'Playboy' Buddy Rose Found Dead

[Jonny Worldbeater]

Paul Perschmann, aka Playboy Buddy Rose, was found dead today by his wife at his home in Portland, OR. No cause of death is known at this time, though he told people that he had been having blood sugar issues with his diabetes of late. Buddy worked for both WWF and AWA and was one of the great stars of Don Owen's Portland Wrestling. He helped groom a lot of wrestlers both in the ring (including Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty in an early tag feud with partner Doug Somers) and later at his wrestling school, which he operated until recently with "Colonel DeBeers" Ed Wiskoski. Both Buddy and Ed were honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2004. He holds the honor of being in the first-ever WrestleMania match on March 31st, 1985, as the masked Executioner, losing to Tito Santana. More info on his life and career is available at his website, which is located here.

[Bryan]

indeed pretty sad to hear, but here's a funny moment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT-OIhG8AI0

RIP.

[Jon Tees]

Rose had health problems in recent years and for as long as I can remember was overweight/obese. So although his death under those circumstances is not shocking, it’s still rather sad. Rose will no doubt be missed.
Rest in Peace Playboy Buddy Rose.

[hms1310]

Never saw match of his early stuff when I was little until recently. That tag match against the Rockers in the AWA was intense and one of the few AWA matches that didn't bore me to tears.

And I'll always fondly remember him being the lamb to slaughter for Kerry Von Erich's WWF debut on Saturday Night's Main Event when he literally fell on his ass onto the floor. lol

RIP

[Kise]

Rest in peace...

I remember seeing that as well, hms. He was never the most fit guy, but I would never suspect his weight/health to be a problem.