While WWE prepares for WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19, the excitement was dampened by the news of Dennis Condrey's passing at age 74.

Condrey was one of the founding members of The Midnight Express tag team. Details about the cause of death have not been disclosed yet.

Condrey’s fellow wrestling star, Dax Harwood, shared the news on March 20 on his Instagram with a lengthy, heartfelt caption. It started with, “My friend, Dennis,” and concluded with the revelation of Condrey's death as Harwood stated, "Rest in Peace “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey."

Harwood also started a GoFundMe campaign with a $1,000 donation. He started this with Condrey's wife's permission to manage funeral expenses and bills.

While remembering 'Loverboy,' Harwood, 41, wrote, “Greatest of All Time scenarios will always be a hot button for debate. However, when it comes to the greatest tag teams of all time, almost always is The Midnight Express brought up."

He also shared how he became a friend of the late Condrey over the last 5 years, considering it a privilege, and said, “Seeing him and His beautiful wife, Theresa, always made me feel like I was part of their family”.

Admiring Condrey as one of his heroes, Harwood said, “I loved that man, and I’ll do everything I possibly can. Over the next few years, I have left the business, to keep his and the Midnight Express’ spirit alive…. God Bless a true Pioneer of Professional Wrestling. Rest in Peace, “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey."

Aside from Harwood, All Elite Wrestling also released a statement expressing condolences for Condrey's death and sympathy for his family.

Such emotional responses from peers led to a look at Condrey's legendary career that set that lasting respect.

Dennis Condrey: Achievements, Career, and Life Journey

Condrey began his wrestling career in 1973 under the guidance of Joe Turner. His peak time came at the NWA Mid-America, where his hard-hitting style came into fans' notice.

Early recognition came through the tag team, the Bicentennial Kings, where Condrey captured many regional championships, such as Southeastern and NWA Southern titles, establishing himself as a dominant and trustworthy tag team legend.

His true legacy was cemented by The Midnight Express. Condrey started the tag team along with Bobby Eaton. The team quickly became famous for their double-team moves. Apart from that, their on-stage competition with The Rock ' n Roll pushed the tag team war into the spotlight.

In 1980, Eaton and Condrey cemented their name among the stars by winning the title of the NWA World Tag Team Championship.

However, later, along with Randy Rose, Condrey reformed the original Midnight Express and dominated the AWA World Tag Team Championship under the guidance of Paul Heyman.

During his peak, Condrey faced tough competitors like Magnum T.A, Dusty Rhodes, and Junkyard Dog.

Condrey stepped away from the ring for some time because of some unknown reasons. In the later years, the legend returned and mentored young talents. He continued the sport until 2011 and actively participated in fan events while fighting throat cancer.

While his passing has saddened the entire wrestling community, his story will inspire generations for years to come, and he will forever be remembered as a hero.

Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy