The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Kurtis Chapman, who passed away on December 28, 2023, at the age of 26. He was a talented and charismatic wrestler who rose to fame in the British independent scene, where he entertained fans with his comedy and technical skills. He was also known for his social media presence, where he often engaged in witty banter with fellow wrestlers and fans.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Chapman began his wrestling career in 2014 when he was only 17 years old. He trained under Andy Boy Simmons, a veteran of the British wrestling circuit, who helped him hone his craft. He debuted as Kurtis Chapman, a wholesome young lion who impressed audiences with his athleticism and agility. He soon caught the attention of Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro), one of the leading promotions in the UK, where he became a regular performer.
In 2018, Kurtis Chapman achieved his biggest accomplishment in RevPro, when he won the British Cruiserweight Championship, defeating Ryan Smile in a tournament final. He went on to defend the title against some of the best wrestlers in the world, such as KUSHIDA, David Starr, and El Phantasmo. He also had the opportunity to wrestle in Japan, as part of RevPro’s partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
However, in 2019, Chapman decided to reinvent himself as Mad Kurt, a heelish keyboard warrior who trolled his opponents and fans online. He adopted a more comedic and gimmicky style, often using props and antics to mock and annoy his rivals. He also formed a tag team with Dan Magee, known as The Legion of Lords, who shared his arrogant and snobbish persona. Mad Kurt quickly became one of the most entertaining and polarizing characters in the British wrestling scene, drawing both cheers and boos from the crowds.
Kurtis continued to wrestle for various promotions in the UK, such as Defiant Wrestling, Fight Club Pro, Over The Top Wrestling, and Progress Wrestling. He also made appearances in the US, working for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) and Beyond Wrestling. He was widely regarded as one of the most promising and versatile wrestlers of his generation, who could deliver both serious and humorous matches.
Kurtis Chapman’s Obituary and Death
Unfortunately, Chapman’s life and career came to a sudden and tragic end on December 28, 2023, when he was found dead in his hotel room in London. The cause of death was not immediately revealed, but sources close to Chapman confirmed that he had been suffering from depression and anxiety for a long time, and had been struggling with substance abuse issues. He had also been dealing with personal and professional problems, such as a recent breakup with his girlfriend, and a contract dispute with RevPro.
Chapman’s death shocked and saddened the wrestling community, who paid tribute to him on social media and in the ring. Many of his friends and colleagues praised his talent, charisma, and personality, and expressed their condolences to his family and fans. Some of the notable wrestlers who honored Kurtis include Will Ospreay, Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr., Chris Brookes, and David Starr.
Chapman’s funeral was held on January 2, 2024, in his hometown of Portsmouth, where hundreds of fans and wrestlers attended to pay their respects. A memorial show was also organized by RevPro on January 9, 2024, at the York Hall in London, where some of Kurtis’s best matches were replayed, and several wrestlers dedicated their performances to him. All the proceeds from the show were donated to Chapman’s family and a mental health charity.
We, at Revolution Pro Wrestling are absolutely heartbroken to report the loss of our dear friend Kurtis Chapman.
— Revolution Pro (@RevProUK) December 29, 2023
We watched Kurtis grow from a child to a young man who loved professional wrestling and continued to excel in all aspects of his life.
One of the most gifted… pic.twitter.com/mBtu3UUDYv
A Legacy That Lives On
Kurtis Chapman was a remarkable wrestler who left a lasting impression on the wrestling industry and its fans. He was a versatile performer who could adapt to any style and situation and a charismatic entertainer who could make people laugh and cheer. He was also a passionate and dedicated wrestler who loved his craft and always gave his best. He was a rising star who had a bright future ahead of him, but sadly, his life was cut short by his demons.
Chapman’s death is a reminder of the harsh realities and challenges that wrestlers face, both inside and outside the ring. It is also a call for more awareness and support for mental health issues, especially in the wrestling community, where many wrestlers suffer from stress, pressure, and isolation. Chapman’s death is a loss not only for his family and friends but also for the wrestling world, which lost one of its most talented and beloved performers.
However, Chapman’s death is not the end of his story. His legacy lives on through his matches, his moments, and his fans, who will always remember him as Kurtis Chapman, the young lion who amazed them with his skills, and as Mad Kurt, the keyboard warrior who amused them with his antics. He will always be remembered as a wrestler who made an impact, and as a human being who touched many hearts. He will always be remembered as Kurtis Chapman, the maddest of them all. Rest in peace, Mad Kurt. You will be missed.
