10 WCW Stars Who Died Too Young 1. Brad Armstrong (1962 - 2012)

When Brad Armstrong passed away of a suspected heart attack in 2012, a host of the industry's most reputable stars rushed to pay homage to the former Freebird. Steve Austin likened him to Ricky Steamboat, eulogising that he "could go any night, anywhere, with the best in the world", whilst Jim Ross described Armstrong as "one of the most underrated all-time greats within the business".

Dusty Rhodes was similarly effusive in his praise, noting that he never had any doubt in his mind that Armstrong could have been a regular main event star. It is one of the great travesties of wrestling history that he never was.

Wrestling ran through Brad Armstrong's blood. The son of 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong, each of Brad's three brothers also worked between the ropes - most notably younger sibling Brian who made his name in WWE as The Road Dogg.

Despite his considerable talent, WCW never really seemed to know what to do with Armstrong. He was first billed as the Candyman, handing out sweets to children in a gimmick less sinister than it sounds. He then donned a mask as Fantasia and was billed as a third member of WCW's incarnation of the Fabulous Freebirds, before swapping it for a Spiderman-inspired hood. However, the new Arachnaman guise was so similar to the Marvel character that WCW were forced to drop it in short order.

Armstrong was eventually allowed to just be Brad Armstrong, though after his brother began to achieve success in WWF, Vince Russo forced Armstrong to adopt the moniker Buzzkill in order to take-off the Road Dogg character. Fans didn't recognise the familial connection, and the idea bombed.

Poor booking ultimately meant Armstrong never hit the heights his considerable talent deserved, though he is nevertheless remembered amongst his peers as one of the greatest workers ever to step in the ring.

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