Despite being one of the best big men in the sport during his era, and clearly, Sid’s career is often remembered for two things. One is a nasty leg break live on PPV. The other was the big man’s love of softball. Chances are if he walked out on a company or no-showed an event, it was softball season.
Sid Vicious Was The Master And The Ruler Of The World
Sid Vicious Stood Out In A Wrestling Ring
| Debut Year | 1987 |
| Notable Accomplishments | WCW World Heavyweight Champion, WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, WWE Champion |
| Companies Competed In | NWA, WWE, WCW, ECW |
Sid Vicious is often overlooked, but he had a solid wrestling career. Some fans might not know these facts about the Ruler & Master Of The World.
Sid started out in Memphis under the hockey mask gimmick of Lord Humongous, but it wasn’t long before the NWA took notice and signed him. He debuted as Big Sid Viscous, one of the Skyscrapers. Very quickly he moved up the ranks and became a member of The Four Horsemen. As a Horsemen, he did battle with the likes of Sting and even Robocop in the much-maligned Capital Combat. Fans cheered for him despite being part of the Horsemen.
He didn’t do much during his first run in WCW, but it got him noticed by WWE, and he was signed in 1991 and renamed Sid Justice. His first stint in the WWE, while memorable, also ended abruptly when he failed a drug test shortly before WrestleMania 8 and, instead of serving his suspension, opted to pursue his softball dreams instead.
Sid Vicious Played Softball To Stay In Shape
Sid Vicious Main Evented WrestleMania 13
When he was in between wrestling runs and playing softball to stay in shape, Sid maintained that he was only playing the Designated Hitter position. In theory, that’s less chance of injuring himself. His second run in WWE was one of the best during The New Generation Era. He was the only person to defeat both Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels for the WWE title. He even headlined WrestleMania against The Undertaker (making him the only man to headline against both Taker and Hulk Hogan).
However, every so often, the injury bug would bite him, prompting some in the brass to think he was feigning in order to get to the field. According to the Something To Wrestle episode on Sid, Bruce Prichard said on one occasion, Sid was reportedly told by doctors that he shouldn’t wrestle again, so then that meant he was done. Considering he’d worked several more years before the gruesome leg injury, it certainly lends credence to the softball story.
Jerry “The King” Lawler Ratted Out Sid Vicious
WCW Was Not Happy That Sid Was Playing Softball
Sid Vicious tragically passed away on August 26th, 2024. Here’s a look back at the career of The Master & Ruler Of The World
According to a 2018 interview, the man from wherever he damn well pleases surmises that Jerry “The King” Lawler let the cat out of the bag and slipped the gossip to WCW bookers that Sid Vicious was playing softball. The reason he knew that was because The King as well was an avid softball player. Sid had stated to Hannibal TV:
“I’m working out eating 15 times a day, working out 2-3 times a day, so during my time off I played a little softball.” (h/t Fightful)
But once WCW caught wind, head booker Ole Anderson was none too pleased about what Sid was doing during his downtime. Once Ole caught wind, he ordered Sid to do the honors for Lex Luger in less than ten seconds over the supposed “controversy.”
Softball Never Hindered Sid Vicious’ Wrestling Abilities
Sid Vicious Had A Genuine Love For Professional Wrestling
WWE’s New Generation Era featured some iconic titleholders, and some young wrestlers claimed gold in the early stages of their WWE careers!
Despite getting in trouble for playing, it was never anything that had stopped Vicious from doing well in professional wrestling. He was a multi-time world champion in WWE and WCW. He did quite well for himself and always wanted to be in good shape. He said:
“I played home on my days off, but it never affected the business.”
The funny thing is that whatever truth there is to Sid Eudy the softball player as opposed to Sid Vicious the wrestler never really mattered to the big man’s career. A man of his size and strength really can’t be denied in the wrestling business. The guy was huge and could cut disturbing promos that sent shivers down the backsides of fans and enemies alike. In the end, he pursued and took part in two sports that he had a love for.
