Buzz Sawyer was a professional wrestler who had a reputation for being a wild and unpredictable performer. He was known for his intense feuds, his powerful moves, and his charismatic personality. He was also known for his drug problems, which ultimately led to his premature death.
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Early Life and Career
Buzz Sawyer was born as Bruce Alan Woyan on June 14, 1959, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a talented athlete who excelled in wrestling and football in high school. He won the state championship in the 191.5-pound weight class in 1976, and finished third nationally, losing to future MMA star Dan Severn in the semifinal.
Sawyer started his professional wrestling career in 1978, working for Jim Crockett Promotions, an affiliate of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He adopted the ring name Buzz Sawyer, and soon became a fan favorite with his energetic and aggressive style. He also teamed up with his younger brother Brett Sawyer, who was also a wrestler.
Sawyer had some of his most memorable matches and feuds in Georgia Championship Wrestling, where he faced off against Tommy Rich, The Road Warriors, and Ric Flair. He also won several titles, including the NWA National Heavyweight Championship and the NWA National Tag Team Championship.
WWF and Other Promotions
In 1984, Sawyer briefly joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he was given the nickname “Bulldog” and paired with manager Captain Lou Albano. He had a new finisher called the bulldog, and wore a dog collar and chain as part of his gimmick. However, he did not stay long in the WWF, and soon left for other promotions.
Sawyer wrestled for various territories, such as Championship Wrestling from Florida, Mid-South Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, and Jim Crockett Promotions. He won more titles, such as the WCWA Television Championship, the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, and the UWF Television Championship. He also formed a tag team with Matt Borne, who later became Doink the Clown in the WWF.
Sawyer also toured Japan with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he competed against the likes of Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, and Riki Choshu. He was known for his stiff and hard-hitting style, which earned him respect from the Japanese fans and wrestlers.
Drug Problems and Death
Sawyer had a history of drug abuse, which affected his performance and behavior. He was often unreliable, unprofessional, and violent. He had several incidents and altercations with other wrestlers, promoters, and fans. He was also involved in a car accident in 1986, which injured his back and neck.
On February 7, 1992, Sawyer died of a heart attack due to a drug overdose. He was 32 years old and living in Sacramento, California. He was found by his girlfriend, who called 911, but it was too late to save him. According to Ark Behavioral Health, his cause of death was heart failure due to a drug overdose.
Sawyer’s death was a shock and a tragedy to the wrestling world. He was remembered as one of the most talented and charismatic wrestlers of his generation, who had a bright future ahead of him. He was also mourned by his family, friends, and fans, who loved him despite his flaws.
Legacy and Influence
Buzz Sawyer left a lasting legacy and influence in the wrestling industry. He was praised for his skills, his charisma, and his intensity. He was also known for his innovative and influential matches, such as the “Last Battle of Atlanta” cage match against Tommy Rich, which inspired the Hell in a Cell concept used by WWE. According to Wrestler Deaths, this match was released on the WWE Network in 2016.
Sawyer also trained and mentored several wrestlers, such as Ken Shamrock, who became a star in both wrestling and MMA. He also influenced many wrestlers who admired his style and personality, such as Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, and Steve Austin.
Buzz Sawyer was a mad dog in the ring, but he was also a human being who struggled with his demons. He was a wrestler who lived and died by his passion, but he also left a mark that will never be forgotten. He was a legend who will always be remembered.
