The wrestling community remembers the passing of former WWE wrestler Darren ‘Droz’ Drozdov at the age of 54, reportedly due to natural causes. For fans who grew up watching wrestling during the iconic ‘Attitude Era,’ Drozdov was a memorable figure whose contributions to the sport left a lasting impact.
Drozdov’s wrestling career was abruptly halted on October 5, 1999, during a match at the Nassau Coliseum, where a tragic accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite the devastating turn of events, Drozdov displayed remarkable resilience and courage in the face of adversity, becoming an inspiration to many.
Before his wrestling days, Drozdov had established himself in other arenas of athleticism. He had a notable career in track and field, where he broke the shot-put record in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Additionally, Drozdov had a stint in the NFL, playing for teams such as the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos. However, it was in the world of professional wrestling where he truly made his mark.
Joining the then WWF (now WWE) in 1998, Drozdov quickly gained recognition for his imposing stature at 6’3″ and 245 pounds. He became known for his association with ‘The Legion of Doom’ tag team and was involved in memorable storylines and matches during his time in the spotlight.
One of the most infamous moments of Drozdov’s career came in the documentary ‘Beyond the Mat,’ where he showcased his ability to vomit at will, a skill that WWE incorporated into his character. Despite this eccentricity, Drozdov remained a fan favorite for his dedication and intensity in the ring.
The tragic incident on October 5, 1999, brought Drozdov’s wrestling career to an abrupt end. However, it did not dampen his spirit or determination. Despite being paralyzed, Drozdov remained optimistic and resilient, refusing to let his condition define him. He emphasized that paralysis did not signify the end of his life but rather a new beginning, inspiring many with his unwavering positivity.
In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in from fellow WWE stars, colleagues, and fans. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, with whom Drozdov shared locker rooms during the ‘Attitude Era,’ fondly remembered their time together and the camaraderie they shared. Even the official Twitter account of the NFL franchise Denver Broncos offered their condolences, acknowledging Drozdov’s brief stint with the team.
Man I’m so sorry to hear one of our ring brothers has passed away.
Darren Drozdov aka Droz.
We wrestled on a lot of cards together. Such an awesome dude. Great personality and great wrestling talent. We always talked about football and fishing. Sending love, strength, mana and…
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) June 30, 2023
We’re saddened by the passing of Darren Drozdov, who played for the Broncos from 1993-94 before becoming a @WWE wrestler.
“Droz” embodied the spirit of perseverance & determination through adversity, and our hearts go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/9clWCZxRdt
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 30, 2023
Lance Storm, who worked with Drozdov during his time at ECW, also expressed his condolences, highlighting the impact Drozdov had on those around him and the wrestling community as a whole.
Despite his tragic end in the wrestling ring, Drozdov’s legacy as a dedicated performer, resilient individual, and source of inspiration will continue to be remembered and cherished by fans worldwide. His contributions to the world of professional wrestling will forever remain a part of its storied history.