Abdullah The Butcher Hospitalized at 84, Facing Serious Health Issues

Abdullah The Butcher, the 84-year-old professional wrestling figure Lawrence "Larry" Shreve, has been hospitalized and is battling serious health issues, his representatives said on Oct. 23. The announcement, posted on social media by a promoter who tracks wrestling news, said Shreve was currently in hospital but provided no medical details.

The post called for support from fans and the wrestling community and added that Shreve and members of his team follow the account and read messages. "Right now, he needs all of us. Lets come together as fans, friends, and family of this business to send our prayers, positive thoughts, and strength his way," the post said. Organizers and people close to Shreve have not released further information, and it was not immediately clear which hospital is caring for him or what condition prompted the admission.

Shreve, widely known by his ring name Abdullah The Butcher, rose to prominence for a brutally physical style that helped establish what later came to be called hardcore wrestling. Billed during his career as "The Madman from Sudan" or the "Wild Man," he worked across North America, Japan and Puerto Rico and was a mainstay in various National...