A day after the wrestling world lost a pioneer in The Dynamite Kid, it’s in mourning once again, as legendary AWA star Larry “The Axe” Hennig, father of WWE Hall of Famer “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and grandfather of current WWE Superstar Curtis Axel, has passed away at the age of 82.
The bad week for pro wrestling continues as we bid farewell to one of the nicest guys in the business with the passing of Larry "The Axe" Hennig. pic.twitter.com/uRFNgWpOeZ
— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) December 6, 2018
Larry Hennig made his pro wrestling debut in 1956, a student of American Wrestling Association (AWA) star and founder Verne Gagne. He originally began as a technical wrestler, but found himself working most tag matches. In 1963, he began working in Texas and while there struck up a friendship with another young wrestler named Harley Race. During his time in Texas, Hennig adopted more of a brawler style and began to partner with Race. Upon his return to the AWA, Hennig brought Race with him and the two won several AWA World Tag Team titles together.
Larry Hennig would remain with the AWA until his retirement in 1986, seeing his son Curt Hennig join the business (and AWA) in 1981. He would tag with Curt on several occasions in the 1980s as well as help guide his son to the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1986.
It didn’t take long for the wrestling world to share their condolences.
We are more than extremely sad to hear that the long-time tag-team partner, wrestling legend, and most importantly close-friend of @8XNWAChampion – Larry Hennig – has passed away. We can't express the sadness that we feel at this time.
Condolences to the Hennigs. #RIPLarryHennig pic.twitter.com/ZaDJV9sA4l— World League Wrestling & The Harley Race Academy (@worldleaguewlw) December 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/1070751301267533824
Sorry to learn of the passing of our friend #LarryHennig
"The Axe" and his lovely wife Irene were @CACReunion regulars and joined us @WrestleCon this past April in New Orleans
RIP, sir! pic.twitter.com/zwp0lTOyvk
— Boston Wrestling MWF : BACK TO THE 80S April 16th! (@MWFProjectX) December 6, 2018
