Ex-WWE Star Brian Christopher Lawler Commits Suicide In Jail At 46; Tributes Pour In

Former WWE wrestler Brian Christopher Lawler died Sunday at age 46 after being found hanging in his jail cell in Memphis.

Ex-wrestler Brian Lawler Dead At 46

According to TMZ, Lawler committed suicide. Lawler, whom WWE said was known as “Too Cool’s Grandmaster Sexay,” had been reportedly booked for driving under the influence and avoiding arrest. Lawler had been placed on life support after his suicide attempt, per TMZ.

Another American wrestler, the Croatian-born Josip Peruzovic, also died at age 70 on Sunday. Peruzovic was best known under his ring name Nikolai Volkoff.

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Lawler started his pro wrestling career in the late 1980s as a member of the U.S. Wrestling Association. He then joined WWE (formerly WWF) in 1997. His last appearance at a WWE event was in February 2014. His father, 68-year-old Jerry “The King” Lawler, is also a famous former wrestler.

Here are tributes to Lawler and Peruzovic from around the wrestling community:

Incredibly sad news about the passing of Brian Christopher. A tragic loss of life. Both @StephMcMahon and I are thinking of Jerry Lawler and the entire Lawler family this evening. https://t.co/Siqrx5Vt1c

— Triple H (@TripleH) July 29, 2018

The entire staff of #MCW Pro Wrestling would like to offer its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former #WWE Star Brian Lawler.#RIPBrianLawler pic.twitter.com/2e5F5wBrMd

— MCW Pro Wrestling (@MCWWrestling) July 29, 2018

Sorry to hear about the passing of #BrianChristopher. From USWA to #WWE and Too Cool, he oozed charisma and wasn’t afraid to put himself out there to entertain an audience. And he had some of the best facial expressions in wrestling. #RIPBrianLawler pic.twitter.com/z9ru1YCQHP

— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) July 29, 2018

Too cool we’re such a huge part of not only wrestling, but pop culture for our generation. Such a shame to hear of the passing of one of @WWE most memorable performers. #RIPBrianLawler

— Nathan Cruz (@Nathan_Cruz90) July 29, 2018

GOD BLESS THE BRIAN LAWLER. @JerryLawler MY HEART GO TO YOU MY BROTHER. pic.twitter.com/4RkLnB40gy

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 29, 2018

.@WWE is saddened about the passing of Nikolai Volkoff. pic.twitter.com/wDANbxGHP7

— WWE (@WWE) July 30, 2018

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Other wrestlers who have died this year include Johnny Valiant, Leon “Vader” White and Bruno Sammartino.