The death of Randy "Macho Man" Savage, last Friday in Florida, reminds us once again about the shocking number of pro wrestling tragedies in the past two decades. According to Wrestling Observer, 27% of the performers who competed in 1991’s WrestleMania VII are deceased, mostly prematurely. 14 of the 51 wrestlers have now passed away including: Andre the Giant, Mr. Perfect (Curt Henning), Big Boss Man, the British Bulldog, Sensational Sherri, Earthquake, the Texas Tornado (Kerry Von Erich), Dino Bravo, Crush, Road Warrior Hawk, and Savage.

Other deaths include broadcasters Lord Alfred Hayes and Gorilla Monsoon, as well as Savage's manager and former real-life wife Miss Elizabeth.   

By contrast, all 44 pro footballers who started in 1991’s Super Bowl XXV between the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants are still alive and of the 44 boxers holding title belts in various federations during the same year, only two have passed away.