It’s another sad day in the professional wrestling world as the entire industry mourns Larry “The Axe” Hennig. A talented wrestler himself, and the father to Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig and grandfather to current WWE superstar Curtis Axel, “The Axe” spent much of his life in the wrestling industry. He made quite an impact, and everyone from Eric Bischoff to today’s superstars are chiming in on his passing.
WWE.com recently commented on his death:
WWE is saddened to learn that legendary Superstar and Hennig family patriarch Larry “The Axe” Hennig passed away today at 82 years old following a long illness and kidney failure.
A five-time tag team champion in the AWA, Hennig entered the sports-entertainment world under the tutelage of Verne Gagne and crossed paths with some of the most illustrious performers of all time. Most famously, Hennig was among Bruno Sammartino’s challengers for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden.
Though his own career was cut short due to injury, Hennig’s legacy spanned another two generations thanks to his son, the late WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Perfect, and grandson, former Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel.
WWE extends its condolences to Hennig’s family, friends and fans.
Check out several Larry Hennig death reactions below:
https://twitter.com/RealCurtisAxel/status/1070785958566457344
One of the earliest wrestling camps I attended was Harley Race’s in Missouri, 2007.
That’s where I first met Joe and Larry Hennig. I’m fortunate enough to have sat under Larry’s learning tree on more than one occasion.
RIP, Axe. pic.twitter.com/eOZfJNMR0M
— Bollywood Boyz (@BollywoodBoyz) December 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/1070783751221694464
https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/1070773572417740800
https://twitter.com/SaxonHuxleyUK/status/1070779384397733890
What a sad couple of weeks. I always felt sorry for Larry, he was never the same after Curt died.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) December 6, 2018
Larry The Axe Hennig just looked like a tough man.
Saw him later in his career
Heaven is united & PERFECT
Celebrate his career watch him AWA @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/u3kg8hWvpG— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) December 6, 2018
Saddened to hear about the passing of Larry “The Axe” Hennig. Condolences to @RealCurtisAxel and his family. #RIPAxe
— Robert Roode (@RealRobertRoode) December 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1070751301267533824
Great thread with some heartwarming memories of pro wrestling legend Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig. RIP. https://t.co/NZg0R4pbil
— Chris Hero (Is Back) (@ChrisHero) December 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/AriyaDaivariWWE/status/1070774345205731331
https://twitter.com/TheRealXPac/status/1070776044699828224
Can’t say I knew #LarryHennig but was a big fan of Curt, worked with him a couple times & he was an absolute sweetheart. Super professional & cool! Thoughts & prayers to uber talented descendant @RealCurtisAxel for carrying the #Hennig legacy w/ pride & poise! #RIPLarryHennig ❤️
— $oCalVal (@SoCalValerie) December 6, 2018
Our condolences to the Hennig family.