Ron Bass Then and Now

Ron Bass Then

Ron Bass, born on December 21, 1948, in Tampa, Florida, began his journey into professional wrestling in the early 1970s. 

His initial foray into the wrestling world took place in the Gulf Coast territory, where he started performing under the ring name Ron Bass. 

Known for his imposing physique and rugged demeanor, Bass quickly made a name for himself in various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories throughout the 1970s. 

His persona evolved over time, adopting different ring names such as “Cowboy” Ron Bass, Sam Oliver Bass, and “Outlaw” Ron Bass, reflecting his versatility and the regional preferences of the territories he worked in.

Ron Bass Wrestling Career

In the early 1980s, Ron Bass expanded his reach into Championship Wrestling from Florida and Jim Crockett Promotions. 

During this period, he frequently teamed with Black Bart as part of “The Long Riders,” creating a memorable tag team that garnered significant attention. 

Bass’s career was marked by both high-profile feuds and alliances, including notable rivalries with Angelo Mosca and Kendo Nagasaki. 

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His heel turn, characterized by his betrayal of Dusty Rhodes during a crucial match, intensified his notoriety in the wrestling world. 

Bass’s feud with Barry Windham, stemming from a storyline involving a saddle given to him by Rhodes, further solidified his reputation as a compelling antagonist.

Bass made a significant leap in his career by joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1987, where he continued to compete under the “Outlaw” name. 

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In the WWF, he challenged top stars such as Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake, participating in notable events like the inaugural Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble. 

His feud with Beefcake, highlighted by a brutal attack involving spurs, and subsequent hair vs. hair match, demonstrated his role as a formidable midcard competitor. 

Despite his initial success, Bass’s role in the WWF diminished after his feud with Beefcake, leading to his departure from the promotion in March 1989.

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Ron Bass Wrestling Competition

• Gulf Coast Wrestling
• National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories
• Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF)
• Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

Ron Bass Now

Ron Bass, born James Ronald “Ron” Heard, was a notable professional wrestler who passed away on March 7, 2017, at the age of 68. 

His death was attributed to complications that arose following surgery. 

Bass had been in the hospital earlier that month due to a burst appendix, which led to a series of medical issues ultimately resulting in his untimely death.

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Bass’s wrestling career, spanning from the early 1970s through the late 1980s, left a lasting impact on the industry. 

Known for his roles as “Cowboy” Ron Bass and “Outlaw” Ron Bass, he achieved considerable fame in various territories, including Championship Wrestling from Florida and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). 

His character was often highlighted by his rugged persona and memorable feuds, such as his rivalry with Brutus Beefcake and involvement in major events like the Royal Rumble and Survivor Series.

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Despite his significant contributions to professional wrestling, Bass’s later years were marked by health struggles. 

His death was a poignant reminder of the toll that such a demanding career can take on athletes. 

Ron Bass is remembered fondly by fans and peers for his contributions to the sport and his distinctive presence in the wrestling world.

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