The wrestling world remembers & pays tribute to Kevin Sullivan (2024)

Kevin Sullivan was one of the best wrestling villains of the 1980s and 1990s. But he also booked WCW for years, was considered by many in the business to be a mentor, and became an entertaining, insightful interview subject after his retirement.

With that kind of resume from a decades-long career, it’s no surprise that remembrances and tributes are flooding the internet after news of Sullivan’s death at age 74 hit earlier today (Aug. 9).

Here are some of those farewell messages from Sullivan’s friends and colleagues.

NOTE: Where people reposted WWE’s or another message, or their own post is too long to display in embedded form, we’ve cut & pasted their words and linked to their social media.

Just heard that Kevin “Sully” Sullivan has passed away. His passing really hurts my heart.

I recently was talking to Ric Flair who told me that Sully wasn’t doing well and I should call him. I immediately called him, and I talked about it on an interview I did with @CodyRhodes. Here’s the clip of me talking about that interaction.

This one hit me really hard. Sully was a huge part of my life. Yes, we had our ups and the downs, but like so many of our brothers over the years we really grew to love each other. I’m so glad I got to talk to him before he left this planet. Thanks, @RicFlairNatrBoy

You not believing in me initially made me better, it made me work harder, and I’m so thankful to have known you. You did so many great things and I’m so proud to have been a part of some of them. God bless you! Love you brother. Rest in peace. DDP

Taz:

Man, I feel horrible just hearing about the passing of the great Kevin Sullivan… The real devil of Pro Wrestling.

I cannot begin to tell you how much this man helped me in my career, I knew him way before ECW where we were tag team champions. But I worked with KS in Japan, Bahamas, throughout the NE Indies before ECW.

I’ve called him countless times years ago for advice. One of the greatest minds in the history of the industry.

He always helped me. #RIPDevil

@OfficialTaz

Steve Corino:

For the last few hours I was trying to think about what I wanted to say about Kevin Sullivan.

Kevin was a mentor to me in the last stage of my in-ring career and then became an even bigger mentor in life. He was like a second father to me and I imagine there are hundreds of pro-wrestlers that also saw him as their second father. He was always there with advice and a story to go with it. He taught me about insight and compassion. He helped ease my mind when I needed it. And not just with wrestling. As amazing as he told his stories, he was an even better listener. He taught me to not be afraid to make mistakes at work because a mistake was a chance to learn the right way.

He’d refer to Colby and Beck as his “grandsons” in that Boston accent that always made me laugh. I’ll miss that.

Thank you Kevin for the impact you made in my life, starting as a fan and then as a trusted friend and mentor. My life is better because I knew Kevin Sullivan.

Steve Corino’s Facebook

Bobby Fulton:

Today is unfortunately a tragic day in the world of professional wrestling, with the loss of Kevin Sullivan! The first time I remember seeing Kevin Sullivan was in 1973. I always admired him, as he was of short stature but always stood toe to toe with his opponents! He worked in most of if not all the territories. He learned his craft of booking from Vince Sr and no doubt Eddie Graham. The first time I met Sullivan, he was booking Knoxville, I believe Flair and Mulligan owned it at the time, this was after he left Memphis and did his body transformation. Years later Tommy and I would have several matches with The Varsity Club over the US Tag Team Championship! Kevin was a great friend! My thoughts and prayers for his family, friends and fans!

PCO:

R I P my good buddy Kevin Sullivan .

I worked for Kevin when he was a booker in WCW , and with him again in 2018 for MLW and he was a big believer in the PCO Character. He had a tremendous career and paved the way for so many of us .

God bless you Kevin ! You will be missed by friends and family and by the whole Wrestling community.

Cary Silkin:

RIP Kevin Sullivan, my friend thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom, your humor, and your love.

They just don’t make people like this anymore. You will never be gone. You are here and always will be.

You always gave me time talking about life, love politics, baseball, the world, and obviously pro wrestling …..

I have to smile. Kevin was not a negative person, but I would often hear him say when I would ask a question about current day life “Cary what’s wrong with these people.”

Cary Silken’s Facebook

Les Thatcher:

So very sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend Kevin Sullivan. A multi-talented man in our business as a wrestler, booker, manager & more. I have the pleasure of not only working with him, but enjoying socializing with he & his family. Watching him squat 425 lbs. 26 times back in the late 70’s!!! You have fought the good fight my friend, go with God & know that you will be remembered with much Love a respect!

Dan Severn:

I was saddened to learn of Kevin Sullivan’s passing.

Kevin played a significant figure in the world of professional wrestling, both as a performer and a behind-the-scenes influence. Known for his dark and often controversial “Taskmaster” persona, Sullivan was a central figure in many storylines, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a key player in the development of the Dungeon of Doom stable in WCW (World Championship Wrestling), which was a major antagonist group during the company’s heyday.

Beyond his in-ring work, Sullivan was highly regarded for his booking and creative work. He had a hand in shaping some of the more memorable storylines in wrestling, particularly during his time in WCW, where he worked as a booker. His approach often involved incorporating elements of mysticism and psychological drama, which set him apart from more traditional wrestling narratives.

My sincere condolences go out to his family.

Jaqueline Moore:

I woke up to the news of the passing of my friend Kevin Sullivan. He was a pleasure to work with in the wrestling business. Rest easy my friend.

Jaqueline Moore’s Facebook