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 World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed that two of its former stars died Sunday in separate incidents. 
 
 Brian Christopher Lawler, known as Grandmaster Sexay, died at age 46, and former wrestler Josip Peruzovic, who played beloved Soviet heel Nikolai Volkoff, died at age 70, it said. 
 
 Peruzovic was a member of a WWE tag team with the infamous Iron Sheik. Together, the two played villainous characters in battles against well-liked wrestling heroes like Hulk Hogan, Sgt. Slaughter and Bruno Sammartino. 
 
 Josip Peruzovic, aka Nikolai Volkoff, at Wizard World's Philadelphia Comic Con in Philadelphia in June 2011. Gilbert Carrasquillo / FilmMagic - Getty Images file 
 
 Peruzovic retired and joined the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 after an in-ring career that spanned nearly 40 years. His wife said that Peruzovic had heart problems and that she found that he was not responsive when she tried to bring him medicine, according to The Associated Press. 
 
 "As one of the greatest villains sports-entertainment had ever seen, Volkoff's infamous rendition of the Soviet National Anthem before his matches made him an instant icon in the eyes of the WWE Universe as a Superstar they truly loved to hate," WWE said in a statement. 
 
 In 2006, Peruzovic made an unsuccessful run for a House seat in the Maryland General Assembly, the AP reported. 
 
 Meanwhile, Lawler, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler, gained popularity playing his Grandmaster Sexay character. 
 
 As a wrestler for WWE, Lawler was a member of the "Too Cool" tag team and "competed during the height of the Attitude Era," according to the wrestling organization. 
 
 After leaving wrestling, Lawler had fallen into some legal trouble. 
 
 Corrections officers found Lawler attempting to hang himself in his jail cell, NBC affiliate WMC of Memphis, Tennessee, reported Sunday. Hardeman County jail records confirmed that Lawler was arrested July 7 on charges of DUI and evading arrest. 
 
 According to WMC, officers administered CPR until emergency services arrived, but Lawler died at a hospital on Sunday afternoon. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating. 
 
 WWE shared its sadness and extended their condolences to Lawler's his family, friends and fans. ||||| Brian Lawler, son of Jerry "The King" Lawler and former WWE wrestler, is in critical condition at a Tennessee hospital. (Photo: Submitted photo) 
 
 Former WWE star Brian Lawler, the son of Jerry "The King" Lawler, died Sunday, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. 
 
 Brian C. Lawler, 46, had been held at the Hardeman County Jail on DUI-related charges and was found Saturday evening hanging in his cell. 
 
 "Corrections officers administered CPR until paramedics arrived," the TBI said in a statement. "Lawler was transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis where he died Sunday afternoon." 
 
 Reaction: Hulk Hogan, Triple H among many WWE stars mourning Brian Lawler's death on social media 
 
 Mark Davidson, the 25th District Attorney General, requested that special agents with the TBI investigate, and the investigation remains ongoing. 
 
 RIP Brian Christopher thank you for always stealing the show my brother only love HH — Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 29, 2018 
 
 Lawler's death comes less than a month after he was arrested and charged on July 7 with DUI, evading arrest and driving on a revoked license in Hardeman County, which is about an hour east of Memphis. 
 
 The Hardeman County Sheriff's Office confirmed Sunday that Lawler was being held on that case at the time of this incident. 
 
 Lawler spent several years in the WWE from 1997-2001. He was known as “Grandmaster Sexay” and was part of the Too Cool tag team with “Scotty 2 Hotty” that won the tag team championship in 2000. 
 
 Also Sunday, WWE announced that Josip Nikolai Peruzovic, a Hall of Famer who wrestled as Nikolai Volkoff for more than three decades, has died at 70. 
 
 Lawler's pro wrestling career began in the United States Wrestling Association, where he performed as “Too Sexy” Brian Christopher. 
 
 "RIP Brian Christopher," Hulk Hogan tweeted. "Thank you for always stealing the show my brother." 
 
 Lawler spent two years on TNA’s roster before making appearances on the independent circuit for more than a decade. He returned to the WWE in 2014 for a brief Too Cool reunion appearance. 
 
 He was arrested in June on a charge of failure to pay an $800 bill with a friend at the Hampton Inn in Downtown Memphis. 
 
 More:Jerry Lawler's son arrested, failed to pay hotel, police say 
 
 In February, he was hospitalized following a fight at an Indiana hotel room with former TNA wrestler Chase Stevens. 
 
 "WWE is saddened to learn that Brian Christopher Lawler, who is best known in WWE as Too Cool’s Grandmaster Sexay, has passed away," WWE said in a statement Sunday. "Lawler, who is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, competed during the height of the Attitude Era. WWE extends its condolences to Lawler’s family, friends and fans." 
 
 On Monday, Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolen issued a statement saying Lawler was placed in a cell by himself because of how well-known he was. He also added Lawler was not on suicide watch because there was no indication the former WWE star was suicidal. 
 
 Brandon J. Shields of the Jackson Sun and Patrick Graziosi contributed to this report. 
 
 Read or Share this story: https://memne.ws/2LHR1U2 ||||| Former WWE wrestler Brian Christopher, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, died Sunday at the age of 46. (Photo courtesy WWE) 
 
 Former World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler Brian Christopher (real name Brian Lawler), died Sunday after hanging himself during an attempted suicide in a Memphis, Tennessee, jail, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer. Christopher, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, was 46 years old. Christopher was placed on life support and surrounded by his family at the time of his death, according to TMZ Sports. 
 
 “Corrections officers administered CPR until paramedics arrived,” the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. “Lawler was transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis where he died Sunday afternoon.” 
 
 “WWE is saddened to learn that Brian Christopher Lawler, who is best known in WWE as Too Cool’s Grandmaster Sexay, has passed away,” the WWE said in a statement. “Lawler, who is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, competed during the height of the Attitude Era. WWE extends its condolences to Lawler’s family, friends and fans.” 
 
 Why was Brian Christopher in jail? 
 
 According to TMZ Sports, Christopher was arrested on July 7 for DUI and evading Tennessee police officers. A 12-ounce can of alcohol was reportedly found open in his car’s center console and his bail was set at $40,000. In June, Christopher was arrested for allegedly not having the funds to cover a hotel bill at the Hampton Inn in Memphis, Tennessee, according to TMZ Sports. 
 
 Brian Christopher’s WWE run as part of Too Cool 
 
 Christopher went by Grandmaster Sexay, one-half of the Too Cool tag team along with Scotty 2 Hotty. The duo would eventually add Rikishi into the mix as the now trio were best known for their hip-hop inspired choreographed dance routines after matches. In 2000, Too Cool would win the WWE Tag Team titles for the first and only time, defeating Edge and Christian. 
 
 Story Continues 
 
 Brian Christopher was one of three deaths in the wrestling world 
 
 WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Nikolai Volkoff (real name Josip Nikolai Peruzović) died at the age of 70, the WWE announced on Sunday. Volkoff played a larger-than-life Russian villain and was one-half of a tag team with The Iron Sheik. Volkoff was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 after a wrestling career of 40-plus years. 
 
 Brickhouse Brown (real name Fredrick Seawright) died Sunday at the age of 57 from cancer, according to the Wrestling Observer. Brown was best known for his time in the USWA, AWA and CWA. 
 
 Twitter reaction from the wrestling world on the deaths of Brian Christopher, Nikolai Volkoff and Brickhouse Brown 
 
 1st time I worked with Brian Christopher was in Louisville I told him "Nobody wants to work with u. Let's have a great match and show them u can. Trust me, please. I'm not out to bury you" He did and we had many great matches. He was at times misunderstood. #RIPBrianChristopher — Tom Prichard (@drtomprichard) July 29, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Condolences to Brian Christopher family and the family of Nikolai Volkoff. — Honky Tonk Man® (@OfficialHTM) July 29, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rest In Peace 
 
 Nikolai Volkoff 
 
 Brian Christopher 
 
 Brickhouse Brown 
 
 Each in their own way contributed to this world of wrestling that we inhabit, and have left memories that will last. — Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) July 29, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 Two men from different generations of wrestling industry both extremely successful careers have left us unfortunately. I knew Brian during my WWE years & shared lots of laughs with him. My deepest sympathies to the families & friends of #BrianChristopher & #NikolaiVolkoff – RIP — TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) July 29, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 RIP Brian Christopher. I think I had every piece of Too Cool merch in 2000. — Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) July 29, 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
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 • Is a Jimmer Fredette NBA comeback possible? ||||| WWE is saddened to learn that Brian Christopher Lawler, who is best known in WWE as Too Cool’s Grandmaster Sexay, has passed away. Lawler, who is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, competed during the height of the Attitude Era. 
 
 WWE extends its condolences to Lawler’s family, friends and fans. ||||| BALTIMORE (AP) — Josip Peruzovic, the former pro wrestler known for playing beloved villain Nikolai Volkoff, has died. He was 70. 
 
 His wife Lynn Peruzovic confirmed his death Sunday. She says he has had heart problems, and that when she went to give him medicine he was not responsive. 
 
 World Wrestling Entertainment says Peruzovic was "one of the greatest villains sports-entertainment had ever seen." He was known for singing the onetime Soviet Union's national anthem before matches and for his tag team alliance with another wrestler known as The Iron Sheik. 
 
 WWE says his career spanned the better part of 40 years and featured showdowns with wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan. 
 
 In 2006, Peruzovic made an unsuccessful run for a House seat in the Maryland General Assembly. ||||| The Ultimate Warrior, one of the biggest stars in professional wrestling, died Tuesday at age 54, World Wrestling Entertainment said in a statement. 
 
 The Ultimate Warrior, a late 1980s icon of professional wrestling who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday, died Tuesday at 54. Jonathan Bachman/AP Images for WWE 
 
 Born James Brian Hellwig, Warrior legally changed his name in 1993. 
 
 Scottsdale, Ariz., police spokesman Sgt. Mark Clark said Warrior collapsed while walking with his wife to their car at a hotel, and was pronounced dead at a hospital. 
 
 There were no signs of foul play, Clark said. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office will conduct an autopsy Thursday, county spokeswoman Cari Gerchick said. 
 
 Warrior was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday in New Orleans and spoke inside the ring during Monday's "WWE Raw." 
 
 "WWE is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most iconic WWE superstars ever, The Ultimate Warrior," read a statement from the company. "We are grateful that just days ago, Warrior had the opportunity to take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame and was also able to appear at WrestleMania 30 and Monday Night Raw to address his legions of fans. WWE sends its sincere condolences to Warrior's family, friends and fans." 
 
 Warrior began his career with the World Wrestling Federation in 1987, and by 1990 he had become one of the biggest stars in the company, rivaling the popularity of Hulk Hogan. Warrior defeated Hogan to win the world title at the SkyDome in Toronto that year. 
 
 Hogan was among the wrestling stars to express his condolences on Twitter early Wednesday morning. 
 
 RIP WARRIOR. only love. HH - Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 9, 2014 
 
 As did WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. 
 
 We are all so sad that the Ultimate Warrior has passed away. Our heart is with his wife Dana and his two daughters. - Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) April 9, 2014 
 
 The face-painted Warrior was famous for running to the ring before matches, violently shaking the ropes and giving interviews that were as hurried as some of his matches. 
 
 Editor's Picks The Ultimate Warrior, 1959-2014 The Ultimate Warrior's legacy in WWE can't be overstated, writes Grantland's David Shoemaker. 
 
 Warrior's induction into the WWE Hall of Fame on Saturday ended an 18-year absence from the company, and he announced he had signed a multiyear deal with the company to serve as an official ambassador. 
 
 In what would be his last public appearance, Warrior put on his mask one last time in the center of the ring and addressed a sold-out crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Monday. 
 
 "No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own," he said. "Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them bleed deeper in something that's larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him, and make the running the man did live forever." 
 
 Warrior is survived by his wife, Dana, and his two daughters. 
 
 The Associated Press contributed to this report.
– The professional wrestling world lost two of its own over the weekend, including the son of WWE legend Jerry Lawler. Per Yahoo Sports and the Commercial Appeal, Brian Christopher Lawler, 46, was found hanging in his jail cell in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday evening and died the next day. "Corrections officers administered CPR until paramedics arrived," the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says in a statement. "Lawler was transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, where he died Sunday afternoon." Lawler, who once performed for the WWE as Grandmaster Sexay on the Too Cool tag team, had been behind bars after being arrested on July 7 and charged with DUI, driving with a revoked license, and evading arrest. "WWE is saddened to learn that Brian Christopher Lawler … has passed away," the WWE said in a statement. "WWE extends its condolences to Lawler's family, friends, and fans." Big names in wrestling also paid their condolences, including Hulk Hogan, who tweeted, "RIP Brian Christopher thank you for always stealing the show my brother only love HH." The WWE also announced the death of "one of the greatest villains sports-entertainment had ever seen," per NBC News: that of Josip Peruzovic, known in the ring as Soviet heel Nikolai Volkoff. The AP reports that the wife of the 70-year-old Hall of Famer, who was once on a tag team with the Iron Sheik, found Peruzovic unresponsive when she went to give him medication he took for heart problems. The Iron Sheik paid an all-caps tribute to his former partner on Twitter, noting, "I MISS YOU FOREVER."