Championship, with any two of the three members defending the titles. The trio would lose the championships to The Hart Foundation due to interference from The Legion of Doom, sparking a fierce rivalry between them and Hawk & Animal.

After Demolition disbanded, Adams returned to WWE in summer of 1992 as the blond-haired Hawaiian powerhouse, “Kona Crush.” He thrilled our fans with his ready smile and fearsome strength. However, a rivalry with Doink the Clown – which culminated in one of the most unforgettable moments in WrestleMania history when Crush was attacked by two Doinks – changed the Hawaiian’s philosophy. He eventually fell under the guidance of Mr. Fuji and engaged in a fierce war with “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Their most memorable battle was WrestleMania X, where Savage defeated Crush in a Falls-Count-Anywhere Match.

After a short absence, attorney Clarence Mason brought Crush back to WWE in summer of 1996. Crush would join the Nation of Domination in 1997, and then formed the Disciples of Apocalypse biker gang with Chainz, Skull and 8-Ball later that year.

Early in 1998, Adams joined World Championship Wrestling and became part of the New World Order, using his own name. He later would go on to team with Bryan Clarke as KroniK and win the WCW Tag Team Championship twice. After WCW folded, KroniK would have a short-lived run in WWE in 2001, fighting with Kane & Undertaker.

After leaving WWE in late 2001, Adams competed in Japan and then attempted a career in boxing. After suffering a shoulder injury while training for first professional bout, Adams called off his boxing efforts and returned to Japan to compete.

Adams wrestled his last match in January 2003, suffering a spinal injury that forced him into retirement. Whether he was beloved or jeered, Adams made a lasting impact on WWE and he will be missed by Superstars and our fans. Here are some reactions from his fellow wrestlers....

Hacksaw Jim Duggan: I knew Brian pretty well. He came to play in my golf tournament a few times in Florida. He was a big, impressive, young guy… It’s such a shock that he’s gone. He was one of those guys that never seemed to really get the big break, but had all of the talent and all of the skills to do it. It’s a shock.

Ron Simmons: I’m still in a state of shock right now. He and I go way back and have worked together for years. He was a very good friend of mine. I still don’t want to believe it. I’m just saddened by it and I just want to wish his family well. I am just very, very upset about this because it hits close to home. He was a good friend, ya know?

Sgt. Slaughter: It was a real sad moment when I heard that this happened because Brian Adams was really good talent and had a great future in this business. But [I’ll never forget that] he’s the one who introduced me to Sushi in Guam and I never thought that I’d eat raw fish, but he’s the one who showed me what to look for and how to eat it. I also appreciate that he put me on a workout regimen and I started working out a lot harder than I had before and it really helped my career going into WrestleMania VII. He was just a good guy who had a big heart. It’s just a real sad day for wrestling fans throughout the world.