According to WWE, the world of wrestling is mourning the death of Steve “Mongo” McMichael, WCW star and NFL great. The news rippled through those who grew up watching him strut his stuff in the fierce competition of the Monday Night Wars, as tributes now flow through social media from wrestlers to long-time viewers who remember his contribution to the sport.
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Not your common wrestler, McMichael was a Super Bowl champion with the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears defense who transitioned into wrestling, where he became a key member of the iconic Four Horsemen faction in WCW. His outsize personality made him someone who stood out in any occasion, be it commentating or brawling in the ring.
The official WWE tweet confirmed the news and sparked a torrent of memories and respect. Evil Jackalopes, among others, spoke on and summarized the lengthy credentials of his career: “With his NFL contributions, being in WrestleMania, longtime WCW announcer, member of the Four Horseman, and WCW US Heavyweight Champion should make it an easy middle age add to the Hall of Fame someday.” Other comments from Jo bookert pointed out that he belonged there, “He fit in the business like a glove.”
And, of course, some choose to remain ignorant of his legacy. “I ain’t never heard of buddy,” one user said. Another retorted: “Google is free-I just told you: SB champion, 85 Bears, WCW US champion.” Classic internet energy there.
Of course, the very mention of a wrestling conversation means plenty of chaos. A heated conversation erupted on whether McMichael was indeed the “worst” Horseman as teetz sanchez was prowling around declaring him a “weird member” of the group. That take did not sit well with others such as Chingo Tu Madre Jones, who remarked: “Not even close and hella disrespectful for an RIP message.” The WalshDog also brought Chris Benoit into the mix because wrestling fans love a heated ranking debate even in times of mourning.
Some tributes were shorter but no less heartfelt: from maria vargas, “Rest in peace 🪦,” or Pokemon Master Spike’s throwback nostalgia, “Nevermind that shit, here goes Mongo!”—a toast to his WCW memorable moments. Others like Scoop Slam Enthusiast defended his legacy against revisionist narratives, wondering when would people here who crapped on him for years turn to claiming that they loved him.
McMichael’s influence also went beyond wrestling. Joseph Dedaj noted that he’d lately been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Michael Goodman said that actually he was part of “the best and most iconic defense in professional football.” Even talking about his quirks was fondly remembered; “The little dog with the hat on,” a reference to his on-screen companion in the WCW days, was yelled out by Thomas.
A pandemonium of respect, debate, and nostalgia within the replies tells the complete tale of an incredibly comparable yet never-forgotten career of McMichael. Whether you cheered for the ridiculous outside-the-ring antics he spewed or jeered his in-ring work, well, he was here, and that is what stands out in wrestling.
But of course, such an event wouldn’t pass by without further ado. “Mongo” was indeed one of the legends in terms of leaving his footprints, not in sand, but from gridiron to squared circle larger than others find places in their memories. Rest easy, champ.
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This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
