Rusty Brooks, a wrestler and trainer to so many talents, passed away today at the age of 63, Greg Oliver of SLAM Wrestling reports.
Brooks, who was born Kurt Koski in Denton, TX was trained by Jim Isler and Boris Malenko, but helped to train so many stars himself including Norman Smiley, MVP, Gangrel, Luna Vachon and current AEW regular Diamante.
Just got word my wrestling trainer passed away. Im completely heart broken ?.
— The ??? (@DiamanteLAX) February 11, 2021
Brooks had his Rusty Brooks Wrestling Academy down in Florida and much of his trainees had plenty of good to say about the late grappler.
“Rusty alone is the only reason that I am able to do what I love for a living today. He was more than a trainer. He was a father, brother and a friend. I can honestly say he is one of a kind. Simply an amazing human being,” Gangrel told Jim Varsallone of The Miami Herald.
In his obituary, Oliver notes that Brooks grappled with Hulk Hogan, Junkyard Dog, Andre The Giant and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. In addition, Brooks’ son, Jayy followed in his father’s footsteps and wrestled as Jeff “J-Dawg” Brooks.
We here at WrestleZone want to send our deepest condolences and prayers to Brooks’ friends, family and fans.
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