Tributes pour over for wrestling star (63) and X Factor UK mainstay (64)
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The entertainment industry has multiple facets—ranging from film and television to music and even sport.
The industry was recently shaken by the loss of two figures who had their reputation in their fields.
The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to larger-than-life personalities, dramatic storylines, and the occasional heartbreak.
This week, the community has been rocked by the sudden passing of Mike Raybeck, better known to fans as Maxx Justice and Mike Diamond.
At 63 years old, Raybeck passed away after an accident near Chabot College in California.
For many independent wrestling fans, Maxx Justice was a familiar figure.
Standing at six-foot-five and weighing in at 250 pounds, he was a force in the ring.
He began his journey at All Pro Wrestling's (APW) Boot Camp and quickly rose through the ranks.
He later on became a five-time APW Universal Champion.
Raybeck competed in three matches for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and rubbed shoulders with some of the sport's iconic names.
He also appeared in the wrestling documentary Beyond the Mat, which gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the real lives of professional wrestlers.
Raybeck's passing came on the heels of another loss in the wrestling world.
Terry Brunk—better known as Sabu—recently passed away at 60 years old.
Sabu held multiple world championships under his belt and thrilled his fans with high-risk, barbed-wire matches.
All Pro Wrestling, the promotion where he first made his mark, shared a heartfelt tribute for Mike Raybeck on social media.
'All Pro Wrestling is saddened to learn about the passing of APW Original, Mike Raybeck, professionally known as Maxx Justice and Mike Diamond,' the promoter wrote.
'His life was cut short following a bicycle accident where he was struck by a vehicle near Chabot College last Friday.'
'Our most sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and fans of Maxx Justice!' the statement ended.
Fans flooded social media with tributes and memories of watching Raybeck in the ring.
'This sucks, he was really a sweetheart of a bloke,' one fan wrote.
'I saw Maxx Justice at Pinole Valley High back in, like, 99/00. Dude was real,' another fan added.
While the wrestling world mourns, Raybeck's accident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by cyclists.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 12,000 cyclists are being hospitalised annually due to road accidents, with senior cyclists being particularly vulnerable.
On the other side of the globe, X Factor UK fans and staff mourn for one of its recurring guests.
While the spotlight often shone on the contestants and judges, one larger-than-life figure became a fan favourite in his own right: Tony Adkins, affectionately known as 'Big Tony'.
Big Tony has passed away at the age of 64 and left behind a legacy of warmth and humour on the talent show.
Big Tony has been X Factor UK judge Simon Cowell's trusted bodyguard.
For eight years, he was a constant presence on the show, often called upon to escort contestants out of the audition room.
However, Big Tony's presence was not limited to reality TV.
He also appeared in the second instalment of the blockbuster film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Tony Adkins' family shared the sad news of his passing on social media.
'It is with great sadness that my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell's ex-bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour,' his family wrote in a post.
'He was a loveable rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T.'
His rugby club, Hammersmith and Fulham RFC, also paid tribute to Big Tony.
The team described him as 'a true gent and great Hammer' who loved taking the club's brand of rugby across Britain and Europe.
After his time on X Factor UK, Tony spoke fondly of his years working with Simon Cowell.
In an interview with The Mirror, he described Simon as a 'laid-back and a very nice bloke'.
'Whenever the show finished—and at Christmas—you'd get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 (A$1,450) stuffed in it,' Big Tony recalled.
He also noted that Simon was a private person who always kept his composure.
'You never see him drunk or out of control,' Big Tony added.
For those who knew him, Tony was more than just a bodyguard or a TV personality.
He was a friend, a teammate, and a 'loveable rogue' who brought joy wherever he went.
His passing was a reminder of the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes and sometimes steal the show themselves.
Our thoughts are with their families during this challenging period.
May they both rest in peace.
The industry was recently shaken by the loss of two figures who had their reputation in their fields.
The world of professional wrestling is no stranger to larger-than-life personalities, dramatic storylines, and the occasional heartbreak.
This week, the community has been rocked by the sudden passing of Mike Raybeck, better known to fans as Maxx Justice and Mike Diamond.
At 63 years old, Raybeck passed away after an accident near Chabot College in California.
Mike Raybeck went by several names while competing in the ring. Image Credit: TJR Wrestling
For many independent wrestling fans, Maxx Justice was a familiar figure.
Standing at six-foot-five and weighing in at 250 pounds, he was a force in the ring.
He began his journey at All Pro Wrestling's (APW) Boot Camp and quickly rose through the ranks.
He later on became a five-time APW Universal Champion.
Raybeck competed in three matches for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and rubbed shoulders with some of the sport's iconic names.
He also appeared in the wrestling documentary Beyond the Mat, which gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the real lives of professional wrestlers.
Raybeck's passing came on the heels of another loss in the wrestling world.
Terry Brunk—better known as Sabu—recently passed away at 60 years old.
Sabu held multiple world championships under his belt and thrilled his fans with high-risk, barbed-wire matches.
All Pro Wrestling, the promotion where he first made his mark, shared a heartfelt tribute for Mike Raybeck on social media.
'All Pro Wrestling is saddened to learn about the passing of APW Original, Mike Raybeck, professionally known as Maxx Justice and Mike Diamond,' the promoter wrote.
'His life was cut short following a bicycle accident where he was struck by a vehicle near Chabot College last Friday.'
'Our most sincere condolences go out to the family, friends and fans of Maxx Justice!' the statement ended.
Fans flooded social media with tributes and memories of watching Raybeck in the ring.
'This sucks, he was really a sweetheart of a bloke,' one fan wrote.
'I saw Maxx Justice at Pinole Valley High back in, like, 99/00. Dude was real,' another fan added.
While the wrestling world mourns, Raybeck's accident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by cyclists.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 12,000 cyclists are being hospitalised annually due to road accidents, with senior cyclists being particularly vulnerable.
On the other side of the globe, X Factor UK fans and staff mourn for one of its recurring guests.
While the spotlight often shone on the contestants and judges, one larger-than-life figure became a fan favourite in his own right: Tony Adkins, affectionately known as 'Big Tony'.
Big Tony has passed away at the age of 64 and left behind a legacy of warmth and humour on the talent show.
Tony Adkins worked under Simon Cowell's wing for eight years. Image Credit: Fulham Rugby
Big Tony has been X Factor UK judge Simon Cowell's trusted bodyguard.
For eight years, he was a constant presence on the show, often called upon to escort contestants out of the audition room.
However, Big Tony's presence was not limited to reality TV.
He also appeared in the second instalment of the blockbuster film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Tony Adkins' family shared the sad news of his passing on social media.
'It is with great sadness that my family would like to announce that my Cousin Big Tony, Simon Cowell's ex-bodyguard, passed away on Easter Sunday while on a rugby tour,' his family wrote in a post.
'He was a loveable rogue and will be missed very much, RIP Big T.'
His rugby club, Hammersmith and Fulham RFC, also paid tribute to Big Tony.
The team described him as 'a true gent and great Hammer' who loved taking the club's brand of rugby across Britain and Europe.
After his time on X Factor UK, Tony spoke fondly of his years working with Simon Cowell.
In an interview with The Mirror, he described Simon as a 'laid-back and a very nice bloke'.
'Whenever the show finished—and at Christmas—you'd get an envelope as a thank you. The last one I got had £700 (A$1,450) stuffed in it,' Big Tony recalled.
He also noted that Simon was a private person who always kept his composure.
'You never see him drunk or out of control,' Big Tony added.
For those who knew him, Tony was more than just a bodyguard or a TV personality.
He was a friend, a teammate, and a 'loveable rogue' who brought joy wherever he went.
His passing was a reminder of the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes and sometimes steal the show themselves.
May they both rest in peace.
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