Wrestling legend Adrian Street, 82, passes away

Wrestling icon Adrian Street, known as "the sadist in sequins," has passed away at 82 after brain surgery.

Wrestling legend Adrian Street, known for his flamboyant persona and unique wrestling style, has sadly passed away at the age of 82. The Welsh sportsman, affectionately called "the sadist in sequins," died on Monday at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran. His family confirmed that Adrian had recently undergone brain surgery before his untimely demise.

Adrian's wife, Linda, spoke highly of her late husband, describing him as the kindest and most loving man one could ever meet. The 77-year-old, who was also a wrestler in the 1960s, revealed that Adrian had previously experienced a heart problem, which had been resolved. However, he suffered a stroke earlier this month, resulting in a brain bleed. While recovering at home, he developed colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which eventually led to sepsis and his passing.

The suddenness of Adrian's decline has left Linda in shock, and she is still coming to terms with the loss. She emphasized that despite his on-stage persona, Adrian was the complete opposite in real life, showcasing immense kindness and love.

In accordance with Adrian's wishes, Linda plans to have him cremated, with his ashes to be scattered on the mountains near their Cwmbran home. It is a fitting tribute to a man who always stood out from the crowd.

Adrian's wrestling journey began when he ran away to London during his mid-teens. He joined a wrestling promoter who gave him the ring name Kid Tarzan Jonathan. However, he eventually reclaimed his birth name and distinguished himself from other wrestlers with his extravagant attire. His signature look included vibrant face paint, a feather boa, and peroxide hair styled in pigtails. Adrian's eccentricity extended to his in-ring behavior, as he would skip around and playfully cover his opponents in lipstick kisses.

One of Adrian's most memorable moments came in 1971 when he faced disgraced broadcaster Jimmy Savile. Adrian left Savile battered and bruised, dropping him on his head and tearing out a chunk of his hair. He later revealed that he had refused to "throw" the match, despite pressure from promoters to do so. This incident highlighted the absurdity of the wrestling industry at the time.

Adrian's career reached new heights when he relocated to the United States and Canada in the 1980s. Eventually settling in Florida with Linda, who became his business manager, the couple established The Bizarre Bazaar, a costume-making business, and their own wrestling school called Skull Krushers Academy. Their entrepreneurial spirit and love for the sport propelled them to success.

In his later years, Adrian returned to Wales, where he and Linda released a film about his life titled 'You May Be Pretty, But I Am Beautiful' in 2019. Adrian also ventured into music, recording an album, and authored several autobiographies, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

The wrestling world mourns the loss of Adrian Street, a man who defied conventions and entertained audiences with his larger-than-life personality. His impact on the industry will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on through the stories and accomplishments he leaves behind.