Wrestling legend hospitalized

Abdullah the Butcher, real name Lawrence Robert Shreve, has been hospitalized due to what's being described as «serious health issues,» according to his booking agent Steve Stasiak.

The announcement was made Thursday on social media, where Stasiak asked fans to send «prayers, positive thoughts, and strength his way.»

Details about Abdullah's condition remain undisclosed, but the tone of the message suggests genuine concern for the 83-year-old Hall of Famer's health.

Abdullah, nicknamed The Madman from Sudan, began his career as a teenager in the late 1950s.

He went on to become one of the most feared - and respected - hardcore wrestlers in history, famous for his brutal, bloody matches that defined an era of no-holds-barred wrestling.

Abdullah's international fame exploded in the 1970s and 1980s during his run with All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he faced legends like Jumbo Tsuruta and Terry Funk in matches that often turned into gory spectacles.

He also famously battled Andre the Giant in Puerto Rico and took on Hulk Hogan in Japan - encounters that have become part of wrestling folklore.

In 2011, Abdullah was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his place in wrestling history.

However, that same year, his reputation took a hit after fellow wrestler Devon Nicholson accused him of transmitting Hepatitis C during a 2007 match. Nicholson later won a $2 million lawsuit in 2014.

Despite the controversy, Abdullah remains one of the most influential figures in hardcore wrestling - a pioneer whose style paved the way for future generations of extreme wrestlers.

His unique presence, charisma, and willingness to push boundaries made him both feared and admired across the globe.

As news of his hospitalization spreads, tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow wrestlers alike, many recalling how Abdullah helped shape their passion for the sport.

For now, the wrestling community unites in hope that The Butcher - a man who's survived countless battles in and out of the ring - can fight through one more.