[Deathwatch] Mike "Mad Dog" Bell, pro wrestler, 37

[Deathwatch Central]

Thanks to a long-time reader for this one!

Pro wrestler 'Mad Dog' Bell found dead

The Associated Press
Friday, December 19, 2008

NEWPORT BEACH, California: Mike "Mad Dog" Bell, a former professional
wrestler whose struggle with substance abuse was featured in the
documentary "Bigger, Stronger, Faster," has died. He was 37.

Bell was found Sunday at a Costa Mesa live-in rehabilitation facility,
his family said.

An autopsy was conducted but investigators couldn't immediately
determine the cause of death, said Dan Akin, a supervising deputy at
the Orange County coroner's division. The coroner is awaiting the
results of toxicology tests, he said.

Chris Bell, whose 2008 documentary examines the steroid use of his two
brothers, said Mike Bell had long battled with his addictions to
prescription painkillers and alcohol.

"He was always wrestling, he was a personal trainer, he was always
pushing his body to the max," Chris Bell told the Orange County
Register.

"You can't really blame wrestling, but it's kind of the lifestyle," he
said. "You have a couple of painkillers to get to the next match, have
a couple drinks night to night and it gets out of hand."

Bell wrestled on World Wrestling Entertainment's "Monday Night Raw" as
a "jobber," a fighter who takes falls to promote others.

"Although Mr. Bell was never under a WWE contract, WWE extends its
deepest condolences to the Bell family," the organization said.


Many thanks to Deathwatch Central for posting this obituary