Wrestling legend Larry “The Axe” Hennig passed away today at the age of 82 due to renal failure. The iconic AWA star is best known for his time as a tag team with Harley Race.
Known as “Handsome” Harley Race and “Pretty Boy” Larry Hennig, the duo became a staple in the American Wrestling Association, capturing the company’s tag titles three separate times. However, a serious knee injury ended their run at the top, and by the time Hennig returned to the ring, Race began his run in the NWA.
Hennig was the father of the late WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and grandfather of Curtis Axel and Amy Hennig.
Below is the WWE’s statement on Hennig’s passing.
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.
Curtis Axel took to Twitter to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers while the family endures through this difficult time.
On behalf of the whole Hennig Family, thank you for your thoughts and prayers! pic.twitter.com/fi5uqWvB5i
— Joe Hennig (@JoeHennig) December 6, 2018
