In Memory: 2014

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Several wrestling greats died in 2014.  To me, the most shocking death was that of the Ultimate Warrior.  Chad and I watched him get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.  We were in the crowd when he was announced at Wrestlemania XXX. And we experienced first hand, his impassioned speech on Raw the next night.  It's hard to believe he was gone less than 24 hours after that now immortal speech.  Rest in peace to all of those we've lost this year.

Rest in Peace: Lee Marshall

Lee Marshall RIP

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Several media outlets are reporting that former AWA and WCW announcer Lee Marshall has died.  At this point, no one has listed a cause of death for the broadcaster, who's career spanned much further than professional wrestling.

I remember Lee from his days in the AWA.  He did commentary on the show back in the 1980's, I'd watch in the afternoons on ESPN when I'd get home from school.  He always had a great level of enthusiasm for the sport and knew what he was talking about.  Eventually he would resurface in WCW during the Monday Night Wars and did work on the WCW Hotline and the Nitro Road Report.

Marshall voice Tony the Tiger from 1995-2014

Until his death though, I did not realize he had been the ring announcer for the Los Angeles portion of Wrestlemania II back in 1986.  Another fact I didn't know until today, Lee Marshall was the modern day voice of the iconic cereal character Tony the Tiger.  Lee started that role in 2005.  

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lee Marshall's family, friends, and fans.  May he rest in peace.