We are saddened to report that Sonny King, a prominent figure in territorial wrestling, passed away at the age of 79 on August 31, 2024. King, who wrestled professionally for nearly two decades, had an impressive career, facing off against some of the biggest names in the sport, including Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and The Masked Superstar.
Throughout his career, King wrestled for several major promotions, including Florida Championship Wrestling, the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, later known as WWF and then WWE), and Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. He held prestigious titles such as the WWWF Tag Team Championship with Chief Jay Strongbow in 1972 and the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship with Ricky Morton in 1979. King also competed for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Title against champions like Dory Funk Jr. and Jack Brisco.
In addition to wrestling, King also participated in Boxing matches against other wrestlers, including Johnny Valentine, with whom he had a longstanding feud. One of his most notable boxing matches was against Valentine in 1974, refereed by legendary prizefighter Joe Louis, where King emerged victorious.
King also squared off against Buddy Rogers (who was the first ever WWWF World Heavyweight Champion) in a series of Boxer vs. Wrestler matches in 1979, but lost.
Sonny’s son, John Tighe, posted the following about his father’s death on Facebook:
“This is one of most difficult things I’ve ever written. They say you’re never really ready to say goodbye especially when Hello wasn’t that long ago.
First thing my Dad taught me was to never be bitter or hold animosity for the journey it took us to find each other but to enjoy what time we have now. I really truly did enjoy every moment every visit every hug every I love you we have shared. I found a piece of myself that I was missing my entire life.
In a short time I’ve gained such an immense amount of life lessons and I’m truly grateful because I would not have the drive I have today to becoming a better person.
My Dad was truly the most remarkable man I’ve ever encountered and the love and respect shown towards him everywhere we went spoke volumes of the type of man he truly was.
Today he went home to be with the Lord but forever he will always remain in my heart. I love you Dad until we meet again.”
