Revolution Pro Wrestling has posted to Twitter today that English Pro Wrestling Veteran Mark “Rollerball” Rocco passes away at age 69. Several media outlets are also reporting Rocco’s passing.
Rocco started amateur wrestling at age 16, competing in southern France and Pakistan.
He worked for Joint Promotions, All Star Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling as the original Black Tiger.
His father was was British professional wrestler Jim Hussey and his son is boxer Jono “Rocco” Hussey.
Rocco was a regular on British Television’s ITV’s World of Sport, which aired from January 1965 to September 1985. He had matches with Dynamite Kid, “Iron Fist” Clive Myers, and Marty Jones.
Rocco’s matches gained international attention, which caught the eyes of New Japan Pro Wrestling. It was in NJPW where Rocco created the Black Tiger persona, in which he went on to have some of the highest-rated pro wrestling matches in Japanese television history.
Rocco retired from professional wrestling in 1991 due to an incident where he lost consciousness following a match against Fit Finlay. It was later revealed as a heart condition that would force him out of in-ring action.
As of this report, there is no known cause of death.
On behalf of the staff of Wrestleview, we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Mark Rocco during this sad time.
RIP Mark Rollerball Rocco.
Thank you for your contributions towards revolutionising the sport that we love. pic.twitter.com/iShtByjsll
— Revolution Pro (@RevProUK) July 31, 2020