The Cauliflower Alley Club Mourns the Passing of Steve “Mongo” McMichael

The wrestling world has lost another warrior.

Steve “Mongo” McMichael, the former NFL great turned WCW star, passed away on April 23, 2025, after a heroic battle with ALS. He was 67 years old.

Known first to millions as a hard-hitting defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, Mongo helped lead the team to Super Bowl glory in 1985. But for those of us in the professional wrestling community, Steve was more than a football legend—he was a larger-than-life personality who brought intensity, unpredictability, and pure entertainment to the squared circle.

McMichael debuted in WCW in the mid-90s as a guest commentator, but it wasn’t long before he laced up his boots and stepped into the ring himself. He joined the legendary Four Horsemen stable in 1996, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, and Chris Benoit. His no-nonsense attitude and physical style added a new energy to the group during a pivotal era in WCW’s Monday Night Wars.

While he was never the most technical wrestler, Mongo brought a different kind of electricity—unfiltered charisma and a presence that couldn’t be taught. Whether delivering a brutal clothesline or tossing out wild commentary, you couldn’t ignore him. He competed against some of WCW’s biggest names and made an impact in a time when wrestling was evolving fast and furiously.

Even after he left the ring, McMichael remained a fan favorite—his wrestling run a testament to how passion, grit, and heart can translate across worlds.

His recent public battle with ALS showcased his true warrior spirit, facing it with the same fire he brought to every arena.

To Steve’s family, friends, and fans—our hearts are with you.