Man Mountain Mike
| Gary Fletcher | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 15, 1940 |
| Died | April 30, 1988 |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Man Mountain Mike |
| Billed height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Billed weight | 600+ lb |
| Debut | 1968 |
Man Mountain Mike was an American professional wrestler who wrestled mostly on the west coast. His real name was Gary Fletcher. He has wrestled as a tag-team with Haystacks Calhoun, who also weighed over 600 pounds. Their combined weight was over 1200 pounds in the ring.
Mike was wrestling with "Iron" Mike DiBiase on July 2, 1969 in Amarillo, Texas, when DiBiase suffered a fatal heart attack in the ring during the match. DiBiase was pronounced dead at the hospital. DiBiase's death was not related to professional wrestling, he died as a result of high cholesterol.
Mike won the NWA Tag Team Championship with tag-team partner Butcher Brannigan on August 31, 1974 in Hollywood, California. They lost the belts a few weeks later to Porkchop Cash and Victor Rivera.
After retiring from the ring Mike opened Man Mountain Mikes Drycleaners, as well as a taxi service; he also drove a school bus. He developed blood clots due in part to diabetes and passed away in 1988 at age 48.
External links
Finishing Move: The Big Splash