Former manager Sir Oliver Humperdink dies
Sir Oliver Humperdink, a well-known pro wrestling manager from the ’70s to the early ’90s, died early Sunday morning. He was 62.
Humperdink (real name John Sutton) had been suffering from bladder cancer and was in hospice care.
The red-haired, bug-eyed Humperdink first made a name for himself as a heel manager in Florida Championship Wrestling. He formed a heel stable there and in other NWA territories – including Jim Crockett Promotions, based in the Carolinas – that was known as The House of Humperdink.
Among the notable wrestlers he managed during those days were Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, Bruiser Brody, Ivan Koloff and Superstar Billy Graham.
Humperdink joined the WWF in 1987 and had a brief run as the babyface manager of Bam Bam Bigelow and Paul Orndorff. He later worked for WCW, where he managed The Freebirds as Big Daddy Dink.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Comments
I came to know him through Facebook. He was a walking encyclopedia of Blues and enriched the lives of his FB fans with his daily recognition of the genre.
RIP Sir Oliver. Until we meet again
Posted by: SMIB | March 21, 2011 7:51 AM
I never knew him. :(
R.I.P Sir Oliver. :(
Posted by: Sharan | March 21, 2011 4:27 PM
I loved him in FCW the NWA & WWF sorry to se that he passed.
Posted by: frank from dundalk | March 22, 2011 10:32 AM
I think 'Oliver Humperdink' probably got the most attention in the WWE when he was 'selected' by Bam Bam Bigelow to be his manager, over Heenan, Slick, etc. Bigelow was the beneficiary of a big push upon his entrance to the WWE at the time, somewhat similar to Del Rio's. In Bigelow's case, there was also suspense over whether he would be a face or heel.
I believe he also functioned as a manager in other federations.
Sad news and my condolences to his family.
Posted by: Mark | March 22, 2011 12:03 PM
My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved-ones of Mr. John Sutton.
As a boy, I recall when he was manager of The (original) Hollywood Blonds. He was such a entertaining character! You know, one of those heel-managers -that couldn't bust a grape, but always instigated to get his boys involved.
May The True and Living Yahweh, bless the soul of Mr. John Sutton
Posted by: His Prince Michael | March 23, 2011 4:35 PM
Sir Oliver Humperdink was a tremendous manager especially in the southern part of the country. We are losing some great people recently -- Gary Hart, General Skandor Akbar and now Humperdink. He will truly be missed.
Posted by: Gary | March 24, 2011 12:24 PM