Former WWE manager Slick is reportedly recovering in intensive care after suffering a heart attack and undergoing open-heart surgery.
Steve Stasiak of Book Pro Wrestlers shared an update on Slick’s condition on social media on Sunday. Slick, whose real name is Kenneth Johnson, reportedly reached the hospital in time and underwent surgery successfully.
“The ‘Doctor of Style’ Slick is reportedly recovering in the ICU after suffering a heart attack and undergoing open-heart surgery. Only hours ago, we were celebrating the anniversary of Slick’s WWF debut and reflecting on everything he has brought to professional wrestling. We could not have imagined that before the day was over, we would be asking everyone to pray for the man behind the character, Kenneth Johnson.”
According to Stasiak, Johnson’s recovery is progressing slowly, but the longtime wrestling manager is said to be “on the mend”.
“The encouraging news is that Slick reached the hospital in time, made it through surgery and is said to be on the mend. His recovery is moving slowly, but right now, recovery is all that matters.”
Stasiak said the update was shared by Andrew Anderson, who received the information from Mary Alice Gray, the wife of One Man Gang, after she spoke directly with Johnson.
“Please keep Slick, his family and the medical team caring for him in your prayers. Get well, Slick. The wrestling world is pulling for you.”
Slick Recently Celebrated His 40-Year Anniversary Since His WWF Debut
The update came the same day fans marked the anniversary of the 68-year-old’s WWF debut.
The son of WWE Hall of Famer Rufus R. Jones, Johnson was born in Fort Worth, Texas and began his professional wrestling career during the mid-1980s.
He joined the WWF in the summer of 1986 as the manager of Butch Reed and went on to become one of the promotion’s most recognisable managers of the era.
During his time with the company, Johnson also managed names including The Warlord, Akeem, The Big Boss Man, The Bolsheviks, Power and Glory and Rick Martel.
Johnson also performed “Jive Soul Bro”, which appeared on Piledriver: The Wrestling Album II in 1987.
The latest update indicates that Johnson remains in intensive care following his surgery, with his recovery continuing.
