Joseph Hadley Hudson, who wrestled as Jocephus and in NWA Powerrr Question Mark, has died.
In the NWA, he was paired with Aron Stevens, the former Damien Sandow in WWE, under a masked as Question Mark, and he challenged Tim Storm for the NWA World title.
Aron Stevens shared his memories on social media:
My heart is broken. We were friends , we stayed in touch, we had nothing that needed to be said. It does not feel real. Joseph (Sensei Question Mark) THANK YOU. The world is a better place because you were in it . I met you when I couldn’t stand the wrestling industry. Years went by and I still couldn’t stand it. Working with you made me love it again. It was an honor to call you a tag partner, It was a privilege to call your friend. Your passion and creativity were only outdone by the love you had for your son. Wrestling is kind of like life. It’s all about the “moments.” I was privileged to share moments with you in and out of the ring. You and your family are in my prayers always. I love you brother.
A native of Nashville, Tennessee, he goes way back with the local Falk family. Anthony Falk noted the pain that the sudden passing caused him and his family:
The Falk Family is truly heartbroken over the passing of Jocephus Hudson. It devastated me so much, I had to check myself into the Hospital around 1:45am due to chest pains and high blood pressure. Lizzy has cried and screamed, my Wife and Father are at a loss for words. I can’t believe this sad news, I don’t understand why or how. We spoke just the other day about some upcoming projects. Joe will be missed by many. Please keep his son, Soren and the rest of his family in your prayers. Jocephus originally broke in with USWO “Real Falkin Wrestling,” my family loved him and I know he loved us. We will cherish every memory. R.I.P. my friend!
Debuting in January 2010, at 6-foot-2, and over 270 pounds, Hudson stood out on the independent scene by sheer size, and his beard was usually long and unkempt. A nickname was “The Shelby Street Brawler.”
NWA President Billy Corgan issued this statement:
It’s with a heavy heart that I share that my friend and brother in wrestling, Joseph Hudson, has passed away suddenly from an as-yet undiagnosed medical issue. NWA fans would know him as Jocephus as well as The Question Mark, where thanks to the great fans at GPB Studios in Atlanta, Joseph was able to receive the kind of support in the ring he’d always dreamt of. He is survived by a young son whom he loved dearly, and if anything would pain him about leaving this Earth, it would be not being able to be there for his boy. RIP Joseph, love to you, and Godspeed.
Hudson portrayed the legendary Bruiser Brody in reenactments for the Brody episode of VICE’s Dark Side of the Ring episode.
Fellow wrestlers are mourning his death.
Matt Sigmon: Work up to terrible news. Another one gone way too soon. Jocephus Hudson was legit one of the nicest people I’ve ever been around in a locker room. It was always great to see him. We would share a few laughs & talk about everything from wrestling to Disney. He will be missed.
Jax Dane: Rest Well Big Man … Another classic example that its always the good ones that leave us way too soon.
Lou DAngeli, announcer: Not sure how long this exact post is going to stay up as I’m very shocked right now, as many of us in and out of wrestling are, at the sudden loss of our brother Joseph Hudson. I feel it’s important to share my immediate feelings which are ones of extreme sadness coupled with glowing and happy memories of the time spent with Jocephus as part of Billy’s wrestling promotion in Chicago starting around 2012. We had so much fun together “working” while always talking wrestling shenanigans and music outside of the ring….all of which was surrounded by a great mutual respect for each other that just made us “work” – It was the last good time I had in the wrestling biz and the last run as I say. I’ve always said I was grateful I did that run in Chicago with true friends and brothers like Joe. I’m very sad for his family and most of all his son. I’m thankful that Billy introduced us and helped us create. My condolences to all affected and touched by this very kind and intelligent soul that we have lost.
Joe Galli, announcer: It breaks my heart to wake up to this news. Joseph was kind, creative and an incredible person. It was an honor to work with him. #RIPJocephus #RIPJosephHudson #RIPQuestionMark
David Marquez, announcer: Such horrible news to share. Jocephus Hudson has passed. Moments ago NWA President William Patrick Corgan issued a statement on his IG. Hudson was so creative and a hell of a guy. Most of you know him as “Question Mark”. He did so much both in front of and behind the scenes. Such a loss. My condolences to his family, friends and fans. He will be missed.
Brian Hebner, referee: Wow, just seeing this and completely saddened to hear about my dear friend Jocephus Aka Question Mark. Just simply an amazing person, caring and just really loved the business. I’m praying for all of his friends and family. I’m so gutted! What a terrible loss.
Details are still coming in on his passing.
