“Ravishing” Rick Rude, one of wrestling’s most charismatic and physically impressive superstars of the 1980s and early ’90s, had a dramatic life both in and out of the ring.
Real name: Richard Erwin Rood
Born: December 7, 1958
Died: April 20, 1999 (age 40)
Rude was best known for his arrogant, ladies’ man persona, his chiseled physique, and feuds with stars like Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Ultimate Warrior, and Sting. He wrestled in WWF, WCW, and even ECW.
In 1994, while wrestling Sting in Japan, Rude suffered a serious back injury after landing awkwardly on a steel turnbuckle. It effectively ended his in-ring career at the height of his popularity.
Even after retirement, he stayed involved:
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Managed D-Generation X in the WWF.
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Jumped to WCW in 1997 during the Monday Night Wars—famously appearing on Raw and Nitro on the same night (one taped, one live).
Rick Rude passed away on April 20, 1999, at just 40 years old, from heart failure. An autopsy revealed the presence of mixed medications and anabolic steroids, which likely contributed to his death. He had reportedly been training for a potential in-ring comeback at the time.
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Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017 (posthumously)
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Remembered for his incredible mic work, character work, and for being one of the best heels of his era.
