The wrestling community is in mourning today after news broke of the passing of Sid Eudy, known to fans around the world as Sid Vicious, Sid Justice, and Sycho Sid. A towering figure in the ring, Sid was one of the most recognizable stars of the 1990s, claiming the WCW World Heavyweight and WWE Championships a combined four times. His career saw him headlining WrestleMania and Starrcade, and his legacy continues to influence the wrestling world today.
As the news spread, tributes and memories began pouring in from across the wrestling landscape. Among the first to speak out was “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his sadness. Flair, who shared the ring with Sid during both their WCW and WWE days, acknowledged their past differences but noted they had made amends in recent years. Flair, ever the storyteller, wanted fans to know that Sid was more than just a feared competitor – he was also a man with a beautiful family and a love for softball that rivaled his passion for wrestling.
Sting, another legend of the squared circle and one of Sid’s fiercest WCW rivals, also paid his respects, calling Sid “one of the most believable big men ever.” Sting fondly remembered their battles and expressed his sorrow at losing such a formidable opponent.
WWE authority figure Adam Pearce shared a more lighthearted memory, recalling a time when Sid convinced a local sheriff to drive them from Tulsa to Enid, Oklahoma, for a show – only for them to miss it entirely. The story highlighted Sid’s larger-than-life personality, a sentiment echoed by former WCW President Eric Bischoff, who said he had “nothing but the fondest memories” of working with Sid.
Other notable figures from Sid’s storied career also chimed in. Marc Mero, who posted a heartfelt photo of himself with Sid, remembered the big man as one of his first opponents in WCW. TNA star PCO credited Sid with helping him reinvent his career, while WWE Hall of Famer Booker T spoke about how Sid had helped him and his brother Stevie Ray break into the business.
Jim Ross, the legendary announcer who called Sid’s first WWE Championship win at Survivor Series 1996, described Sid as “quite the attraction.” Ross was joined by a chorus of voices from across the wrestling world, including Bobby Fulton, James Storm, Dan Severn, and Bronson Reed, all of whom shared their admiration for Sid’s impact on the sport.
Organizations also paid their respects. The Cauliflower Alley Club referred to Sid as “a legend in the professional wrestling world,” while TNA Wrestling honored him as “a true powerhouse and unforgettable force in the ring.” Both AEW and the NWA, where Sid wrestled in 1989, offered their condolences to his friends, family, and fans.
WWE itself formally acknowledged Sid’s passing on social media, later releasing a statement that highlighted his significant contributions to the company. The statement reflected on Sid’s intense feuds with the likes of Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels, and his two reigns as WWE Champion in the mid-90s.
“Known as ‘The Master and Ruler of the World,’ Sid’s reputation as one of the toughest and most thrilling Superstars cemented his legacy in WWE, and his influence can still be seen in wrestling rings around the world,” the WWE statement read.
WWE CCO Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Shawn Michaels, one of Sid’s most memorable rivals, also paid tribute. Levesque praised Sid’s unique ability to connect with audiences, while Michaels reflected on Sid’s role in shaping “The Heartbreak Kid” character, emphasizing that Sid’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Perhaps the most succinct tribute came from Heath Slater, one of Sid’s final opponents. Slater posted a simple but powerful message: #ripsidvicious, along with a photo of Sid pinning him during their match on the June 25, 2012 episode of WWE Raw – Sid’s final WWE appearance.
As the wrestling world bids farewell to one of its most iconic figures, Sid Vicious’s impact on the industry remains undeniable. His legacy will live on through the countless wrestlers and fans he inspired throughout his storied career.