RIP Captain Lou Albano

Some sad news for wrestling fans. Former professional wrestling manager, Captain Lou Albano, has died aged 76. He died in his sleep.

Those who follow American professional wrestling closely would know who Lou Albano is. I remember him from watching World Wrestling Federation (as it was known back then) in the 1980s as a kid. He stands out for being on the overweight side (& I say this in a good way), his scruffy looks, longish hair & distinctive beard. He was one of the "good guys". The wrestlers he managed include such big names as Andre the Giant, Nikolai Volkoff, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka & The Iron Sheik. There were a couple of occasions where he would get into fights with rival managers. On top of that, he managed numerous tag teams. A lot of the wrestlers he managed (whether as single competitors or tag team) have won many titles. I can tell you he was some character, & I enjoyed watching him & the wrestlers he managed. If I recall correctly, there was one WWF segment where Albano was attacked by Bobby Heenan & a couple of Heenan's wrestlers, only for Albano's wrestlers to come to the rescue & take Heenan's wrestlers out. They then isolated Bobby Heenan for Albano to throw a couple of punches & dish out handsome retribution on Heenan, much to the delight of the crowd (because Heenan was one of the villains, a manager that wrestling fans loved to hate). Aaaaahhhh, memories.

Lou Albano's passing is a huge loss to the wrestling world. Outside of wrestling, I am sure his family & friends will dearly miss him.

RIP Lou Albano.