WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler said this morning on Twitter that wrestling legend Ox Baker (Douglas A. Baker) has passed away.
Lawler wrote: “Just got the sad news that my friend and wrestling great, Ox Baker passed away a couple of hours ago. RIP OX”
The news was later reported by TMZ:
“Notorious for his dreaded “Heart Punch,” Baker stood 6 foot, 5 inches and weighed 342 pounds. During his legendary career, Baker captured numerous titles and was involved in notable feuds with the likes of Harley Race, Bruiser Brody and Big John Studd. Terry Funk once called Baker “the toughest man I ever shared a four corner ring with.” Outside the wrestling world, Baker is perhaps best known for battling Kurt Russell in John Carpenter’s 1981 cult classic sci-fi action film “Escape from New York.”
Baker was 80-years-old.
WWE has issued a statement on the passing of Ox Baker, who died Monday morning at the age of 80.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Ox Baker, a feared villain of the ring for more than three decades, passed away Monday morning at age 80. A 6-foot-5 behemoth from Waterloo, Iowa, Baker originally competed in WWWF in the late 1960s and became one of the most intimidating forces known inside the squared circle — both due to his unique look and devastating heart punch. Over the span of an impressive career, the big man traded blows with the likes of WWE Hall of Famers Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and Harley Race.
“Outside the ring, Baker also put the hurt on actor Kurt Russell as the brute played an appropriately savage warrior in the post-apocalyptic world of John Carpenter’s 1981 sci-fi classic, “Escape from New York.”
“WWE extends its condolences to Baker’s colleagues, friends and family.”
A number of people in the wrestling world are paying their respects to the legendary figure on Twitter.
Howard Finkel: “Sad to hear of the passing of Ox Baker. Met him on a few occasions; great guy. He had such a unique persona, and could deliver on the mike! RIP.”
Tazz: “Sorry to hear of the passing of the legendary Ox Baker. He “set the table” for big nasty heels w/great promo skills. Met him once, good man.”
Tommy Dreamer: “Sad to hear the passing of OX Baker. A perfect looking villian w/a deep loud voice. Watch Escape from New York to see. RIP.”
Matt Striker: “Was just told that Ox Baker passed away. Legitimately scared me as a kid, was a sweet, kind man to me as I got to know him later. Rest well.”
Eric Bischoff: “RIP Ox Baker. One of the great characters in the industry.”
