Wrestling in the 1980s brought us many colorful characters who will forever be etched in the minds of us who were blessed to see them. Yesterday we lost one of those bright stars with the passing of Nature Boy Buddy Landel. The only other modern era big time star to take on the Nature Boy moniker outside of Ric Flair. Probably most famously known as the butt of one Ric’s hottest promos Landel had pretty solid in ring career of his own.
Landel broke into the business in 1979 wrestling in small promotions until he got his shot in the big time working for Jim Crockett Promotions. When arriving in the Carolinas he set to make his mark by taking on Ric Flair. Managed by JJ Dillion, Buddy worked his way all the way to the National Heavyweight Title at Starrcade in1985. After that he bounced around various NWA territories. The highlight of his career probably came in 1990 during the “Battle of The Nature Boys” with Flair.
Buddy like a lot of wrestlers from his era fell victim to drug abuse. His problem with drugs caused his career to flame out and why didn’t continue to thrive in the 1990s. Landel cleaned up his life in his later years. The cause of death is still unknown for Landel as he was in a car accident the day before he passed away. Buddy will be remember for his long flowing blonde hair and colorful promos and will be missed.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr
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