In all of professional wrestling, there has never been one man who has inspired me more. This was a guy who, despite being a monster and fighting Hulk Hogan (arguably the most popular man in pro wrestling history), continued to impress me every time he came to the ring. I even insisted on choosing his character everytime I was at the arcade. I may have become a Kane fan later, but this man played arguably the first pro wrestling character I truly adored.

His name was John Tenta, but most peope know him as Earthquake.

About a year ago, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer, one that he seemed to be steadily recovering from. He was upbeat, excited about each new day and truly looked right on the road to recovery. It was around this time that I got to learn of the human side of him and how this giant of a man had a heart filled with love that was larger than anyone else’s. He spoke fondly and with much humour of his days as a professional wrestler, and even agreed to write the foreword of the Wrestlecrap book. I even recall how at one point he was promoting mangosteen juice and how he credited that drink for improving his health.

Two weeks ago, a close friend of his informed the internet wrestling community that Tenta’s condition had taken a turn for the worst, and on June 7th, John Tenta passed away at the age of 42, leaving behind his wife and three children.

It’s hard to fully describe the impact John Tenta had on my life. I know most could not begin to appreciate it. But if there’s anything I’m glad for, its that his suffering is over and that he is now resting in peace. In addition, his gentle and giving nature has no doubt earned him a lot of fans and friends who are joining in support for his widow and family. But most of all, I’m grateful that in a world where pro wrestlers tend to resort to vice to relieve the immense amounts of stress they endure, John Tenta was able to rise above it all and live his life to the fullest.

Rest in Peace, John “Earthquake” Tenta. You will always be larger than life to me.