Larry “The Axe” Hennig, who was best known for his time in Verne Gagne’s AWA, passed away on Thursday at the age of 82 after a long illness and kidney failure.
Hennig, a former 5-time AWA Tag Team Champion, is the father of the late “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and grandfather to current WWE star Curtis Axel (Joseph Curtis).
WWE posted an article looking back at Hennig’s career, including being a challenger for Bruno Sammartino’s WWE World Heavyweight Title at Madison Square Garden.
WWE issued this statement:
Though his own career was cut short due to injury, Hennig’s legacy spanned another two generations thanks to his son, the late WWE Hall of Famer Mr. Perfect, and grandson, former Intercontinental Champion Curtis Axel. WWE extends its condolences to Hennig’s family, friends and fans.