JUST IN: Legend Chooses DEATH Over Treatment…

Professional wrestling lost another connection to its authentic American roots when Rick Link, a 66-year-old territory-era legend who chose dignity over prolonged medical intervention, passed away after discontinuing kidney dialysis treatment.

Territory Wrestling Pioneer Makes Final Stand

Rick Link embodied the grit and determination that defined American professional wrestling before corporate consolidation sanitized the industry. Born February 28, 1959, in Lexington, North Carolina, Link began training at 15 under Johnny Hunter and debuted March 1, 1975, one day after his 16th birthday. His commitment to wrestling excellence started early when he ran a fan club for wrestler Ron Garvin before entering the business himself.

Link’s career exemplified the territorial system that built wrestling from grassroots American communities. He competed under multiple personas across various regions, including M.E.B. (Man Eating Beast) in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Sir Richard Linkton as a British character, and Squasher Link during his Canadian stint with Stampede Wrestling. His most memorable incarnation emerged as Man Mountain Link in Memphis, where the 6’3″, 340-pound powerhouse became a major heel attraction under legendary manager Jimmy Hart.

Championship Victory Against Wrestling Royalty

Link’s defining moment came in 1983 when he defeated Jerry “The King” Lawler for the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship. Though he held the title for only one week, this victory represented a legitimate triumph over one of wrestling’s most respected performers and future WWE Hall of Famer. The achievement occurred during Link’s heated rivalry with Lawler in Memphis’s Continental Wrestling Association, spanning 1983-1987 and intersecting with Lawler’s legendary feud with entertainer Andy Kaufman.

After the territory system’s decline, Link faced the same corporate consolidation that displaced countless American wrestling talents. Unable to establish himself in WWE or WCW during the 1980s and early 1990s, Link demonstrated the resilience that conservative Americans admire by returning to North Carolina and reinventing his career. He became a trainer and promoter on the independent circuit, engaging in hardcore matches against notable opponents including Abdullah the Butcher, The Iron Sheik, Buddy Landel, Jimmy Valiant, and Wahoo McDaniel.

Choosing Dignity in Final Chapter

Link’s approach to his final battle reflected traditional values often absent in today’s medical culture. In late December 2025, he made the personal decision to discontinue kidney dialysis treatment, choosing hospice care over prolonged medical intervention. His sister announced the decision publicly, and Link entered hospice with the same straightforward approach that characterized his wrestling career. He passed away January 14, 2026, maintaining control over his final chapter rather than submitting to endless medical procedures.

The wrestling community’s response demonstrated the enduring respect Americans hold for authentic performers who built their success through hard work rather than corporate manipulation. Fans worldwide contributed over $3,000 through GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, exceeding the campaign’s initial goal. This grassroots support reflects the same community spirit that sustained territorial wrestling before entertainment conglomerates centralized the industry and diluted its regional character.