The Ontario independent wrestling community was plunged into tragedy on Saturday night following the sudden passing of Rob Thomson, widely known by his ring name Rob Rage. The heartbreaking news emerged after Thomson, aged 45, suffered a cardiac arrest backstage during the Hammering Cancer 4 fundraising event in Hamilton, Ontario. According to an insider account relayed by SlamWrestling.net, Thomson collapsed in the dressing room, prompting fellow wrestlers to administer CPR until medical professionals arrived. Despite their earnest efforts, Thomson could not be revived, and he reportedly passed away while being transported to the hospital.
Thomson had long been a prominent figure within the Ontario wrestling circuit, lending his formidable presence to various promotions such as Crossfire Wrestling, Classic Championship Wrestling, and Deathproof Wrestling. Notably recognized for his robust physique, weighing just shy of 300 pounds, Thomson was affectionately dubbed the “Muscle Messiah” and “Tyrannosaurs Pecs,” occasionally assuming the persona of “Warrior Rage” with the iconic makeup reminiscent of the renowned tag team, the Road Warriors. His striking resemblance to this legendary duo prompted his selection as the actor portraying Road Warrior Hawk in an episode of the acclaimed Dark Side of the Ring series. Additionally, he took on the roles of other wrestling icons, including Dr. D David Schultz and Hulk Hogan, in different episodes of the series.
Despite his imposing physical stature and his preference for a traditional wrestling style, Thomson was far from the stereotypical “big, dumb guy.” He boasted an academic background, having obtained a double major in Kinesiology and History from York University. Moreover, he showcased his athletic prowess in football, even pursuing a professional career in the sport across Europe. Prior to his foray into professional wrestling, Thomson briefly ventured into the world of competitive bodybuilding, demonstrating his diverse talents and ambitions.
Reminiscing about Thomson’s early days, renowned trainer Rob “Fuego” Echevarria fondly recalled his time working with the aspiring wrestler, emphasizing Thomson’s unwavering commitment and dedication to his craft. Under Echevarria’s tutelage, Thomson’s wrestling journey flourished, leading him to make a significant impact across various wrestling circuits in Ontario, Quebec, and beyond.
Beyond his wrestling endeavors, Thomson also delved into the realm of acting, securing roles in commercials and movies, including the film The Masked Saint, where he shared the screen with the esteemed “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. In a poignant 2020 interview with Slam, Thomson reminisced about his experiences working alongside Piper, highlighting the camaraderie and shared passion for their craft.
