Legendary Wrestler Rip Hawk Passes Away

Legendary wrestler Harvey Maurice Evers, a.k.a. Rip Hawk, passed away today at the age of 82.

Hawk was a legendary heel in the business, and won several tag team championships with partner Swede Hanson as The Blonde Bombers. After Hanson suffered a heart attack in the early 70s, Hawk embarked on a singles career and won the NWA Eastern States Heavyweight Championship on several occasions.

Hawk later teamed with Ric Flair in the early 1970s, and the two won the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship. The team would eventually disband and Hawk and Flair would go on to face each other in singles matches.

Several members in the business took to their Twitters to remember Hawk, here are some of their messages:

Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ): "RIP to pro wrestling villain Rip Hawk. One if the all time greats before cable. Instrumental in launching Ric Flair's career in Carolina's."

Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel): "RIP Rip Hawk. I remember seeing him and Swede Hanson as a tag team in the Mid-Atlantic area in the early 70's.. A rugged combo they were..."

Shane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom): "RIP Rip Hawk. I always liked that name."

Mike Mooneyham ?(@ByMikeMooneyham): "Very sad news to report. Legendary wrestler Rip Hawk has passed away at the age of 82. One of my best friends in the biz. A wonderful guy."