Curt Hennig | Cocaine Overdose Death

Curtis Michael Hennig was an American professional wrestler. He performed under his real name for the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and NWA Total Nonstop Action (TNA). 

He also wrestled under ring names such as Mr. Perfect or Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig in the WWF and the WWE.

Unfortunately, Hennig’s life was cut short at the age of 44 when he died of a cocaine overdose.

How Curt Hennig Died

Curt Hennig died on February 10, 2003, in a Brandon, Florida, hotel room at the age of 44. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office stated the cause of death was acute cocaine intoxication, or cocaine overdose. 

According to Hennig’s father, painkillers and steroids may have also contributed to his death.

About Curt Hennig

Curtis Michael Hennig was born on March 28, 1958, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to wrestler Larry “The Axe” Hennig. He attended Robbinsdale High School with Rick Rude who would go on to become a professional wrestler as well.

Early Wrestling Career

Hennig began his wrestling career in 1980 in the American Wrestling Association (AWA). 

It was the association that made his father famous and Curtis would eventually become its top star and win the AWA World Tag Team Championship with Scott Hall. 

He left the association for a time but came back years later and won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship at SuperClash in May 1987.

From 1982-1984, he fought for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was paired with Eddie Gilbert. When he returned in 1988, he took on the ring name Mr. Perfect.

WWF Championship

In 1989, he began feuding with Hulk Hogan over the WWF Championship. It came to a head when Larry Poffo and Hennig stole Hogan’s title belt and destroyed it backstage. 

Hogan and Hennig fought several times after that and ended up being the last two fighters left in the 1990 Royal Rumble.

Injury

In 1991, he won the 20-man Battle Royal and held the WWF Intercontinental Championship until August 1991. He broke his tailbone and had bulged discs and was forced to opt-out of the SummerSlam. 

While recovering for over a year, he was Ric Flair’s consultant for his two WWF Championships.

Hennig also worked as a color commentator on WWF Superstars of Wrestling with Vince McMahon during his recovery. 

Hennig was set to be in the opening of the 1993 Survivor Series but due to back injuries, he was replaced by Macho Man Randy Savage. He returned to the WWF to be a color commentator in 1995 and 1996.

WCW

From 1997-2000, Hennig signed with World Championship of Wrestling (WCW) and joined the Four Horsemen. 

During one match, he betrayed the group and joined the New World Order (nWo). nWo then kicked him out of the group. 

He went on to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Barry Windham. This led him to become the leader of the West Texas Rednecks with Barry and Kendall Windham and Bobby Duncum Jr. 

Return To WWF

In 2002, he went back to the WWF as Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig and was one of the final three competitors at Royal Rumble 25. 

His performance was so good that he received a full-time contract. Unfortunately, he was released from his contract in May 2002 due to a fight he had with Brock Lesnar.

Final Match & Aftermath

His final match was with the Total Nonstop Action (TNA) promo on January 8, 2003. He passed away a month later. He was survived by his wife Leonice Leonard and their four children Joseph, Amy, Kaite, and Hank.

Following his death, two of his children, Joe and Amy, became professional wrestlers. Joe works for WWE under the ring name Curtis Axel.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007.

Curt Hennig’s History of Substance Abuse & Rehab

It’s unclear whether Curt Hennig had substance abuse issues with cocaine, but he did have some issues with alcohol. He showed up drunk to fights on multiple occasions.

Additionally, according to his father, Henning also had an issue with steroids and painkillers. 

Considering the number of injuries Curt Hennig struggled with, painkiller use may have increased his risk of addiction.

Whether Curt Hennig sought out or attended addiction treatment for alcohol, painkiller, or steroid abuse during his life is unknown.

Recovery Is Possible

If you or a loved one live with drug alcohol addiction, Ark Behavioral Health is here to help. You don’t have to deal with it alone, and recovery is possible with the right tools and support. 

For information on our addiction treatment options, including medical detox, inpatient and outpatient services, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare support, please contact us today.