Arkansas wrestling community remembers Sid Eudy, the West Memphis man who headlined Wrestlemania

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – This week Gunnar Eudy, the son of former pro wrestler and Arkansas native Sid Eudy, announced that his father passed away after battling cancer for several years.

In the ring, he was known by names like Lord Humongous, Sid Justice, Sid Vicious and Sycho Sid, but Gunnar said that to their family he was “simply ‘Popper,’ the beloved grandfather.”

During his career as a pro wrestler, Eudy was a six-time world champion. He was also a member of Ric Flair’s famous stable the Four Horsemen in WCW, and in the WWE, he headlined Wrestlemania twice.

Eudy represented Arkansas proudly during his illustrious career and many in the state’s wrestling community are mourning his loss, but also celebrating his achievements.

“Any time someone from Arkansas makes it to the very top of their profession, it’s something to be proud of.” Jason Maldonado, owner of Chaotic Kingdom Wrestling , LIT Wrestling and co-owner of Sherwood’s Bumps & Bruises Professional Wrestling Academy stated.

Bobby Horne, who was known as Sir Mo in the WWE where he was tag team champion, is also part owner of the academy and remembered his time working with Eudy positively.

“I think he brought a gentle giant mentality to those of us who really knew him. Very intelligent and talented and willing to be helpful to those who would respectfully receive it. Big loss to our Industry,” Horne said.

Eudy’s influence has also affected many younger wrestlers who call the Natural State home including Matthew Banks, known in the ring as Buck Skynyr.

“Headlining Wrestlemania is every wrestler and wrestling fan’s dream. To have someone from Arkansas who has done that and been successful at the highest level just gives me motivation to push myself even harder,” Banks said.

Others whose careers were inspired by Eudy include the founders of TAC Wrestling , a group of Little Rock-based independent wrestlers whose events take place in the back room of Vino’s Brewpub.

“There’s no way to sugarcoat it, Sid is a huge deal for us,” TAC co-founder William Stephan stated. “Most anyone familiar with wrestling but unfamiliar with our state’s local scene will immediately think of Sid when you say, ‘Arkansas Wrestling’. Sid is the one step into the world of legitimacy we have.”

“Sid being an Arkansan and headlining pro wrestling’s equivalent of the Super Bowl is a big deal,” co-founder Cody Downs said. “He put in the work and showed that it could pay off. To me that speaks volumes because it makes me want to work harder to achieve my goals in wrestling.”

Another of TAC Wrestling’s founders, Buddy Loyd, remembered Eudy for both his physical stature and his ability to tell a story in the ring.

“His charisma and stature were bigger than life. His ability to capture an audience and tell a story was unparalleled. He showed us being from Arkansas wasn’t something to be ashamed of. We all as pro wrestlers have learned something from Sid,” Loyd stated.

Up-and-coming central Arkansas wrestler Randy Johnson expressed pride after first discovering Eudy’s Natural State roots.

“Finding out Sid was from Arkansas was really cool because it was great seeing someone from a state a lot of people overlook go out there and be one of the great pro wrestlers of his era,” Johnson said.

Referee and wrestler Sleezy-E also remembered Eudy for putting his family first over his career.

“He had more success than a local wrestler like myself could only dream of, but he put his family and health first and didn’t meet the same fate many of our wrestling heroes face. He will forever be an inspiration and a pillar to Arkansas pro wrestling,” he stated.

Though Eudy will be missed by wrestling fans in Arkansas, his incredible feats and legend will live forever and continue to inspire others from his home state and beyond.

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