Former Pro Wrestler "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel 1961-2015

[Zoneboy]

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We are still working on the story, but have confirmed that "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel, who had a long career working different territories, passed away earlier today.
The story that is making the rounds is that Landel was in a car accident over the weekend and returned home, only to be found unresponsive today. PWInsider.com is working to confirm additional details.

Landel had a long run in the business working a number of different promotions and territories, primarily in the Southern region. He had runs in Mid-Atlantic, WCW, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, the USWA and a number of other areas. Personal issues had long hurt him and he had cleaned up, leading to a great run in SMW. The run was so good that booker Jim Cornette brought in Shawn Michaels, then WWF Intercontinental champion, to face Landel at the Super Bowl of Wrestling, the last major SMW event.

Landel was hired by WWF in late 1995 based on the strength of his work in SMW but just days after starting, suffered a freak knee injury when he slipped on ice outside a hotel and tore up his knee. He did return to pro wrestling a year later and wrestled independently until several years ago.

Landel would have turned 54 this August.

Our deepest condolences to Landel's family, friends and fans.