The wrestling world was left in mourning as the news of the passing of the legendary ‘Exotic’ Adrian Street surfaced. On July 24, 2023, at 82, Adrian Street took his last breath surrounded by loved ones at Cwmbran’s Grange University Hospital. Over the years, his flamboyant persona and captivating performances have garnered him a massive fanbase. However, the cause of Adrian Street’s Death has sparked curiosity among his admirers.
Adrian Street Cause of Death: Colitis Turned Sepsis
Adrian Street’s cause of Death has been attributed to colitis, a condition characterized by colon inflammation. Reports indicate that he developed colitis while recovering from previous health issues. Unfortunately, the situation escalated into sepsis, a severe infection that can be life-threatening.
The loss of this remarkable figure deeply saddens the wrestling community and his devoted fans. His unique persona and contributions to professional wrestling will forever be remembered.
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Tributes Pour in for Adrian Street
After Adrian Street’s passing, heartfelt tributes poured in from various corners of the wrestling world. Adrian Street’s wife, Linda, shared her profound grief and described him as “the kindest, most lovely and loving man” she had ever met.
WWE superstar Drew McIntyre took to Twitter to write an emotional note paying tribute to the wrestling icon. McIntyre reflected on Adrian Street’s pioneering impact on the industry, hailing him as a genuine trailblazer and one of the most brutal men one could ever meet. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Linda and Adrian’s family and friends, offering them strength and support during this difficult time.
The WWE organization recognized Adrian Street’s significant contribution to professional wrestling. In a tribute on their official website, WWE celebrated his flamboyant style that had entertained audiences for decades and revolutionized the possibilities in sports entertainment.
Triple H, a prominent figure in WWE and a wrestling legend in his own right, also issued a statement commemorating Adrian Street’s remarkable career and legacy. Acknowledging him as a genre-bending pioneer, Triple H praised Street’s unique persona and ruthless performances inside the ring. He emphasized how Adrian Street had forever changed the wrestling landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and its fans.
Adrian Street: The Exotic Wrestling Trailblazer
Adrian Street’s journey in professional wrestling began on August 8, 1957, under the alias “Kid Tarzan Jonathan,” defeating Geoff Moran. However, his transformation into the vivid and exotic “Exotic” Adrian Street set him apart.
Embracing a daring persona, Adrian Street adorned himself in flashy attire and incorporated effeminate elements. His costumes featured pastels, glitter makeup, and mini-pigtails in his bleached hair. Inside the ring, he became known for kissing opponents to evade pinning attempts and applying makeup to his disabled adversaries. The street even showcased his musical talents, singing glam rock songs like “Sweet Transvestite with a Broken Nose” and “Imagine What I Could Do To You,” which served as his entrance music.
Street’s fame skyrocketed in 1971 when he was booked to face TV presenter Jimmy Savile in a match. Due to disputes with the booking and after hearing Savile boast about inappropriate relationships with underage girls, Street took matters into his own hands and legitimately attacked Savile during the match, tearing out his hair.
Throughout his career, Street primarily portrayed a villainous character and travelled the world, competing in countries like Germany, Canada, and Mexico. In the UK, he formed a formidable team with fellow heel Bobby Barnes, known as the Hells Angels. In 1969, Street met Linda Gunthorpe Hawker, who later became his manager and real-life wife, Miss Linda. Miss Linda was one of the first female valets in professional wrestling and frequently assisted Street with his in-ring theatrics.
1981 Street and Linda made their North American debut, working in various territories before settling in Ron Fuller’s Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW) in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1985. Initially a villainous character, Street turned into a fan-favourite in 1986 when he surprised fans by saving Bob Armstrong, disguised as the Bullet, from an attack by Robert Fuller, Jimmy Golden, and Tom Prichard.
Street’s wrestling career continued until his last match on June 14, 2014, in Birmingham, Alabama. Over his extensive career, he is estimated to have participated in between 12,000 and 15,000 games.
After retiring from full-time in-ring work, Street ran the Skull Krushers Wrestling School in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Unfortunately, the school had to be closed due to severe damage from Hurricane Ivan. Alongside Linda, he ventured into designing and selling professional wrestling gear and other items through their website. Street created the iconic ring gear Mick Foley wore as Dude Love during his legendary feud with Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Adrian Street’s legacy as an exotic wrestling trailblazer will forever be etched in the annals of wrestling history. He inspired generations of wrestlers and fans, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loved dearly.
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