Matt Murphy remembers “Dr Death” Steve Williams

By Matt Murphy

Dr. Death” Steve Williams was one of the toughest wrestlers who ever lived. His reputation was so widespread that after Bart Gunn, who defeated Williams in the WWF Brawl For All tournament, left WWF, he made a good living for years wrestling in Japan as “the guy who knocked out Dr. Death”. I never forgot a Pro Wrestling Illustrated article I read as a kid which told the tale of how Dr. Death was busted open, got a couple-hundred stitches in his head, and wrestled again that same night. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’ve never doubted it.

Though “Dr. Death” had plenty of success as a singles wrestler, I think his greatest work was in tag-team matches, teaming with the late Terry Gordy to make one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history.

Steve Williams and Terry Gordy - Champions around the World

I was sorry to read that “Dr. Death” Steve Williams recently passed away. I did a handful of shows with him, but I was always running around trying to tie up loose ends and only had a couple chances to sit down and talk with him. In person, he carried himself like most men who’ve been given a second chance at life and became devoted Christians along the way. He seemed gracious of the support the fans showed him and was glad to listen to them reminisce about his past accomplishments. He was equally appreciative of the respect that the wrestlers showed him and he was eager to share his knowledge. Most of all, I think, he loved to give his testimonial and to praise God for his blessings.

“Dr. Death” Steve Williams got a second chance at life and he made the most of it. In a business so full of tragedy, his story is one that should always be remembered with a happy ending.

Editors note: If you would like to know more about the wrestler and man known as “Dr Death” Steve Williams I encourage you to check out the book Steve Williams: How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life.