“Viking Lord” Vince Austin, one of the veterans of the Alberta wrestling scene with roots in Atlantic Canada, has died. He was 52.
One of the province’s promotions, Real Canadian Wrestling, posted the news to Facebook:
It’s with great sadness that RCW has announce the unfortunate news that Vince Austin has passed away. RCW sends it’s deepest heart felt Condolences to the his family, Friends and fans as this is truly a great loss to the entire Wrestling scene.
RCW will provide more details once they become available.
SlamWrestling.net profiled Austin — real name Gordon Glynn — in September 2021, in the feature “‘Viking Lord’ Vince Austin stays true to his values“.
The veteran started out in the early 1990s in his native Newfoundland and Labrador, and went through a series of names through his career, including Blue Antares, Gordon Glynn, Mr. Wrestling #666, Seaman White, and Vince Austin, which is the name he has used the longest.
“He was such a great guy and was in a walking and an encyclopedia of Canadian and specifically Maritime wrestling and had such a great sense of humor and lit up every dressing room he was ever in,” said Alberta promoter Spencer Tapley.
Though Austin hadn’t wrestled or managed much in the last few months, it is apparent that he meant a lot to people in the wrestling business.
Kevin Farrell: This is completely heartbreaking. Vince Austin has always been somebody I’ve looked forward to seeing and chatting with. He always had a wild story to tell. He and I were two very different people with a lot of the same roots, and I’ve always enjoyed his company. My condolences to his family. Huss!
Michael Richard Blais: Rest in Peace. Always a good guy that tried to give support to everyone around him. Will be missed.
Jordie Chadwick Taylor: Rest in peace, Vince Austin. A proud member of MoT, an incredible man. An uber respected wrestler, and brother in the business. A legend.
A man who lived for professional wrestling. One of the coolest, and realest people I’ve had the pleasure to meet In this business. You are greatly missed.
Respect and love, brother.
Steven Ewaschuk: I can’t believe this.. I honestly F***ING BELIEVE THIS. Vince, it wasn’t your time yet as we have one more crazy run left in you and now it’s all gone.
I can’t event put into words how much this f***ing sucks. Make to tell your loved ones how important they are as you never know if it will be your last chance to.
#sickaintit
Cody Brown: Vince Austin will forever be a fkn legend. We love you buddy.
Wavell Starr: RIP brother Vince Austin The way you would come to life when it was time to walk out from behind the curtain was always so awesome to see! A tad grizzled we both are but we always laughed when we visited each other. Rest easy my friend
Austin was found dead in his home on September 26, 2024, though it is suspected that he passed a day or two ago.
Further details are not known at this time. His only son, Vince Glynn, died in August 2023. He is survived by his daughter in Montreal and grandchildren.
