Chris Kanyon dead, former WWE & WCW star dies age 40

In what seems to be an unfortunate trend yet another professional wrestling star has passed away at an all too young age. Just today it's been reported that former WWE and WCW wrestling star Chris Kanyon has died at age 40. The news that Chris Kanyon is dead has shocked many of his family, friends and fans. Chris Kanyon's death appears to be a suicide at this point with details still developing in the story.

Early news reports have indicated that a pill bottle and several notes were found nearby to Kanyon's body in his Sunnyside, Queens, New York home. The news will cause many to remember another tragic death, when former wrestler Chris Benoit committed suicide after murdering his wife and child in their home.

Kanyon's wrestling career extended from 1992 until 2006 according to the Chris Kanyon wiki entry. In 1994 he had worked as a "jobber" wrestler with WWE, providing an amateur opponent to help push other wrestlers in the ring. Kanyon worked in the WCW as a character named "Mortis" (1997) but eventually began to use his regular name of "Kanyon". For a while he used the catch phrase "Who's better than Kanyon?" Kanyon started working in WWE during a WCW-ECW Alliance storyline. He had few storylines including a breif feud with wrestlers Matt Hardy, then Rhyno, as well as an appearance when he dressed up as Boy George and was attacked by Undertaker. Kanyon suffered several injuries requiring surgery after working with WWE and appearing at various house shows as his "Mortis" character.

After revealing in real life that he was homosexual, his wrestling career ended with WWE. Kanyon went on the Howard Stern show several times in the aftermath of his career. Kanyon, althouh retired from wrestling, made a return to the ring this past year to work in a couple matches.

Deepest condolences are extended to the friends, family and fans of Chris Kanyon.