Curt & Larry Hennig with The Destroyer, sharing a moment at the 2000 CAC
(Photo courtesy www.thedestroyer.com)

Many times this past week, I caught myself sitting down at my desk and trying to put words together to describe the life and times of Curt Hennig. I could not get into that writing mood, as this was a special person who touched not only my heart but millions of others as well.

Curt was a gifted athlete who could do most anything that his peers challenged him to do. He could drive a golf ball to a hole-in-one. He could throw a football nearly the entire length of a field. He could command a basketball court and toss three-pointers at will over his shoulder like the great Meadowlark Lemon. He excelled at everything he did.

Growing up, Curt would often go with his father, Larry "The Axe" Hennig, and Harley Race to watch them in combat against the best that the AWA had to offer. Curt would sit and watch the two masters as they demolished competition almost on a nightly basis. Larry was proud of Curt that he was taking an interest in his profession.

Upon graduating from Robbinsdale High School, Curt was tutored under the watchful eyes of former World Champion Verne Gagne. He was taught the basics that he had watched his father do in the ring. Within a short time, he made his debut in the ring, and fans were in awe of this second-generation athlete. Not only could he wrestle, but he could also hold the crowd's attention with every move he learned.

Curt went on in the AWA and won the coveted World Championship by defeating Nick Bockwinkel. He defended it for over a year before having it taken from him by Jerry Lawler and a referee that did not call it right.

Curt was spotted by a talent agent from the WWF and was recruited to join the ever-growing list of the world's best. He was given the name "Mr. Perfect" and was soon teamed up with manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. It wasn't long before he started capturing titles and proving that he was the best thing in the ring.

Curt was the Intercontinental Champion on more than one occasion and carried the title belt with the greatest of dignity. Who else had the Perfect Body ... who else had a smile that could turn heads ... who else could fill his shoes? NOBODY!!!!

Curt worked out very hard on a daily basis in the gym. He would tone his body to perfection and then go to the arena that night and show it off in style. He had 21" arms, a 21" neck and 21" calves. No athletes were as isometric in proportion as Curt was.

The other side of Curt that not many saw was that of a kind, devoted family man that made it a point, while globetrotting the world, to come home and be with his family, if only for a few hours of togetherness and sometimes just making the connecting flights to his next match.

Curt shared a common thread with most of the superstars that were in the WWF family. Often, he would share his knowledge of the business with upstarts to give them an edge on their opponents, as he was given. Curt never forgot his roots, nor would he have forgotten who brought him to the dance.

Curt would go out of his way to help other situations develop into a positive mode. He knew a lot of people and could get a lot of things just with his charisma. Just imagine if he had wanted to run for political office. I think he would have been another Jesse Ventura with landslide results.

Curt loved his wife, Leonice, and their four children. He loved Minnesota, and they loved him back. He loved his parents, and they were so proud of him and loved him as well. Curt lived life in itself and loved each day to its fullest with never a dull moment at any time.

Curt went to Tampa, Florida to wrestle and be with his fans. Curt never went to the ring that night. Instead ... he went to Heaven. He joins many before him that have made that trip, with dignity and pride.

His guest book in the Obituary columns of the Minneapolis Star Tribune has a multitude of pages in it of comments and expressions of love and admiration. Fans, friends and fellow wrestlers as well posted their comments. His life is highlighted by the wonderful tributes that are written. The memories Curt has left are indelible and will never leave.

Mr. Perfect might be gone from us now, but Curt will be remembered in spirit forever by loving people that looked up to him. Please say a prayer for the Hennig families to help in their hour of need.

Rest in Peace, Curtis Michael Hennig ... MR. PERFECT.

Curt with Mike G., a fan from Chicago and a friend of Glen Rylko
(Photo courtesy Glen Rylko)

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