User:Moe Epsilon/sandbox/List of professional wrestling-related deaths

Professional wrestling is a form of performance art which combines athletics with theatrical performance. It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport. The unique form of sport portrayed is fundamentally based on classical and "catch" wrestling, with modern additions of striking attacks, strength-based holds and throws and acrobatic maneuvers, much of with derive from the influence of various international martial arts. The matches have predetermined outcomes to heighten entertainment value and all combative maneuvers are executed with the full cooperation of those involved and carefully performed in specific manners intended to lessen the chance of actual injury. Despite this, whether it be from an injury from the stunts performed or medically-related (e.g. a myocardial infarction), professional wrestling-related deaths do occur. The mortality rate for professional wrestlers is 2.9 times greater than the rate for men in the wider United States population according to a study by Eastern Michigan University, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Experts suggest that a combination of the physical nature of the business, no off-season, and the drug culture of the 1970s and 1980s contributes to high mortality rates among wrestlers. Measures such as the introduction of WWE's Wellness Program have been instituted to curb the trend.

For the purpose of this list, it only includes wrestlers who either suffered a fatal injury or had a medical emergency that started in-ring, in front of an audience, that ultimately resulted in their death. Notable exclusions that don't fit this criteria include: Ángel Azteca, Bruiser Brody, Chris Candido, and Michel Martel. Incidents that occur during training to become a professional wrestler are not including either, such as the cases of Brian Ong and Giant Ochiai.