The Boston Globe is reporting that Dr. Bennet Omalu has announced that wrestler Jon Rechner, better known as Balls Mahoney has been posthumously diagnosed with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). He also announced that he discovered early signs of CTE while examining the body of Brian Knighton, better known as Axl Rotten. Both wrestlers passed away earlier this year.
According to the report, Balls Mahoney is the third wrestler to be publicly diagnosed with CTE. The first was Chris Benoit in 2007, followed by Andrew “Test” Martin in 2009. The report also notes that deceased MMA fighter Jordan parsons has been diagnosed with CTE as well, making him the first MMA fighter to be publicly diagnosed with the disease.
A spokesman from WWE sent an e-mail to the Globe saying that they have declined to comment until the company reviews the research on the diagnoses.
Former wrestler and manager Frenchy Martin has passed away at the age of 66 after losing his battle with cancer. WWE posted the following
WWE is saddened to learn that Jean Gagné, known to WWE fans as Frenchy Martin, has passed away.
Though he began his WWE career as a competitor, Martin is best remembered for his time as the manager of the mighty Dino Bravo. Donning a brash monocle and a sequined beret, Martin helped his fellow French Canadian find success in 1987, while enraging American fans by carrying around a sign that read “USA Is Not OK.” Martin’s ringside antics made him a memorable face of WWE in the late ’80s despite a relatively brief run.
WWE extends its condolences to Gagné’s family, friends and fans.
