On Friday, 29th December, Revolution Pro Wrestling announced that former Undisputed British Cruiserweight Champion Kurtis Chapman passed away at the age of 26.
Revolution Pro Wrestling on X said:
“We, at Revolution Pro Wrestling are absolutely heartbroken to report the loss of our dear friend Kurtis Chapman. We watched Kurtis grow from a child to a young man who loved professional wrestling and continued to excel in all aspects of his life. One of the most gifted technical wrestlers, charismatic characters and magnetic personalities. He will never be forgotten”
Mad Kurt: A Unique Persona
Known by “Mad Kurt”, Chapman was a nine-year veteran. From Portsmouth, England, Chapman started wrestling when he was 16 for RevPro. What made him stand out, besides is in ring work, was how he created a larger than life persona that captured modern online social media culture. Playing into his youth, slim body and boisterous personality, Chapman’s “Mad Kurt” was a mixture of online videogame smack-talk, British banter and engagement farming social media influencers.
In the ring, Kurt blended comedy with action. Known for coming to the ring with a cape and wearing tracksuit bottoms with plastered with birds, he often looked like he had just gotten out of his gaming chair. The brace-faced grappler could be sympathetic babyface when getting his head caved in by Will Osprey. Also, in “kicking out” of Osprey’s version of the one-winged angel, Kurtis had a small role in one of the greatest rivalries of modern wrestling. Yet he could also be a shit-disturbing cheating heel.
In his final match from June for Wrestling Resurgence in Leicester, his ability to do physical comedy is on full display as he defended his Resurgence Arthouse Championship against four much bulkier opponents.
Chapman got to wrestle for a variety of UK promotions including PROGRESS, TNT Extreme Wrestling, IPW UK, OTT and many more. In his short career he faced a list of eclectic and notable opponents in pro wrestling. Beyond Will Osprey, Chapman teamed with Minoru Suzuki, faced Gangrel and lost a chance to become the Internet Champion to Matt Cardona. The later happened when GCW made its UK debut last year. Chapman, in his brief career, had a highlight reel of moments and memories, many of which have been shared by fellow wrestlers and fans on X.
Keyboard Warrior
Part of the reason for his match with Cardona related to Chapman’s strong Twitter game and presence. Chapman became a social media personality. The keyboard warrior trolled various wrestlers, including EC3 and Austin Aries. At one point, Chapman’s antics of goading Eddie Kingston online resulted in Kingston (who was coming to tour the UK) beating down Chapman.
Kingston got the chance to do what many fans wish they could do when they have been harassed online. Beat the crap out of their troll. It was a gimmick that suited our modern time and allowed Chapman to stand out on the UK indies.
However, it is clear from the various tributes shared on X that underneath the character, Kurtis was a funny, loving and kind human being. He has left his mark on the industry. He will be sorely missed for his wit, strong personality and ability to make people laugh.
All of us here at Last Word on Pro Wrestling wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends, co-workers and fans of Kurtis Chapman at this difficult time.
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