The following are statements/reactions from various people in the wrestling business concerning the death of "No Gimmicks Needed" Chris Candido.

NOTE: This page will be regularly updated, so keep checking back.
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Mark Engel, NWS Photographer, says

As I write this, I am still numb with shock. The headlines on DOI are still burned into my eyes.

I first met Chris, Tammy, and Johnny personally in May of 2004 when he debut'ed for National Wrestling Superstars. It was my first "official" show as NWS' Fan Picture Photographer. Although I have always tried to keep my cool and not act like a "mark" around the famous TV personalities that have appeared at NWS shows, I confess I was a bit star-struck the first time I met them. Over the summer and fall, as I photographed more for NWS, and Chris appeared more for NWS, I got to know him and talk to him person to person. Of all the famous TV personalities who have appeared in NWS, Chris was one of the few who I could talk to person to person and feel like I was talking to a friend, not just a wrestling superstar. He was always pleasant to me and my family, and we all called him a friend, and looked forward to attending NWS shows where he would be. It is that memory, as much as the memory of his in-ring skills, that will stay with me forever.

"No Gimmicks Needed". No wrestler has ever had a more appropriate monniker. Chris could entertain the crowd as a "heel" personality naturally without any additional gimmicks. Whether he was wrestling another famous TV name, or a local wrestler, Chris entertained, and when the bell rang, he brought out the best in himself and his opponents.

Through the sadness of his loss, I reach out for memories of him that especially make me laugh and smile. The one that I will remember with the most laughter is probably the closest thing to a gimmick that Chris had, having his tights fall down and expose his buttocks during many of his matches. My six-year-old son would tease him and call him "Mr. Pants-Fall-Down", which made Chris smile. Chris always smiled a lot, and made us smile. I will miss that smile.

I was never at a loss for exciting pictures from any of his matches. I have said many times that 2004 was a breakout year for NWS, and Chris joining NWS and becoming a regular main-eventer for them was one of the primary reasons. His loss leaves an aching void which can never be filled the same way. I will best remember his feud with his old ECW rival (and life-long friend) John "Balls" Mahoney, which culminated in an awesome "Tables Ladders And Chairs" Match between them this past March at NWS' show in Manasquan. That was one of the last times I got to talk to Chris and see him wrestle. I saw him and talked to him briefly at NWS' show in Kearny on March 19, and that was sadly the last time I would ever see him.

Rest in peace Chris. The wrestling world, and life itself, will never be the same without you. To Tammy and Johnny and Amy and Amanda and the rest of his family, to John and Gayle and Paulie and his countless friends and fans, our deepest sympathies.

I always enjoyed his company & when I spent time with him & Tammy it was always enjoyable, he was a very nice person & someone who was nice to me.

When I first read the news, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. It was so unusually surreal because everyone’s been talking as of late about how Chris turned his life around, and now I was reading, "Chris Candido passes away." This was the hardest of the many recent wrestling-related deaths to internalize due to the fact that Candido had changed his life for the better. Chris was majorly underrated wherever he went (except arguably in ECW) and he never got his fair chance to shine. He was the total package, as he could wrestle, fly, talk, and perhaps most importantly *teach* the business by giving back to the younger guys. Chris always reminded me of Owen Hart. I don’t know if those two ever wrestled in the WWF, but I’ve always wanted to see them go at it without any political constraints. One of the first things that went through my mind upon hearing this horrible news was that Chris’ legacy is going to be so similar to Owen’s, in that not only was he absurdly underrated in the ring, but he - such a shining star in an otherwise ego-driven business - was just starting to accomplish something, to come into his own, when he died.

I have a couple of favorite memories of Chris:

- Chris & Lance Storm vs. Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten (ECW WrestlePalooza ‘98): my personally favorite comedy match of all-time

- Candido vs. The Messiah in XPW (2000): I see that Messiah also mentioned this match in his testimonial, and it’s always been a fond memory of mine, too. I never had any clue such a match took place, and all of a sudden I turn on an old XPW TV episode and see two of my favorite wrestlers in the ring kicking ass for 15 minutes.

- his run of comedy matches vs. Al Snow in 2004: Regardless of which promotion it was, these matches captured the essence that surrounded Candido’s rebirth in 2003 and on, in that you had a new, motivated guy ensuring that regardless of the attendance, the fans that were there were having a great time.

Chris was absolutely one of a kind in this industry. His run over the past two years should forever serve as an inspiration for fans and wrestlers alike whenever they think wrestling is in a down-spiral because I don't know if anything else worse could happen to it than what happened when Chris died. Like everyone else, my sincere condolences go to the Candito family. RIP.

Ref Bryce, referee, says

I know I’m a few days late on this, but I was on the road for four days straight, and this is my first opportunity to sit in front of a keyboard and attempt to portray my feelings in words. Not always an easy task. On Thursday night, I was driving my car up I-76, leaving Philly, and heading towards Milwaukee, WI. Larry Sweeney, Chris Hero, and Claudio Castagnoli were in the car with me. Then the phone rang. It was Eddie Kingston. The fact that he called me was no big deal; it was the words he said that moved mountains. Chris Candido is dead. I didn’t want to believe it. “Are you sure?” Eddie, this once, seemed at a loss for words. The phone kept ringing. More of our wrestling family was calling to see if we had heard the news. With every call, my hopes for error were crushed by brutal reality.

When I was a younger wrestling fan, unfortunately, wrestlers died all the time. Guys I respected, that entertained me, kept dying, and it sucked. Now I don’t consider myself Chris Candido’s friend, I doubt he even remembers my name, but I knew him. I conversed with him, I reffed a handful of his matches, and I enjoyed being in his company. This made this one hurt even more. My heart plunged into my stomach. This, for lack of a better word, sucked.

I read results, and later tracked down tapes of his superb work in Smoky Mountain, namely his and Brian Lee’s tag matches with the Rock and Roll Express. I can vividly remember Barry Horowitz pinning Bodydonna Skip on the Action Zone in ’95. My 12-year old brain was thoroughly entertained by Candido’s temper tantrum after the match. On June 23, 1996, I rushed home from a lame Boy Scout boating trip to see who would become the Bodydonnas new manager on the Free for All. Three weeks ago, I found myself in a diner in Midlothian, IL, sitting across from Chris, telling us the story of Cloudy. Things came full circle, and I cannot stress how lucky I was to have that moment.

I met Chris once at a RAW show in Hershey, PA, in 1997. I was impressed at his politeness to a fan. I met him again, this time in a locker room, in Garfield, NJ, on a JCW show, in February 2004. I basically said hello and goodbye, but admired his excitement for the match, of which he had thousands. When you shook his hand, he would say your name back, “nice to see you, Bryce”. It was a personal touch, and made you feel real special. Last fall, he made his way to IWA Mid-South, one of my regular promotions. Chris showed up in a collared shirt, dress slacks, dress shoes, sipping a coffee. He wanted fans to see him as a “real wrestler.”

From my observations, you would be hard pressed to find a guy that loved “the business” more. He got crapped on more than once by promoters, personally and financially. He had his own demons, and took all kinds of abuse from the wrestling media. Nevertheless, he still loved the business. He bounced back every time, and never complained. It was in his blood, literally. He had been many places, been WWF Tag Team Champion, been WCW Cruiserweight Champion, but everyone was the same to him. They were members of the business.

My personal favorite Candido memory brings us to Lafayette, IN, on October 22, 2004. This was a Strong Style Tournament show, and an 8-man tag was thrown on. This could have been a formulaic, yet entertaining match. Candido would not allow that. He wanted so much more. He brainstormed all these ridiculous ideas. He pulls me aside in the locker room, “think you can body slam me?” I wasn’t sure if I could, honestly, but who was I to say no? Little did I know he would be bareassed when I did it. His brain kept cranking out ideas, and made for the most fun I have ever had in a wrestling ring, and a superbly entertaining wrestling match, on a show full of Strong Style. To this day, people remark to me about that match. I tell them, and I think to myself, “Chris Candido is a wrestling genius.” Track down that tape. When I wanted to ingratiate my new ladyfriend to wrestling, I showed her that match first. A non-fan was completely entertained for 15 minutes. After the show, he continued to entertain, telling stories at a nearby Denny’s and messing with a bunch of kids in the restaurant. He wanted to go out to dinner with the boys, he didn’t have to, he wanted to. He entertained as he charmed waitresses.

I also had the privilege of being in the ring with he and Terry Funk on opposite ends of a 6-man tag match. Candido was humbled to tears by being in the ring with Funk. He appreciated everything he earned. Three weeks ago at IWA, he was involved in a 6-way match, which had four of my best friends in wrestling in it with him. They were all individually giddy in their own way to wrestle him. He didn’t have to command respect, because he was too busy earning it. He busted his ass every single time he entered the ring. TV cameras, attendance, none of that mattered to Chris. He wanted to entertain, and have the best match on the card.

Later that evening, he walked into a diner in his wrestling trunks and boots. He hated changing back into his clothes, so if there was no shower, he came right to the restaurant in his gear. This is a humorous sight. He kept leaving the table to talk on the phone to his wife. He knew his priorities. He could have sat anywhere, but he chose to sit with me and my fellow CHIKARA peeps. He told hilarious stories; he offered great advice to each and every one of us. While some were bitching about whatever and shooting the breeze, he was sharing his passion with us. The hours flew by, and I recall taking a second to soak it all in, realizing how lucky we were. The same thing happened the next night, and we got our picture taken with him. We even gave him a ride to his hotel. I called a bunch of my friends to tell them I had dinner with Chris Candido. I was a fan all over. I will never forget these experiences. And I am only one man. Candido undoubtedly affected many many people over his years on this earth, and in wrestling. The outpouring over the last couple of days is astounding. That shows the world the type of guy Chris Candido was.

Friday night, Chris’ best friend Balls Mahoney was on the show in Milwaukee with us. He shared his feelings with the locker room, and with the fans in attendance. It was hard to take, a 310 pound pro wrestler bawling his eyes out in the middle of the ring. One ten bell salute later, and I looked around the ring. I didn’t feel one ounce of shame for crying, because everyone else was. As sucktastic as the situation is, it was therapeutic to be on a show that night, to be with the wrestling brethren. Balls said that Chris would want the show to go on, and want everyone to bust their ass that night. Everyone wore black armbands, and did all the trademark Candido stuff they could. It didn’t make anything any easier, but the least they could do is pay tribute.

Apparently, a Candido clinic was in the works for CHIKARA students. That would have been awesome. Unfortunately, it will never happen. What did happen was memories of him in and out of the ring, as a wrestler and a person. That’s what we have left, and that is what I choose to harp on. I barely knew the guy, and this stung, so my thoughts are with his friends and family. I can only imagine he impacted them infinitely more. In a life full on uncertainty, we can bet on one thing: there will never be another Chris Candido.

"Awwww man!!!! How do I say goodbye, Its always the good ones that have to die"-Wu Tang Clan -Tearz

First let me say my condolences and all my love and sympathies to Mr and Mrs Candido, John,Tammy and Balls.

I am devistated like many others this morning as a result of Chris' passing. It's the worst thing that can happen to his family , friends and to a business at this point in time that desperately needed him.

My respect for Chris is just unparalleled for many different reasons. For one he's the straightest shooting guy that I ve ever met in the business, he was cool with me from day one.

Even though we didnt hang alot together(probably for the best..hehe), him, Balls , and Johnny are the best guys that Id ever want to hang with, eat with, travel with, learn from in this business. It's amazing that Chris could be so down to earth on one hand but yet the most "professional" Professional in our business today bar none.

I've told Frank many a conversations that my dream match would be against Chris and could we do it, also told him that there is noone that I respect more in this business than Chris because of all he's been thru, his humility, light heartedness and just flat out being a REAL GUY,a quality you dont see in too many lockerrooms around today.

I work on Saturday nights at a gogo/sports bar in Jersey and at 11pm I would always change the channel on one of the big tv screen to Impact just to watch Chris in action in recent times and to try to learn as I did so many times from watching him trying to pick up any lil thing I could to better myself and I remember being sooooooooo jealous and fucking pissed watching the other guys in the ring with him because I shouldve been in there with him.

I also loved the relationships that he had , for one with Johnny, they did everything together like true blue to the end brothers should be and it reminds me of me and my lil brothers and maybe Ive made more of an effort to be a better brother because of it.

And then Tammy, to be in the business and together after sooo many years is remarkable and amazing, true love that I am in awe of and can only hope and pray as we all would that someday to have the same type of bond with someone special in our lifetime.

And Balls and Chris grew up together, grew up in the business together thats what best friends are all about. Hearing Chris on the Maniac line talk and poke fun that Balls was complaining again was Classssiiccc , I ve been in tears many times and had to pull over if I was driving listening to the hotline with Chris and Maniac.

Chris was truly blessed with the family and friends that loved him and this business was truly blessed to have Chris Candido.

In closing I say THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the love, THANK YOU for the passion, THANK YOU for the one time I had the honor of you putting the boots to me after I wrestled Johnny, THANK YOU for being the only guy that I could never keep a straight face around but meanwhile being the same guy that I respected and looked up to like a stern, visibly emotionless Joe Torre-esque role model.

THANK YOU again and may God shed his everlasting light on you,
I love you bro
see ya someday up there

I thought long and hard before making a statement about Chris Candido and being from England I believe I speak on behalf of all us English Wrestling Fans….. I never had the chance to work with Chris but the sad thing is The Meanie and myself were very excited about Chris’ new lease of life and were even more excited after he returned to Philly with PWU and we were going to ask him to grace 3PW with his awesome talent and professionalism….. When the news came it was a hard hit to the nuts….. As a wrestling fan I looked at Chris Candido as the superstar he was and it was just a matter of time before his star shined so bright again, in fact even more so….. My personal thoughts and those I’m sure of all the fans and talent/staff here at 3PW are with his family and friends but most of all Tammy Lynn Sytch. I sat here in Los Angeles on Saturday night watching IMPACT and his final involvement in the wrestling industry…. Supporting his fellow professionals and holding the NWA Gold on behalf of them……. It was a fitting tribute but not enough to such an extraordinary individual. He will live in the hearts of true wrestling fans forever and it serves as a painful reminder to the Wrestling industry and those that support it to get behind the performers that put their body’s and souls on the canvas to not take it for granted. I am proud to be involved in this industry and let’s make Chris proud for all he has done to elevate it. Chris on behalf of Great Britain we will miss you dearly but we will never forget what you have done. God Bless you Sir

I> I am so glad I knew Chris Candido. I always would smile as soon as I saw him. He was just a great guy. I remember the first time I met Chris, I was just a stand by and he ask, "what in the hell you doing tonight?" And my answer was "nothing" and Chris looked at and said" do it well." Five years later, and I have to say good-bye. I knew Chris enough that he touched my life. Being around Chris Candido made wrestling fun. I have always said that he was a class act. I will miss him, but will never forget him. Thank you Chris and I pray for Tammy and the Candido Family.

Although not a close friend, I had the privilege of spending time with Chris throughout the last 10 years. He was always friendly, fun, and upbeat. In a business where the hardest wrestling match is many times against your own demons, it is a tragedy that Chris be taken after he won that match and a testament to a professional who never had a problem doing a job but wouldn't job against his toughest opponent...his personal demons.

The last pro wrestling show I was involved with was Ballpark Brawl 2 in Buffalo last summer. To say the weeks leading up to the show were a disaster would be an understatement as we had more cancellations and no-shows than I have ever seen. Chris vs. Al Snow was the Main Event and they saved the show. They had an amazing 30+ minute match, one of the best I have seen and I have sat ringside for hundreds of thousands of them. From comedy to brawling to chain wrestling, they had the crowd and the dressing room in their hands the entire time.

Chris was so happy afterwards just to have the opportunity to perform and have fun, I don't think he even realized just how important he was in the success of that event. I will always remember that match and the positive energy of a man that wouldn't quit even when he was at his lowest levels.

He will be truly missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to Tammy and his family.

It’s almost unexplainable, the exact feeling or emotion you get when told about the passing of a friend. You get thrown off, are in sudden shock, and sometimes in disbelief. When I was first told of Chris’ passing, that’s how I was. I brushed off the person who told me, with verifying that he had recently broken his ankle wrestling, and that they must have misconstrued their story with that injury. I said for him to go and check his source again, being that if he was right—it could be that Chris got some sort of infection. I hoped not!

Well, it turns out that the person who told me, son of ex-wrestler “Irish” Davey O’ Hannon, confirmed that his dad had spoken to several individuals about this and it was true. Davey is a neighbor of mine and has known not only Chris, but also his grandfather, who was a wrestler, named “Popeye” Chuck Richards. The kicker is, I was informed of this sad news while setting up a boxing ring in New Jersey for a show—the same ring that Chris had set up and wrestled in years ago, along with myself and my mentor, Ted Petty(Rocco Rock).

I have known Chris since I was 12 years old. That puts us at a 16 year friendship. He, like me, had a very early start in the wrestling business and latched on to the right guys who were able to help him out through the years. But the one thing that made him stand apart from the others was his absolute love for this sport and passion for the squared circle. From Dennis Corraluzzo’s WWA to Mario Savoldi’s ICW, “Mr. Charisma” Chris Candido had a platform to ply his trade and showcase his every ability.

Wrestling mainly as a light heavyweight, Chris had some great matches with some of the best our business has to offer. It was his feud with Sabu that got the attention of so many, and turned heads, as they presented matches that were before their time. Because of his size, Chris couldn’t be considered a heavyweight in the big leagues. However, his versatile style proved many wrong, as he was considered a heavyweight anywhere along the independent circuit.

I do not know any other performer who has such an array of talent, as Chris. He can take it to the mat, go hardcore, and even elevate himself into the air in his best of cruiserweight ability. As many may not know, he worked overseas, mainly in Japan, as the “Blonde Bomber.” Complete with face paint, Chris would not only dive off the top rope, but he would execute a forceful power bomb that left many opponents counting the lights.

He fits the mold of the tan, blonde, charismatic character that is Professional Wrestling. Other than his lack of height, he is the epitome of what a professional wrestler should be. He too is a true student of the game. He seems to have got it all. Aside from his wrestling ability, he always has a knack for getting a crowd into a frenzy with his super-emotional microphone work. He could just go!

When it came to cutting a promo, Chris didn’t even have to say one word, because the expressions on his face would paint such a picture. He would tell a story with the look on his mug. And we all know how well he could. “Crybaby” Chris Candido was just one example of how well he could get people to react off his exuberance.

He is a man that could go out there and put on a great performance just by “walking and talking.” The guy didn’t have to risk injury to himself by taking one body slam. He has a theatrical ability about him that brought spunk, rage, determination, poutiness, and cockiness to the ring, in one package. That’s all he needed to succeed. But due to Chris’ love for the sport, I believe he was the “bumping heel” because he felt he’d be cheating the fans if he didn’t perform at 100%, and give them a show.

To the fans, he was a great entertainer and showman of his craft. To the boys, he was one hell of a leader, teacher, and a friend. He was a guy you can always be sure would make a locker room fun. To someone like me, he was the wrestler you wanted to be just like. Aside from aspiring to follow in the footsteps of my childhood idol, Ted Petty(“The Cheetah Kid/Rocco Rock”), I always wanted to work my way up to be as good as Chris Candido.

My website, when it was up, had a profile button—which would list all my favorite and least favorite things. Among the list was favorite wrestler. Next to it was the name Chris Candido. Although he was never a huge “star,” he always had the quality of being one. And to me, he always was! I new he was something special and would once again make it so the whole world could see what I saw. And I am glad now that I was able to express just that to him recently, before his passing.

I have not wrestled in close to three years due to injuries received in the ring and my own want to better my physique and look before I return. And at a show I was visiting, I witnessed one of the best Chris Candido matches of all time. I have always made it a point to not miss a match of his as long as I was at the show. There is too much to learn from him. So, I pulled him aside and thanked him.

I thanked him not for any advise he had given to me, or for any laugh we shared along the road, but for the simple fact of knowing there is someone with such a genuine love for the same sport I have loved since a kid. I praised him and his work, and let him know how appreciative I am to watch him and grasp what I have from him over the years. He knew how sincere I was as I assured him that with the hard work and dedication he is showing on the indies in recent months, that he would be signed by a big promotion in no time.

Not only did I tell Chris how significant he is to my career, I also told him how much I look forward to wrestling him when I return to the ring. In the years I have been active, I have shared many locker rooms with him, but never got the great opportunity to step into the squared circle with him. And I guess I never will. That hurts a lot!

I have studied his work and wanted to show him what I picked up from him as a student. I would have liked to do some of the antics he usually does, not just out of imitation, but also out of appreciation, and to prove how attentive I was to “the little things” he would display in the ring. And of course, to show him what he’s taught me indirectly.

Chris—I have raved about you so much that I have made some of the workers big fans of your work. I have had conversations with wrestling personalities about how good you are and how your way of wrestling--the old school art, that seems to be lost now days, is kept alive, by you! You are always on a pedestal in my mind. I can’t thank you enough for the advice you have given, or how you looked out for my girlfriend when I wasn’t around, and the countless stories you have shared. I swear you will never be forgotten. To a friendship that will last forever! I’m going to miss you! Say hi to Teddy, Dennis, Tony Rumble, and Big Dick!

Your Friend—Bryan Shannon (“Judas Young”)

In March of 1992 I was 17 years old and all I wanted to do was be a pro wrestler. I was at Mike Sharpes wrestling school one night traning and in walked a guy who I knew from watching the indies. He was tan, blonde, in great shape and a great wrestler, we were all in awe, he was Chris Candito. I wanted to be Chris so bad. I looked up to him so much. I watched tapes of his NWA and WWA maches and than when he went to Smokey Mountan I got those tapes also. His work was flawless and he worked so hard. Every night he worked so hard.

I wanted to work with him so bad and more importantly I wanted to get to know him and get advise from him. I had the chance to do both. When you build someone up in your head so much its hard for that person to live up to it. Chris surpased both. He was always a funny positive person and in the ring he just brought it. I have asked him for advise a hundred times and he always took the time to tell me.

You had to have your working boots on with him because whether there was 50 people or 5,000, Chris was stealing the show. The summer of 1999 I had the pleasure of working with Chris 5 weeks in a row. I was blow away by the matches we had. They are my favorite I have ever had. 20 minutes matches with Chris ready to go another 20.

Chis was so much to all of the young guys and everyone in any locker room. We looked up to him and he was something special. We all lost a one in a million. Thank you for making me laugh and making me look like a millon bucks. I told you in the car ride back from Wildwood that you were my hero, and you didnt believe me.......Im sure you were to more than just me.

All my love and support to Tammy, Balls, and the entire Candito Family.
Rest in peace
Mike Maraldo aka Ace Darling

RIP Chris Candido 1972-2005
Chris was the first "name" guy I ever wrestled. He carried my green ass threw that match. After the match he took me aside and told me what I had done good, and what I needed to work on. The last thing he told me was "Your good kid, but your to fucking skinny". I had always hoped that I would get a chance to run into him again at a show... never happened. I wish I could have learned more from Chris. That one match had a tremendous impact on my life/career. Shit like this in not right.... Not right at all. Thank you Chris for everything. My prayers go out to your family and friends.
RIP Chris Candido 1972-2005

I am still in shock. I will never forget the advice he gave me. I will never forget the hilarious stories he told us. He had a tremendous ability to entertain at all costs. My condolences go out to Tammy and the rest of his family.

I am still in shock that Chris Candido is no longer with us. I first heard of the news late Thursday night when my friend John (aka. Johnny5) IM'd me saying that Chris Candido died. My heart literally skipped a beat and I didn't believe it. I checked all the wrestling websites and nothing was posted about it. The only thing I saw posted was the thread on the DOI message board by Sean "The Mic". At the time, nothing was 100% confirmed, but I was pretty sure that the sad news was true. I slept on it hoping that by the time I woke up that the news was all one big sick joke.

However, when I went to work the next day, I decided to check the DOI website and was saddened to read that the news was a reality. We had just lost the best indy wrestler out there is today. I couldn't start work on the right track that day because I was reading about all the memories and respectful condolences written by various individuals who knew, met or was a fan of Chris Candido. I too felt like I had an obligation to show how much I appreciated his work and how much joy he gave me as a wrestling fan.

I remember Chris Candido as a member of the Body Donnas in the WWF and saw him the few times I watched ECW on TV and on tapes. However, I never truly became a fan of Chris Candido until he made his return to the U.S. after a stint in Puerto Rico for USA Pro Wrestling in 2003. That event was the last ever event at the historic Elk's Lodge with the reunion of the Triple Threat. Him and Bam Bam Bigelow had a great match against Simon and Striker and I knew that day that Chris Candido is the real deal. From that point on, Chris Candido appeared on every USA Pro/UXW show and every match he had can be argued to be the match of the night. After seeing literally over 200+ USA Pro matches (You know how long those shows go), I can literally remember each and every Chris Candido match because they were that damn good. Whether it be the triple threat match he had against Balls and Axl, the incredibly entertaining match he had at the Firehouse against Mike Tobin, the 5 star matches he had with Homicide, the time he carried Bam Bam Bigelow in the 200,000 team tag team gauntlet, the incredible 30 minute wrestling clinic he had with Mike Kruel, or the incredible 3 way dance he had with Mike Kruel and Jay Lethal, the amount of effort, heart, passion and joy he showed when entertaining the fans is something I truly admired. No matter how crappy and long USA Pro shows went, my attention span always came back when I heard the "Back in Black" music play. The match I saw him have for JAPW in his return to the ECW Arena vs. E.C. Negro was incredible as well. Chris Candido definitely knew how to cut a promo and work the crowd.

I got to see more of the personal and humorous side of Chris Candido when he was the co-host on USA Pro's Masked Maniac hotline. When he was on the hotline, 30 minutes never went any faster. His wit and humor was the perfect compliment to the Masked Maniac. As Sean put in his memories of Chris Candido, when I first heard Candido say "(Insert Promoter's name here) Championship Wrestling" when talking about a promotion he worked for, I laughed my ass off. He always spoke the truth, always put other wrestlers over and was never afraid to make a fool of himself. I even remember the time when Candido was wearing a Barry Horowitz shirt at a USA Pro show and John asked him why he was wearing it. Instead of being a dick and walking away from the fans, he humourously responded by saying that it's the only WWF shirt that he's on. I can only imagine the laughs close personal friends of Chris Candido had.

It is so strange how just a day before his death, I was making my selections for the DOI Top 250. Who did I choose as number 1? You guessed it, Chris Candido. I wish he would've been alive so we could see his reaction to our choice for him as the number 1 wrestler on the indies this past year.

I send out my condolences to all those close to Chris Candido, especially Tammy Sytch and Johnny Candido. I can only imagine the hurt they are feeling at this moment. I just hope they get comfort in the fact that Chris Candido has had such an effect on many people's lives. Whether it be a family member, a close friend, or a casual wrestling fan, he has touched us all in a special way.

I can speak for all wrestling fans by saying, "THANK YOU CHRIS CANDIDO!!!!"

Random Thought

Is it bad that I feel more saddened by hearing of the death of Chris Candido than of the Pope?

Out of all the tragic losses this business has endured this one affects me more personally then any of them, and I am sure there are countless others that feel the exact same way as many people have spoken about the mark that this amazing man has left on them. I first remember seeing Chris when I was a young kid hanging out at Mike Sharpe's school in Brick. He would pop in from time to time and mess around with the students but I don't recall ever personally speaking to him. I officially met Chris a few years back in the very beginning of his run with WCW. At the time I was setting up rings through my connection with Donnie B at the Coraluzzo NWA shows. Chris had just won the WCW cruiserweight title but was honoring his commitment to this indie booking. I remember working the gimmick table for the Pitbulls selling their merchandise when Chris approached me with a bunch of pictures of him and Tammy and asked if I minded watching over them and taking the money from the people that wanted to purchase them. We started to talk and I told him about my days at Sharpe's and he said he remembered me even though there was no way he possibly could have. We spoke for over an hour and I couldn't believe how down to earth this man was. He gave me his screen name and we would converse regularly on AOL. After his WCW run I would run into him at various indy shows and despite whatever personal problems or demons he was dealing with at the time he was still the same man I had met a year or so earlier. Over the last year and a half I have worked pretty much exclusively for NWS when my schedule permits and my favorite shows to work were the ones at the Manasquan Elks Lodge. #1 Because they were close to my house and #2 it was always a packed house. Chris lived close to this building as well and he was on every show I was on. The one thing that always amazed me about Chris is that despite the fact everyone billed him as the greatest wrestler in the world he truly believed he could keep getting better. I have seen so many veterans work young green guys and call the entire match spot for spot whereas Chris made every guy he ever worked feel like his equal. A few months back I got to manage Johnny Candido against Balls Mahoney in a tables match and I remember standing outside the ring feeding off of Chris. I kept yelling to him to come in and save his little brother and his facial expressions were priceless. Here was a guy that could do it all in every aspect of this business. I am so glad I got to work with the Candido brothers that night and it is something I will remember forever. My best friend who attends all the shows I am on got to know Chris a bit as well. He refused to call him Chris Candido and always jokingly called him Skip. My friend text messaged me the night of the TNA ppv and said "dude I think Skip just broke his leg". I checked the DOI a few days later and read that not only was Chris' surgery successful but I also heard he did a spot on the TNA tapings on Tuesday night. During the time that I was reading this news is about the time Chris left this world. You can imagine how shocked I was when the very next day I had 10 voicemail's informing me of the grim news. This loss is so senseless and tragic it is absolutely sickening. To think that a man who overcame so much could be taken away from us due to a freak occurrence is astonishing. My condolences go out to Tammy, Johnny and Balls. I guess the only thing that can give me comfort in this is my belief that there is an afterlife for special people like Chris. And that big wrestling promotion in the sky just got one hell of an acquisition.
Rest in Peace.

I had the honor and privilege to wrestle Chris Candido a few years ago and he was a class act all the way. He was one of the most down to earth people you'll ever meet. It's kind of weird and sad referring to him in the past tense. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the Candido family. Gone but not forgotten.
God Bless,
Eddie (Chino Martinez)

In my time I've been blessed and lucky enough to be in the ring with many a men that were born superstars. One of the those men was Chris Candido. He was the most humblest guy I knew. He was on top of the world at one point, in front of big crowds, 1000's of people and he now can have the same great attitude working in front of 15 people. He was nothing but fun and laughs. He was a great wrestler with a tremendous knowlege of psychology. The last time I seen him, he was kicking my ass in Dusty Rhode fashion and dancing more salsa moves than Ricky Martin.

Chris, you are probably running around showing your ass to Legends and Heros in the Heavens and making them laugh the same way you made us laugh.

My condolences to Tammy, Johnny, and the entire Candido family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Every morning around 7am before heading off to work, I check the internet. I get a message "I can not believe Chris Candido is gone". I did not know how to respond to that. So I went looking and the words "CHRIS CANDIDO PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 33" flashed across my screen.

This is an utter shock. I did not know the guy well, or hardly at all, but whenever I got the chance to take pictures of him at ringside or sit in the crowd and watch him work, I knew that what was going on in the ring was sheer magical beauty. He gave it his all to the fans every time he worked. Even when injured, he made sure to leave the venue knowing that the fans were entertained and had a great time. Whenever I saw Chris, he always put a smile to my face. Along with StiffShots, I was there for the paper airplanes at the SSCW show and when I think about that show, I can say that I have never laughed so hard in my life. He knew how to entertain. He knew how to keep the fans happy. He busted his ass every time he wrestled because he loved the business THAT MUCH.

I have enjoyed, as well, photographing him. I want to wish Tammy and his family heartfelt condolences. This is not goodbye, this is til we meet again.

R.I.P. Chris Candido 1972-2005

About a year before I started my training with Killer Kowalski I went to a CWA show ran by the late great Tony Rumble. On the show one Wrestler stood out above the rest, That man was a young Chris Candido. Watching Chris over the years from a Toyota dealership in Wallingford CT to PPV he was one of the finest Wrestlers to grace the squared circle. I have had the pleasure to be on a few shows with Chris and he was great to be around. Funny so smart about the business he had everything you could ask for in a Wrestler. The last time I saw him we all went out to dinner after a show for Jason Knight and Chris being the funny guy he was wore his ring gear in to Fridays for dinner. He had everyone in the restaurant looking at him and he went about his time like it was just normal. It saddens me that so many of the "boys" have to die so young. My thoughts are with Tammy, Johnny, Balls and the rest of his family and friends. Godspeed Chris.

My heart skipped a beat when I heard the horrible news. Damn..........
This is truly a tragedy, Chris was arguably the best pound for pound wrestler not signed to a WWE contract. His personal demons have been well publicized, what makes this 100 times harder to accept is the fact that he seemed to have fully turned his life around full circle and was well on his way to fame and fortune once again when this unexpected turn of events took place. From the few times I have met him, Candido was well spoken, classy, extremely kind and eager to give valuable advice to anyone smart enough to listen. My heartfelt condolences go to his close friends and family.
Rest in peace, ECW legend and pioneer to the revolution of the greatest sport in the world........

The first time I met Chris Candido was at a show in New York on April 29, 1996 just days after my grandmother had passed away. I was with some friends working on the card and was sitting in the lockerroom when Chris walked in and introduced himself to me.
He asked why I looked down and told him about my week.

Chris noticied I was wearing a t-shirt of the rock band Kiss and we immediately got into a long conversation about our favorite Kiss songs, moments and Kiss merchandise we had when we were kids. Chris brightened up my night with tons of stories of his grandfather and road stories from the WW(F) and Smokey mountain. At this time Chris was 1/2 tag champ as "Skip" of the Body Donnas. Balls Mahoney was also on this card wrestling under the name Abudah Sighn (I believe the spelling was) and Chris had me laughing in stitches with impersonations of Balls and also of Terry Funk.

Later that night all the boys went to a local tavern for drinks and food. Chris sat across from me. As all the boys were ordering their pitchers of beer, Chris looked at me and said "Gee I feel left out" and proceeded to order a pitcher of milk which he shared with me since I was driving back home that night.

I recenltly saw Chris wrestling this past December and January for NWA-NJ and was in awesome shape and his in ring work was top work rate. Something funny from the show in January was he was wrestling Rocking Rebel as a "babyface". Chris usually wrestles as a "heel". During the match as Chris was making his comeback, he gave Rebel a couple of elbows hit the ropes with a full head of steam and knocked Rebel down with a powerful shoulder block. Chris, full of fire, does a cartwheel and jumps in the air yelling "Super babyface, Yeah!" lol

Anyone, fan or wrestler who has met or has known Chris personally knows that no matter what, no matter what the situation was, when Chris was around, everyone was happy, laughing and having a great time. Chris knew what his job was in professional wrestling and probably did his job better than anyone ever could.

Thank you Chris for the laughs, memories and being a role model of who a professional wrestler truly is.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris' family and friends. Chris will be foverver missed and never forgotten.

God Bless ya brother,
Dave

To Tammy and her family and Chris' entire family, know that you are not alone in your grief. To Chris' closest friends here on Earth, become like Chris and carry on the work he began. Tell the stories of the great Chris Candido and how he made the wrestling business a better place. Try to instill a little of Chris into every locker room you enter. Give forgiveness and redemption to those who need it and let everyone know that no matter how bad your problems are, you can turn your life around and ask for forgiveness. Don't the let any mistakes you make prevent you from doing great things in the future.

There are some days you just shouldn't check your e-mail. I logged on this morning to check my messages when I saw a message from Shane Douglas' webmaster saying that Mr. Candido had passed away. Like everyone else, I hoped & prayed that it was a mistake. Upon checking various wrestling sites, however, I learned the sad truth.

I remember when Chris came to the WWF as Skip of the Bodydonna's. He was a heel you loved to hate. There was something about his charisma & charm that made you cheer for him though. I didn't see too much of his ECW stuff; only what I have on tape. The talent, charisma, & that "IT" factor are present then as well.

I was privilged to witness Mr. Candido compete live when XPW ran in Philadelphia. The tapes don't do his work justice. He had some great matches against Vic Grimes, Julio Dinero, Shane Douglas, M-Dogg20, Josh Prohibition, & Justice Pain. I can remember New Year's Revolution 2003 weekend like it was yesterday. There was a giant shoot session before the Saturday evening show with the XPW crew where the wrestlers sat in the ring & you could ask them questions. My friend Mike asked some good ones & Chris branded him a smart mark and poked fun at him. He then came and talked to us personally for about an hour. He treated us like friends he hadn't seen in a long time. At XPW's last show in Philadelphia, My Bloody Valentine, he rememberd who we were & chatted with us again. It's rare you see someone show how much they appreciate your support & thank you for it personally.

Saturday, March 26, 2005 will forever live in my memory. It was the night Chris Candido made a shocking return to the ECW Arena. Sadly, it will be remembered as his final match in the building. Again, the fire & passion was there as you could tell he was putting his heart and soul into his work, wanting to give the best he could to the fans.

I cried today. I cried a lot. I've been listening to "Back In Black" for most of the day. Even though I've only met Mr. Candido a couple times, from the way he treated us, I feel like I've lost an old friend. I mourn not only the death of a great wrestler, but the death of a man who definately seemed to be a genuinely remarkable human being. Wrestling shows at the ECW Arena are definately going to be bittersweet from this day foward, and I will always have the image of Chris Candido strutting to the ring whenever I hear "Back In Black".

In closing, I would like to say the following. My heart goes out to the Candido family, Tammy, and all of your friends in this time of need. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sonny Siaki, please don't blame yourself. It is NOT your fault.

Rest in peace Mr. Chris Candido. I hope you will continue to kick as much ass in Heaven's Sqaured Circle as you did in life.

The first time I met Chris Candido (and Tammy Sytch) was at an AWA show I was ring announcing for. I remember walking in and, from the corner of my eye, seeing this blond haired dude talking to Mike Morgan, and thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. As a worker, I was always told not to "mark out". Sorry, I couldn't help it. I walked over like a goofy 12 year old and shook their hands, stood a bit in awe of both of them, and wondered to myself, "What are they doing here?", more excited than curious. It was to my delight that I found out they were going to give a rub to the AWA later on in the show somehow. But more importantly, they were to sit right next to me the whole night as they sat as lumiaries taking in the action.

Being the mark for wrestling in general that I am, I had to ask alot of questions about their time in the WWF, and of course, ECW. I thought they were going to balk, but they didn't. Chris made me laugh because as he would be telling me a story, he'd stop mid-conversation and mark out to a spot that went on in the ring! LOL. Tammy told me alot about the business and what they were doing, and to their surprise, I revealed to them that I actually got to process some work several times at a bank that I worked in. Tammy verified the bank, and from there, it was just more chatting about the business, enjoying the show, and eventually, getting to see Chris kick some NBC tail over at the AWA arena. He did for the AWA what any respectable worker would do for the business, and that's give the younger guys a rub, put them over as best he could, and have fun in the process, and it made me, for at least that one night, remember that wrestling is indeed alive and well, and that the AWA was even more respected than I ever knew.

I got the chance to meet Chris a few other times, at other shows and conventions, and the one thing that never changed was that the dude was always funny. I could remember him sorta remembering me at a show one time, and then I mentioned the bank story, and he says, "Oh yeah, your name is GABE, right?" For what it's worth, I didn't care. Sure, my name is Fabe, but the fact that he even remembered who I was meant a good deal to me. I appreciated it, joked about me being as big as he was at one point (haha), and later got the honor of working with him at the AWA again, as he and Justin Credible put over the AWA huge once again, as the class acts that they are.

If I could take one thing out of my experiences and from what I know about Chris Candido, it's that he understood what this thing that we love is all about. It's about having fun, doing what's right for business, and remembering those who made you and giving back, whether it's the guys in the back, the promotors, or most importantly, your family and the fans who paid their money to come see you do your thing. And he did his thing well, and he is widely considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time because of it. Not just from the fans, but from his peers as well. There's nothing in this world that's greater than the respect of those in your profession, and Chris had it.

I would just like to send my deepest condolenses to Chris's family, to Tammy, and to the fans and friends who knew and loved him. Chris, you never could remember my name, but I'll never forget yours.

The word “SHOCKED” is just not a word that can explain how I feel since hearing about this terrible news today. I wish I could pull the covers back over my head and pray that when I awake this was all a bad dream.

This is a very stunning and upsetting day for me. A few years back a friend Jeff Peters and I picked up Chris and Tammy to go to a TV Studio to promote a show. We were invited into their homes and into their lives and I have never to this day forgotten that day. We went to lunch, shared stories, and had a great day. The kindness of both Tammy & Chris, their stories, and Chris's irresistible sense of humor made that day one of my greatest not just in this business, but in life. I will forever appreciate his knowledge and talent to the business. This business always takes you on ups and downs. It's a bumpy ride, but Chris was always able to rise above no matter what came his way. He will forever remain the most talented wrestler on the indies. Whether he was working in a tag team match with Steve Corino against Wenzel & Brian Christopher, or whether he was wrestling as a part of the Body Donnas or even just a few weeks ago when he was wrestling EC Negro in Philadelphia, he always kept me entertained and glued to whatever he was saying or doing. He will forever be a part of my stories in this business for as long as I live. Thank you both for your hospitality that day, and my deepest prayers go out to Tammy and the rest of his family. The business lost a brother today, one of the best it had to offer. God will for sure have a spot for Chris, and I, the wrestlers, the fans, your family and everyone you touched and entertained will miss you forever.

Chris was a class act in so many ways. He always arrived at the building looking to make everyone smile and laugh. He always gave more the 100% in the ring. I like so many others am still in shock, waiting to hear that his is a huge rib. I can't fathom never seeing him at a show again. It seems almost impossible. I have so many fond memories of Chris, and I will cherish them always. My heart and prayers go out to Tammy, Johnny and the rest of his friends and family. May Chris's presence brighten heaven as much as it did earth!

National Wrestling Superstars promoters and staff alike are still recovering from the horrible news of the passing of their truly dear friend Chris Candido and wish to their heartfelt condolences to the entire Candido family and especially to Tammy and brother Johnny…all three, who have been an intricate part of the success garnered by the NWS. There is not much one can say at this particular moment that will make anyone feel better except anyone that knew Chris always knew him to be one of, if not the most upbeat performers in our business and just a total pleasure over the past two years to be around both in and out of the wrestling ring.

i will always remember chris candido for being one of the most honest workers in this business. i remember when he refereed a 4- way between myself ,rob vegas,joe hardway and johnny thunder in the awa.he had the people on their feet after the match was over. he always had that charisma to get people going and get them into everything that was going on in the ring. chris was always there to help the young guys like myself.i will never forget that. he will truly be missed. god bless him and his family

I know I haven't been around here lately and that is due to a myriad of reasons but coming to work today and reading the computer like I have, I wanted to just say a quick something and vent a little bit. As you all know by now, God, if there is one, has taken away a very special human being from us all. Whether you knew Chris Candido personally, professionally or casually, you were honored to have known a great man. I got to work late this morning and realized that I missed a phone call from a cousin of mine on my cell phone. He would never call me this early and when I tried to call him back, I got no response. So I fired up my work computer and hit the wrestling websites as I always do while I eat breakfast and get ready to start working. To my shock and dismay, I read about Candido's passing. While I won't lay claim to being Balls Mahoney or Frank Goodman who are both close personal friends of Chris and Tammy, a huge pain hit my heart like a ton of bricks. I saw Candido two weeks ago at UXW Wrestling and as usual, he was very kind and sincere. We spoke for a few minutes as he had to prepare for his match. After his match, I was sitting on the stage and I congratulated him on a f*cking spectacular performance. He thanked me and looked sincerely touched by the fans reaction. Tammy and Axl Rotten were also there and they loved his match as well. As I sit here typing this, with a tear in my eye, I say Godspeed Chris Candido. 5 years ago, if someone would have said that Chris Candido passed away, I would have honestly said, good riddance. Not because I thought he was a bad person or a scumbag, but because of the way he was wasting his talent by doing the things he was doing. Today, I sit here knowing that Candido has passed and think to myself, WHY? Why would a man who has worked so hard to turn his life around and get his act together be taken from us. Why would god bless him with a second chance only to snatch it away when he was at a point in his life where he was happy and enjoying life again? I do not know the answer. All I know is that someone truly special has been taken and I have shed a few tears this morning due to it. Little known story, several months ago I was taking to Candido in the USA Pro locker room and I asked him for some advice. Chris being Chris, was more than happy to give it to me as he was always there for young people who needed advice. I asked him if wrestling was worth it. Especially for me who gave up on wrestling to manage. I asked him if he thought it was worth doing what I was doing at the time (i.e. selling tickets only to be placed on a stacked show with 18 matches and being forgotten by the end of the night). He told me that if wrestling is something I love, which I do, to continue doing it. As long as it makes me happy. He was straight with me and told me managers don't really have spots in the big leagues. He asked what I did for a living and told me not to quit my job and if it was feasible and not costing me an arm and a leg to do, continue doing it. I have and thankfully I was granted the pleasure and honor of meeting a true class act and legend like Candido. A fantastic man. A wonderful person. I know Tammy Sytch probably won't read this and if she does, probably won't take me up on my offer, but Tammy, if there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask. Not only me, but wrestling is a family and I am sure that everyone you have ever met in this business is willing to lend a helping hand. No amount of condolences are going to help you right now. But please keep you head up and your feet on the ground. You will get through this with family and friends. God bless you Tammy and god bless Chris.

R.I.P. Chris Candido 1972-2005

The NWANJ would like to send their heartfelt condolences to Tammy, Johnny and the Candido Family. As a former three time champion for the UWA/NWANJ, Chris Candido always gave the fans their monies worth with his antics and charisma. In his last match with the NWANJ on April 16th in Elizabeth, NJ, Chris tagged with the current NWANJ Champion Warpath vs. Crazy Ivan and Danny Doring. I remember Chris and Warpath winning the match and as the sounds of Salsa music blared through the music system, Chris grabbed Warpath and started dancing Salsa with him in the middle of the ring. I looked over to where Tammy was sitting and she was Laughing and enjoying herself as were all the fans in attendance. These are the types of memories that I along with many other wrestlers and fans will remember Chris Candido by!!!

I along with the NWANJ wrestling family were privileged to have known and worked with one of wrestlings purest talent CHRIS CANDIDO...

I got up today to an InstaMessage of someone asking "Is it true, is he gone?". Death in wrestling is, unfortunately, no great surprise anymore. So I went to the DOI to see what had happened. When I saw the news about Chris Candido I was completely floored. No one other then God could have seen this coming. Moments later I received a call from Joe Panzerino and we had probably the worst conversation we've had in the many years I know him. Lots of silence broken up with the occasional "I can't believe this". And I know I am probably rambling right now but I am still totally stunned.

I didn't know Chris as well as Joe Panzerino, who utilized Chris spectacular talents on tons of event, or as well as Frank Goodman who was one of his best friends. But I am honored to say that I did get to know Chris well enough to know that he was one of the truly good guys in this business. He was always quick to do a favor, never complained, worked his ass off and was a caring, funny and loving human being.

I think any of us who have had the pleasure of sharing a conversation with him or know the joy of working with him all feel a tremendous sense of loss at his passing. The loss of Chris Candido is not merely a loss for the wrestling world, it is truly a loss for the world as a whole.

My condolences go out to Tammy, Johnny and his entire family and to Frank Goodman, Joe Panzerino and his friends as a whole. God speed Chris.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Chris, Tammy, and Johnny on several occasions, in many locker rooms, and god dammit I am in shock. Chris and Tammy were always a pleasure to talk to and most of all, to just listen to. Chris is in a better place right now, my condolences are with Tammy and Johnny, and the rest of his family and friends. I'm not quite sure what else to say other than rest in peace brother. The wrestling business is better because of you being a part of it, and the world itself was blessed to have you around. So here's a toast to one hell of a super guy, Chris Candido, you will absolutely be missed."

It is always a sad occasion when someone whom you know passes away. But when a brilliant flame of life such as that which burned inside Chris Candido is extinguished so far ahead of its time, the tragedy is even greater.

We would talk with Chris before the shows we worked together. His life was complex at times. A variety of issues that he ultimately conquered. Different types of pain that he lived with and overcame. A courage that is exemplary. A commitment that was synonymous with his excellence.

A person’s greatness is not measured by position or bank balance. It is not measured by a statue in a park or having a building named in one’s memory. Rather, it is measured by the smiles that come to the faces of those who can reflect on the moments of happiness and friendship they shared with you.

The theatrical world of wrestling aside, Chris Candido stood and will stand as a giant in the memories of those who were privileged to know him.

Sometimes it doesn't pay to sign on. I know that seems strange to say but as I sit here in shock in a Internet Cafe in Helsinki, Finland I feel a real sense of sadness.

Just less then five minutes ago I had gotten an email from Fred Rubenstien with only the text "Because you are my friend, I never want to write this about you." and I couldn't understand what he was saying until a fan named Mick instant messaged me and told me about the death of Chris Candido.

To those that knew Chris if there would have been a story about him dying two years ago I don't think there would have been anyone that would have been shocked. But the Chris Candido of 2005 got his life together and was making such an amazing comeback that it just doesn't seem fair that his life was taken like this.

I just saw Chris in February at a USA Pro show and it was so good to talk to him and see the fire back in his eyes. You could tell that he defeated all the demons that were holding him back for the last couple years and he had a goal.

Chris was always a great guy to me. From the moment I wrestled in him in my beginning days of ECW to the last time I saw him he was just one of the cool guys. A guy that even at his worst couldn't have a bad match and a guy that you had fun around. Ian Rotten even joked with me last week that I wear my towel around my waist in the locker room like Chris did. That is something that both me and Justin Credible stole from him.

I will miss Chris Candido's humor, his wrestling, and the inspiration he showed to young and old wrestlers and fans that even though you are down you can make a comeback. I hope Chris is remembered for the person he was and that was a guy that loved wrestling, the boys, and the fans.

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life Chris. You will never be forgotten.

Chris was a recent addition to the roster at NWA Cyberspace. I've known him personally from our days at Smokey Mountain. He had a style and a personallity that alwats made him stand out as one of the best in the game. He was truly the best there is, was or ever will be. I suffered a loss recently in my family. i understand the pain that Tammy and his family are going through. I feel it myself. Chris is and was a good man, a good wrestler and a very good friend. His loss will affect us all in the days and weeks ahead. Chris Candido, you'll be missed. R.I.P.

At this time I want to ask everybody to say a prayer for Chris as he ventures into everlasting life. I ask Tammy and Johnny to stay strong during this moment of grief, as God has taken Chris to a better place. Chris was the greatest Indy worker of all time, and to say I was lucky enough to work with him and Balls is an understatement. I sit here in shock like all of you. Chris was a fighter, he beat all of the odds against him; especially over the past few years. To overcome that adversity alone is a great feat, but then he found greatness again in the ring which was overwhelming. Great Worker is a title thrown around a lot these days, but Chris was surely a Great Worker, and an even Greater Person. His Passion and love for the business was unlike anybody I'd ever met before I got to know him. He had so much fun out there, and you can tell. The fans knew... I'm going to miss you Chris

Tammy and Johnny stay strong for each other

Its a sad day in the wrestling business, as a great man passed away.

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris and Tammy at an indy show in just about a year ago. I've seen his work from his wwf, ecw & wCw days but to meet him, shake his hand and tell him what a fan of his I was made the trip to this lil indy show worth while.

while the crowd wasn't the biggest or the loudest it didn't seem to matter to him... he simply went out to entertain us all and at the same time he himself.. have a good time (which i believed he did.

During intermission I wandered over to where he and Tammy were selling some photos of themselves autographing and posing for other photos when i approached purchased a few pics and asked if he would pose for one with me.. he obliged me and commented on my "JAPW" t-shirt... he said jokingly.. what no wwe shirt.. which drew a laugh from those in ear shot... I said no i was a bigger fan of indy wrestling.. he said good stuff indeed.. and commented how he liked JAPW.

Fast forward now to March of this year and only my second time in the "ECW Arena" & to hear "Back In Black" by AC/DC gave me such a tremendous rush.. I could only at the time imagine what it was like for three years to hear that under the ECW banner here in South Philly... and suffice to say for the first time in several months.. i didn't cheer for JAPW wrestler EC Negro as i was cheering for his opponent... Mr. "No Gimmicks Needed" Chris Candido.

To hear of his passing truely saddens me.. especially considering our closeness in age ... as a wrestling fan I thank him for his tireless efforts to entertain the wrestling community... as a human I thank God for blessing your family, friends and loved ones with the precious opportunity to share their lives with you because i do not doubt you touched them in very special ways.

GodSpeed Chris... We Will Miss You Deeply...

Ive never wrestled Chris Candido or ever been on any crazy roadtrips or anything. Ive just been lucky enough to be in the same locker room as him, and watch some of his matches. No matter who you were, he was a guy you wanted to wrestle. He was one of the best workers ever to lace up his boots, and one of the nicest guys i've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I only wish now, I couldve picked his brain a little bit, because of the overwhelming wealth of knowledge he had. It is very sad to see him pass so young. God bless him and his family.

"Good lord this sucks. I am glad I mended fences with you when I did bro. God speed!!"

This business sucks it really does. The first time I ever saw Chris was in 1988 and 1989 backstage at the NWA Philly shows. He was backstage with Tammy as he was just setting up the rings. I would also see him on most of Dennis Corlouzzo's NWA shows around NJ. I never got to know Chris until 1993 when he came into ECW. I was lucky enough to travel with ECW but I still never got to know Chris. He was just one of the guys I would talk to in passing. In ECW he was always one of the more entertaining workers of the crew. He was also one of the best workers in the company. He knew how to bump his ass off and you would see so many other personalities mixed in with Chris like Funk and Flair. But most of all what made him so special is that well Chris Candido threw away the mold and he was so special.

He had his demons but the man changed his life around and it truly showed in the last few months the most. We went to NJ to conduct our shoot with him a few months back and that was the first time we ever really connected. After the interview we would talk at all the shows that he was at like USA Pro, JAPW, and Cyber Space. I made it a point to make sure that I would be the first to go up to him after his match and I would always say "Your Back". He was always happy when I would say that and he would smile and say he found his working boots again. I never knew we had so much in common with each other.

I just had him at my house like a few weeks back when Sabu was here. We talked a lot and he had a lot of future goals. He was truly making his comeback. He wanted to make a go one more time. I just saw him wrestle in one of the best comedy matches ever seen with Matt Striker at Cyberspace. I just saw him cut one of the best promos at the arena with JAPW. Chris will be missed, and there was probaly not a bigger fan of the wrestling business than Chris. He was just like you a fan of wrestling who lived his dream. When you saw a Candido match you knew he would work his ass off for you and never have a shitty match. RIP Chris you will be missed in a big way.

Since I was a kid growing up my mother took me to a wrestling convention in Queens, NY.
The convention had a ring set up by the Monster Factory. Some of Larry Sharpe's students were there helping out. One of them was a very young hungry Chris Candido. After a match he did he took the time to take a poloroid photo with me. As the years went on and I started to get into the business, it felt alittle weird being on the same card with the man. He always treated me with respect on numerous occasions. I'm totally shocked right now about this news and silenced. It would have been nice one day to lock up with him. I send my condolences to his family and close friends. I send totally respect, may he rest in peace.
God Bless

Being in this business for over three years now, you meet alot of people who come and go unnoticed,but there are some people no matter how hard they try that dont go unnoticed.Chris Candido is one of those people in this business. I was blessed by god to work him two times. One time in a tag team match and one time recently at the ecw arena.Hes an amazing worker,but more importantly an amazing man.He was the first superstar that i met that treated me like a person, he was just a regular guy who loved to joke around. It is truly sad that sometimes you dont get to cherish oppurtunities or times you have with a person. Right now the only place that is blessed is heaven,because tonigh they recieved a great worker and a great human being.May god bless his soul , his loved ones and fans. Thank you Chris for all you have done.

I heard the horrible news this evening on my way home from training that Chris Candido had passed away. At first I thought it was a big rib, but then checking certain things out I found out it isn't one. Candido has done so much for this sport that it is simply amazing that someone with so much heart, desire, and love for the wrestling business can be taken away in the blink of an eye. I grew up watching Candido in Smokey Mountain Wrestling, his time in WWE, his time in ECW. His time in ECW most sticks out to me. A member of the Triple Threat with Shane Douglas and Bam Bam Bigelow, his tag title run/feud with Lance Storm, his matches with Taz. Candido had this untapped amount of charisma that just made you watch his every move. Then he had his personal problems, but within the last year or so I have never seen someone overcome such adversity and come back out on top. But the thing I will most remember Chris Candido for is because on December 18th, 2004 he gave me a chance to be in the ring with him, and gave me the match of my life. If it wasn't for Candido, I don't think I'd be where I am right now in the AWA. He gave me a match I will never forget, and made me what I am today. For that I thank you Chris. May you rest in peace I will never forget you.

I'll have my personal thoughts on the situation up soon.

Sean "The MiC" McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com