From Ben Flanagan at al.com
Bobby Eaton, a professional wrestling star born in Alabama, has passed away.
He was 62.
Eaton’s sister Debbie Eaton Lewis announced the news on Facebook. A cause of death is not yet known.
A Huntsville native, Eaton (left) also formed one half of The Midnight Express, first with fellow Alabama native Dennis Condrey and then with Stan Lane, managed by Jim Cornette. Eaton debuted in 1976 and would later work tag teams with other WWE notables like Koko B. Ware and “Lord” Steven Regal.
He graduated from Lee High School in the late 1970s.
Nicknamed “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, he performed for part of 40 years, working in promotions like Mid-America Wrestling, the Alabama-based Continental Wrestling Association, Mid-South Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, World Championship Wrestling, and Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
Shortly after signing with Jim Crockett Promotions in 1985, Eaton and Condrey won the NWA tag titles from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. They would also feud with the likes of The New Breed and The Road Warriors.
He was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019.
Fellow pro wrestling legends and personalities shared their condolences on Twitter.
Steven Regal tweeted, “My deepest condolences to Taryn, Dillon & Dustin and family of Bobby Eaton who has passed away. My dear friend, partner, travel buddy, teacher, superbly skilled Pro who would make everyone who knew him feel happy inside, love you.x.”
Samoa Joe tweeted, “Bobby Eaton is a man with a professional reputation you aspire to build & a personal reputation you hope those you care for have about you. A MASTER of our craft and one of the nicest men I’ve had the pleasure to meet. My condolences to his family, my gratitude for the memories.”
Eric Bischoff tweeted, “My heart goes out to the family, friends, and fans of Bobby Eaton. One of a kind talent whose skill in the ring made it look so real.”
