Wrestling Icon Vince Austin Passes Away At 52
Vince Austin, cherished in the wrestling community as "Viking Lord," was found dead at his home, leaving behind a legacy tinted with nostalgia and grief.
The professional wrestling world mourns the death of Austin, a revered fighter and entertainer, who passed away recently at age 52, as Slam Wrestling reports.
Known in the ring by various monikers including Gordon Glynn, his real name, Vince Austin began his illustrious wrestling career back in the early 1990s.
Originating from Newfoundland and Labrador, Austin quickly became a notable figure in the wrestling scene, attracting a robust fan base with his dynamism and distinctive personas.
From Humble Beginnings to Wrestling Stardom
Over the years, Austin adopted several ring names that reflected his evolving image in professional wrestling—names like Blue Antares and Mr. Wrestling #666.
But it was as Vince Austin, or the "Viking Lord," that he captured the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. This character would become his longest-standing and most celebrated persona in the ring.
Despite his active presence in the wrestling circuit for decades, Austin had stepped back from the limelight in recent months. His withdrawal from wrestling and managing roles hinted at possible personal challenges or a simple retreat into a quieter life.
His impact on the sport, however, remained undisputed, characterized by his powerful performances and vibrant personality.
Vince Austin's Unexpected Departure
The wrestling community was shocked to discover that Austin was found deceased at his home on Sept. 26.
The sad revelation suggested that he had died a day or two before he was discovered. This news was officially confirmed by Real Canadian Wrestling, the organization with which Austin had long been affiliated, through a heartfelt announcement on Facebook.
The announcement reflected deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to Austin's family, friends, and admirers across the wrestling world. Real Canadian Wrestling expressed its grief, declaring that Austin's death was a significant loss to the wrestling community globally.
Vince Austin: Remembered by Colleagues and Fans
Spencer Tapley, a fellow wrestler and friend, reminisced about Austin's profound knowledge of Canadian wrestling and praised his humor and vibrant presence.
"He was such a great guy and was an encyclopedia of Canadian, specifically Maritime wrestling, and had such a great sense of humor and lit up every dressing room he was ever in," Tapley commented, reflecting the sentiment of many who knew Austin personally.
In echoing this sentiment, other wrestling figures like Kevin Farrell and Michael Richard Blais shared their grief. Farrell highlighted his unique connection with Austin, "My condolences to his family. Huss!" he added, referencing a shared wrestling cry. Michael Richard Blais summed up his feelings succinctly: "Rest in Peace. Always a good guy who tried to give support to everyone around him. Will be missed."
Legacy of a Wrestling Legend
Further painting the picture of Austin's life and influence, Jordie Chadwick Taylor highlighted his professionalism and brotherhood within the wrestling realm. "Rest in peace, Vince Austin. A proud member of MoT, and an incredible man. An uber respected wrestler, and brother in the business. A legend. A man who lived for professional wrestling. One of the coolest, and realest people I've had the pleasure to meet in this business," he shared.
The wrestling community continues to cope with the loss, as reflections on Austin’s life keep emerging. Comrades like Wavell Starr and Steven Ewaschuk expressed their disbelief and deep sorrow. Ewaschuk's words, "I honestly can't believe this," and Starr's, "Rest easy my friend," encapsulate the collective heartbreak felt by those who knew Austin personally and professionally.
A Final Farewell to Vince Austin
Vince Austin leaves behind a daughter in Montreal and grandchildren, who, together with his wrestling family, mourn the loss of a dynamic fighter, a loving father, and a charismatic entertainer. His previous contributions to wrestling and his more recent quieter life remind us that behind the vibrant wrestling personas, there are nuanced personal stories.
In conclusion, Vince Austin, also recognized under various aliases such as Viking Lord, made significant waves in the wrestling world from the early '90s onwards. He began his journey in Newfoundland and Labrador, eventually adopting the wrestling world as his second home. With heartfelt tributes flowing, Austin's departure marks the end of an era for those who admired his strength, persona, and immense contribution to the sport. Rest in peace, Vince Austin.