Tommy Rogers, Wrestling Star From The 1980s, Has Passed Away At 54


Tommy Rogers (real name Thomas Couch), best known as one half of the 1980s professional wrestling tag team The Fantastics, tragically passed away on Monday at the age of 54. Rogers was found by his roommate at home in Honolulu, Hawaii. No official cause of death is available at this time.

Tommy Rogers rose to superstardom in the 1980s when he teamed up with Bobby Fulton to form The Fantastics, a team that would go on to win gold on more than once occasion throughout their storied run. Rogers old teammate took to his official Facebook page on Monday to write some kind words about his recently departed friend.

“I was wanting to wait until all of the family has been notified. My wrestling tag team partner Tommy Rogers passed away this morning in Hawaii. I am totally devastated by this loss. Words can’t even describe it. Tommy blessed me with an opportunity to be a part of one of the great tag teams of professional wrestling. He was one of the best athletes in the profession. My prayers are for Sheila and the rest of the Couch family. Not only was he a partner he was like a brother we travelled many miles and many different places. I know in fact with his belief in Jesus which he shared with me many times recently and I know he has heaven as his home, because the Bible teaches us to be absent of the body is to be present with The Lord.”

According to Dave Meltzer at the Wrestling Observer, Tommy Rogers was under a significant amount of stress and pressure of late due to some run-ins with law enforcement. In fact, Rogers was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday for sentencing stemming from a physical confrontation he recently had with police officers. According to Meltzer’s report, Rogers feared he would be sentenced to a lengthy stay in prison.

Despite all of this, friends of Rogers noted he had been in good spirits in recent days. Rogers’ roommate reportedly found him in a chair in front of his computer at about 3 a.m. Monday morning, gurgling. The roommate called 911, but Rogers was unable to be revived by paramedics.

As part of The Fantastics with Fulton, Rogers held the UWF and WCCW World Tag Team Championships. Most notably, the team held the NWA U.S. Tag Team Titles. One of The Fantastics’ most famous matches was winning the NWA U.S. Tag Team Titles from the Midnight Express during the very first Clash of the Champions event in March 1988.

Tommy Rogers appeared on Steve Austin’s podcast in June of last year, talking about the impact the wrestling business had on his overall health and long-term well being.

2015 has already been a sad year for wrestling fans, with Verne Gagne and Perro Aguayo Jr. sadly passing away earlier this year.

[Image via OnlineWorldOfWrestling.com]

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