Memphis Wrestling Star Phil Hickerson Dead At 79

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of veteran star Phil Hickerson, who has passed away at the age of 79.

The news was confirmed by the Cauliflower Alley Club in a statement shared on social media.

“The wrestling world has lost one of its true tough men,” the statement read. “Today we say goodbye to Phil Hickerson, who has passed away at the age of 79.”

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Hickerson became one of the standout names in Tennessee wrestling during the 1970s and 1980s, finding success both as a singles competitor and tag team wrestler.

He was especially well known for teaming with the late Dennis Condrey as The Bicentennial Kings. Managed at different times by names including Al Costello, Rock Hunter and Ron Wright, the team captured the Southern Tag Team Championships nine times while also winning the U.S. Tag Team Championships on five occasions and the Mid-America tag titles twice.

Phil Hickerson’s Legendary Territory-Era Career

Phil Hickerson began wrestling in 1974, but injuries temporarily forced him away from the ring in 1980. He later returned to wrestling in 1984 and remained active until retiring in 1991. During his later career, Hickerson also captured the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship after defeating Eric Embry in July 1989.

In recognition of his contributions to the territory era, Hickerson was inducted into the Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995. Condolences have continued pouring in from across the wrestling industry following news of his passing.