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Original Black Tiger Passes Away At Age 69
WWE has issued a statement following the passing of Mark “Rollerball” Rocco. The 69 year-old British wrestler passed away at age 69.
Rocco was the original Black Tiger character, and captured the vacant WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship against Gran Hamada.
This was during a time when WWF and New Japan Pro-Wrestling had a relationship, with the title being defended in Japan, Mexico, and the United States.
WWE issued the following statement
Mark “Rollerball” Rocco passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Mark “Rollerball” Rocco has passed away at the age of 69.
A fourth-generation wrestler, Rocco became renowned for his grappling exploits around the world, competing as the original masked Black Tiger and winning the WWE Junior Heavyweight Championship.
The Manchester native tangled with a who’s-who of sports-entertainment icons, such as Jushin Liger, Dynamite Kid, Tiger Mask, Fit Finlay and more.
Known as a pioneer of today’s modern cruiserweight style and a legend of British wrestling, Rocco left a lasting influence on the industry, including NXT General Manager William Regal and NXT UK Superstar Flash Morgan Webster.
I’ve woken to the terrible news that my friend and colleague Mark “ Rollerball” Rocco has passed away. Mark was so ahead of his time and wether as himself or the original “Black Tiger” in @njpwglobal, he, along with Marty Jones were the…
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2020