Arkansas wrestling wrestler and promoter Rickey Rowland died November 27, after a months-long fight with cancer. He was 59.
Since there was a long-run up to his passing, many friends and colleagues were able to share their appreciation of him before his death.
“Golden Boy” Greg Anthony wrote that Rowland was “such a good guy, always treated me with respect. He’s fought cancer as tough as I’ve seen anyone.”
Rowland’s promotion, All Star Wrestling Federation (ASWF) opened an arena named after Tennessee’s James Fanning, who achieved success in pro wrestling as “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant and the “Boogie Woogie Man.” Valiant was Rowland’s favorite wrestler.
The city had allowed him to convert an old Dollar General building that, at that point, only saw use once a year for the Fire Department’s annual haunted house. When Rowland was asked by the Jonesboro, Arkansas, newspaper The Newport Independent about the arena in 2007, there was an air of humility to his response:
“The ring and everything here is our dream… We just came in here and started putting the elbow grease to it… and it’s starting to come together,” he said. The Sun newspaper brought attention again to the arena a few months later when Jimmy Valiant had come to the arena and done a three-day camp for aspiring wrestlers in the fall of 2007.
Ray Ivy thanked Rowland for “everything you have done for professional wrestling in the state of Arkansas” but also “for not only giving a kid the opportunity to live out his dream and do what he loved to do and that is perform. But not only did you give me the opportunity to perform, you trusted me and gave me my first opportunity to book a show and I can’t even begin to explain how grateful I am! Rest peaceful sir, we have the show from here!”
A beloved person in the state, Rowland’s promotion gave a number of people a chance.
“Warwolf” Bruce MacGowan took to Instagram to celebrate a mentor: “I can’t begin to express how much this man means to me and so many others. Rockin Rickey Rowland is not only woven into the fabric of professional Wrestling in Arkansas but I’d bet the world too. Praying for you and your family and all of your friends and fans. I love you buddy, thank you for giving this greener a chance.”
Announcer Terrence Ward posted a statement about Rowland’s death: “Rickey was there when I started my journey as an announcer in late 2006. He witnessed my growth in the wrestling world and played a part in so many cherished memories. His love for wrestling was unmatched, and his presence was felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with him at Memphis Wrestling not long ago. Even as he fought courageously against cancer, his passion and spirit remained strong. As Thanksgiving goes on, I’ll be keeping his family close in prayer. Rickey, your impact on this community and the lives of so many will never be forgotten. Rest easy, my friend. You will be deeply missed.”
Rowland is survived by two daughters. Funeral details are not known at this time.
