Nicole Bass was a bodybuilder, professional wrestler, and a frequent guest on The Howard Stern Show. She was known for her muscular physique and her appearances in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the late 1990s. She died on February 16, 2017, at the age of 52, after suffering a heart attack. Here is a brief overview of her life, career, and death.
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Early Life and Bodybuilding Career
Nicole Bass was born on August 10, 1964, in Queens, New York. She began competing as a bodybuilder in the mid-1980s and won several titles, including the NPC Nationals in 1997. She was 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 240 pounds of pure muscle. She also appeared on four soap operas: The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of Our Lives in 1991, and General Hospital and Guiding Light in 1992.
Professional Wrestling Career
Bass made her professional wrestling debut in Japan in August 1998 for NEO Women’s Pro Wrestling, where she won a tournament by defeating Kyoko Inoue. She then joined ECW in early 1999 and aligned herself with Justin Credible, Chastity, and Jason. She feuded with Tommy Dreamer, Mikey Whipwreck, and Beulah McGillicutty.
In March 1999, she debuted in WWF as Sable’s bodyguard at WrestleMania XV. She became involved in a feud with Debra McMichael, which culminated in a mixed tag match pitting Bass and Val Venis against Jeff Jarrett and Debra at Over the Edge, which took place right after the tragic death of Owen Hart. Bass then interfered in a match between Debra and Ivory, costing Debra the Women’s Championship. Bass was released from WWF in July 1999.
Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
After leaving WWF, Bass filed a $120 million lawsuit against the company for sexual harassment. She claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Steve Lombardi, also known as The Brooklyn Brawler, backstage at a WWF event. She also alleged that she was subjected to a hostile work environment and discrimination based on her gender and sexual orientation. She identified herself as bisexual.
The lawsuit went to trial in 2003 but was dismissed by the judge, who ruled that Bass had failed to prove her claims. The judge also criticized Bass for lying under oath and fabricating evidence. Bass appealed the decision but lost again in 2005.
Later Years and Death
Bass continued to wrestle on the independent circuit for promotions such as XPW and NWA Jersey until 2002. She also made frequent appearances on The Howard Stern Show from 1993 until her death. She was a member of the show’s Wack Pack and participated in various segments, such as The Miss Howard Stern New Year’s Eve Pageant and Private Parts.
On February 16, 2017, Bass’s girlfriend Kristen Marrone posted a statement on Bass’s official Facebook page stating that Bass had been hospitalized after being found unconscious at her apartment. Later that day, she was declared to be medically brain dead following a heart attack. Marrone wrote that Bass had passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Bass’s death was mourned by many fans and fellow wrestlers who remembered her as a strong and unique personality. She was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, New York.
