Wrestling legend Abdullah the Butcher has reportedly been hospitalized as he battles serious health issues.
Longtime wrestling promoter Steve Stasiak revealed in a statement on social media that Abdullah, whose real name is Lawrence Shreve, was hospitalized on Thursday night. Stasiak said Abdullah is “battling serious health issues” and in need of prayers.
“Wrestling legend Abdullah The Butcher has been hospitalized tonight,” Stasiak wrote.
“At 84 years old, the Wild Man from the Sudan is battling serious health issues and is currently in the hospital. Abdullah is one of the most iconic and feared figures to ever step inside a wrestling ring — a man who helped shape the sport with his unforgettable presence from Japan to Puerto Rico to Georgia and beyond.
“Right now, he needs all of us. Let’s come together as fans, friends, and family of this business to send our prayers, positive thoughts, and strength his way.”
Abdullah, who is 84, rose to prominence when he wrestled in All Japan Pro Wrestling in the 1970s and 1980s. He was born and raised in Canada but is of Sudanese descent, which is why he was known as the “Madman from Sudan” for much of his wrestling career.
Abdullah was known for having matches that featured a tremendous amount of blood and gore. He has numerous scars on his head and elsewhere from using blading tactics, which is when a wrestler intentionally cuts his or herself during a match to make real blood flow.
Canadian wrestler Devon Nicholson won a $2.4 million lawsuit against Shreve in 2007 after Nicholson claimed he contracted Hepatitis-C when Shreve bladed him without consent.
Abdullah, who had international matches against prominent wrestlers like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant during his career, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
