Don Kernodle: The Legend You Know, The Person You Don’t
By Amit Shukla
The professional wrestling industry has struggled a lot as of late as multiple well-known performers have died. Another legendary name was added to that sadly growing list as Don Kernodle was announced as dead on Monday, May 17.
Don Kernodle left the wrestling world grieving as the legend. Don started his wrestling journey in 1973 in the National Wrestling Alliance’s Jim Crockett Promotions. His first performance impressed Ole Anderson and Gene Anderson, who trained Kernodle at no charge. It was this landmark training that helped turned faces and change the landscape of wrestling. The 70’s and 80’s star worked with Ricky Steamboat and Bob Orton and as a member of Sgt. Slaughter’s ‘Cobra Corps.’
Don left a lasting impression on Ric Flair, Tommy Dreamer, Sonjay Dutt, among a host of others, and it is the memories and the matches shared by them that got everyone teary-eyed. Superstars felt shattered at this news, and it looks like everyone had a moment or two with the legend. Sonjay Dutt shared a story about his dad’s fascination with Don and how he felt he saw the best match of his life when he was fighting his opponents.
The professional wrestling industry continues to struggle with losing members earlier in their life, but the legacies they leave behind are cherished and etched in our memories forever. It is difficult to find words that could console the grieving family, but it’s also true in true Don Kernodle fashion that the performance should go on. If his life, legacy, and performance are anything to go by, we can all feel the impact he made and the lives he touched during his illustrious in-ring and off-the-ring career.
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The Natch got emotional, as did others who shared their thoughts and memories of this wrestling legend. We put through some of those for your consideration. In case there’s been any way that Don Kernodle’s work has inspired you, chime in. We at Daily DDT pass on our condolences to the Kernodle family and friends.
Continue on for some reactions posted across social media from many names within the wrestling industry:
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to hear about the passing of multi-time NWA Tag Champion Don Kernodle. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— NWA (@nwa) May 18, 2021
RIP Don pic.twitter.com/t7Dgd80PER
RIP Don Kernodle. Any fan of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling remembers The Final Conflict in March of 83 in Greensboro. It’s wrestling at its best https://t.co/5f4Ru8qHXj
— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) May 18, 2021
Sorry to hear of the passing of Don Kernodle today. He was a huge part of my childhood & fandom. I got to see him & Sgt Slaughter vs Steamboat & Youngblood. I also saw him with Ivan Koloff & Bob Orton Jr as the World tag Team Champions. Much respect wRESTle in peace, 10 bells pic.twitter.com/9CeePcrWqa
— Beau James (@kingofkingsport) May 18, 2021
After A Tremendous Day With Mongo Yesterday, I Arrived Back At The Hotel To Hear That My Friend Don Kernodle Had Passed. One Of My Best Friends And A Great Wrestler In The 70’s & 80’s. I Cannot Thank You Enough For The Friendship And Great Times We Shared. RIP! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/2m4jGaLYqH
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 18, 2021
Still trying to digest the very sad news about Don Kernodle. Don was such a good guy and an important part of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling history. Words right now can't express my sorrow. pic.twitter.com/P2Vo2LO8JG
— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) May 18, 2021
Sorry to hear of the passing of
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) May 18, 2021
Don Kernodle
He was 1 hell of a wrestler loved all his Mid Atlantic stuff former 3 time @nwa tag champ
Always enjoyed talking w/him every time I saw him pic.twitter.com/C9S3YDPkqG
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