The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office announced that all claims brought by Jerry Lawler against Hardeman County officials, related to the death of his son, Brian Christopher Lawler, have been dismissed. Christopher, better known to wrestling fans as Grand Master Sexay, was arrested for DUI on July 7, 2018, and was found hanging in his cell on July 29, 2018.
Lawler had sued Hardeman County, Sheriff John Doolen, Leonard Brown, Judy Wiggins, Ellen Futrell, and William Gonzalez, claiming that authorities failed to provide treatment for his son’s drug and alcohol issues. He had also alleged that after Brian Christopher was injured in a fight, he was placed in solitary confinement, where he used shoelaces and bolts from his cell to take his own life. Such items should not have been available for Christopher to use, Lawler’s suit adds.
The WWE Hall of Famer has long disputed the idea that Christopher’s death was self-inflicted. During an interview with WMC-TV in January 2019, Lawler explained that in photos, marks on the side of Brian’s neck are visible but not at the front of his throat (where they would be if he died via hanging himself.) Lawler also stated that Brian’s fellow inmates have told him they don’t think Christopher took his own life.
In September 2022, claims against Sheriff Doolen and Brown were denied, but the suit against Hardeman County, Wiggins, Futrell, and Gonzalez was allowed to proceed. These remaining defendants appealed the ruling, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit later determined that Wiggins, Futrell, and Gonzalez were protected by qualified immunity, which shielded them from being sued by the WWE legend.
In July 2018, Brian Christopher, known to WWE fans as Grandmaster Sexay, was taken off life support after attempting to take his own life in a Hardeman County Jail. One year after his passing, Christopher’s father Jerry Lawler filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hardeman County, Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolen, and others who he alleged failed to protect his son.
PW Insider reports that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee dismissed Lawler’s lawsuit on September 4. The court ruled that Hardeman County could not be held liable for the actions of its employees under the legal framework required for such cases. More specifically, the court found that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officers were aware of the risk that Christopher would harm himself and therefore, could not be held responsible.
Jerry Lawler’s Lawsuit
Lawler’s lawsuit alleged that Doolen had personally promised to “keep an eye” on Christopher after he was incarcerated for driving under the influence and evading police. It also alleged that the sheriff’s office had “failed to provide Brian with any treatment for his drug and alcohol issues” despite being promised by Doolen that aid would be given.
The WWE Hall of Famer has long disputed the idea that Christopher’s death was self-inflicted. During an interview with WMC-TV in January 2019, Lawler explained that in photos, marks on the side of Brian’s neck are visible but not at the front of his throat (where they would be if he died via hanging himself.) Lawler also stated that Brian’s fellow inmates have told him they don’t think Christopher took his own life.
Last year, Jerry Lawler filed a wrongful death lawsuit regarding his son, Brian Christopher, against Hardeman County in Tennessee. The suit alleges that the Hardeman County jail which housed Christopher at the time of his death failed to provide adequate supervision or care.
The trial by jury will begin on Monday, May 27, 2021, at 9:30 am ET. Lawler and his lawyers will appear in court that morning.
Christopher died on July 29th, 2018. His death was ruled a suicide. Christopher was 46-years-old at the time of his death. Lawler has stated to media he doesn’t feel it was a suicide, however.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said to Local Memphis. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Hardeman County
Documents relating to the case contend that jail officials failed to provide medical care for Christopher.
“Defendants failed to refer Brian to a doctor or mental health professional at any time during his incarceration and failed to provide him with any treatment for his drug and alcohol issues while he was at the jail despite Brian’s statements concerning his use of various prescription drugs,” the suit reads.
“Brian pleaded with [the jail nurse] and jailers to take him to the hospital,” the suit states. “He thought he had a concussion. He also had a significant open wound above his eye and needed stitches…Defendants, however, refused his requests for appropriate care.”
“The Lawler family has asked me to shine a bright spotlight on all the deficiencies at the Hardeman County Jail, so that changes can be and must be made immediately,” Rosenblum told reporters. “We’re hopeful that [authorities] will come to us and say, ‘We agree that we need to make changes.’”
Jerry “the King” Lawler has filed a lawsuit against Hardeman County over the death of his son Brian Christopher in a Tennessee prison on July 29th, 2018. The suit seeks $3 million and states Christopher’s death was preventable.
The official cause of Christopher’s death was ruled a suicide.
“Defendants failed to refer Brian to a doctor or mental health professional at any time during his incarceration and failed to provide him with any treatment for his drug and alcohol issues while he was at the jail despite Brian’s statements concerning his use of various prescription drugs,” the suit reads.
Today was a very tough day. It's been exactly one year since my son Brian Christopher died. I want to thank everyone who thought about Brian today. We'll never forget you, Brian. pic.twitter.com/eGHQnzzAuW
Jerry Lawler Files Lawsuit Against Hardeman County
The suit also states that Christopher was assaulted by another inmate on July 28th and then denied proper medical care.
“Brian pleaded with [the jail nurse] and jailers to take him to the hospital,” the suit states. “He thought he had a concussion. He also had a significant open wound above his eye and needed stitches…Defendants, however, refused his requests for appropriate care.”
“Had Defendants timely intervened to protect Brian from harm, he would be alive today,” the suit concludes.
Lawler’s lawyer Jeffrey Rosenblum spoke to reporters in regards to the lawsuit.
“The Lawler family has asked me to shine a bright spotlight on all the deficiencies at the Hardeman County Jail, so that changes can be and must be made immediately,” Rosenblum told reporters. “We’re hopeful that [authorities] will come to us and say, ‘We agree that we need to make changes.’”
This past summer, former WWE star and son of Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler, Brian Christopher, passed away at 46-years-old. Christopher had been jailed for a DUI in July. While in jail, Christopher allegedly committed suicide when he decided to hang himself in his cell.
He was transported to a nearby hospital in Memphis. After several hours of treatment, and family members getting the opportunity to say their final goodbyes, Christopher was taken off life support and later passed. However, some doubts soon emerged over the official story regarding Christopher’s death, prompting an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
According to a report from PWInsider, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has wrapped up its investigation. Representative Keli McAlister released the following statement:
“Our investigation has concluded and all findings have been turned over to District Attorney General Mark Davidson. I will have to refer any questions to his office,” said McAlister.
It remains to be seen if the investigation’s findings will be made public.
Lawler Doubts Official Story
Back in August, Jerry Lawler told local Memphis media that he doesn’t believe his son took his own life:
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms. It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
What do you make of the controversy surrounding Christopher’s passing
It was wrestling night at the Memphis Grizzlies game last night. As such, Jerry Lawler and some other wrestling personalities were in attendance. Lawler paid tribute to his son, Brian Christopher, during the show. Along with Rikishi and the Grizzlies mascot, Lawler did the Too Cool dance at center court.
Lawler, Rikishi, and the mascot dancing was caught on the big screen by a fan in attendnace who then posted it to YouTube.
There was a match for Grizzlies wrestling night as well. Buff Bagwell and Jerry Lawler have been feuding at the games recently. Last night, Bagwell brought in the Steiner brothers as backup and Lawler brought in Rikishi.
The match can be watched in the player below:
Lawler Family Investigation In Brian Christopher’s Death
Brian Christopher died on July 29th, 2018 at the age of 46. The official cause of his death has been ruled a suicide after he was found hanging in his cell at Hardeman County Jail. Christopher had been housed at the center since a DUI arrest weeks earlier.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has launched an official investigation into the cause of Christopher’s death, however. Lawler has said the following in regards to his belief regarding the cause of his son’s death.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said just weeks after Brian’s passing. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
The Lawler family and attorneys representing Brian Christopher’s estate have issued subpoenas to the Hardeman County Sheriff’s office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The subpoenas are part of their ongoing investigation into Christopher’s death.
The news was reported by local media in Memphis.
“FOX13 has learned that Lawler’s attorneys have filed two subpoenas to investigate Brian Christopher Lawler’s death,” said Ernie Freeman on Good Morning Memphis. “Investigators ruled Lawlor’s death was a suicide. Attorneys for his estate issued subpoenas to both the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennesse Bureau of Investigation. The subpoenas are part of a civil action by the Lawler family.”
Lawler Family Doubts Official Cause Of Death Finding In Brian Christopher Case
This summer, the Lawler family hired civil rights lawyer, Jeff Rosenblum, to investigate the official cause of Christopher’s death. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the case which is ongoing.
Jerry Lawler expressed his doubts to Local Memphis media in August that his son committed suicide.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is continuing to look into the death of Brian Christopher.
Christopher is reported to have committed suicide while alone in a single cell in the Bolivar jail this summer. He was being held following a DUI charge the month prior. The Lawler family doubts the official cause of Christopher’s death. Jerry Lawler says he is at the point now where the family might start issuing subpoenas to help get answers. He spoke to Local Memphis recently in regards to the ongoing investigation.
“In the words of my attorney, there’s so much smoke that has come out of that Bolivar jail that there’s got to be a fire somewhere,” Lawler said. “If we can help unearth that, then maybe things will change, and it’ll be better for some people down the line,” said Lawler.
Lawler previously expressed his doubts that his son killed himself this summer as well.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said to Local Memphis in August. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
To read the full update from Jerry Lawler and Local Memphis click here.
Jerry Lawler appeared on Local 24 Memphis recently to speak further about the investigation into his son’s death.
“It’s like a nightmare that we can’t wake up from”, Lawler said. “It seems like every day something new comes up, we hear something from someone that was either an eyewitness to incidents that happened the day that Brian died or people that have heard stories about just different things that went on in the jail.”
Yesterday, we reported that Lawler’s lawyers are trying to make sense of an affidavit filed regarding an inmate using Brian’s identity.
“Even as recently as just a couple days ago,” Lawler continued. “Somebody in the jail is still using Brian’s identity and was caught for identity theft.”
Brian Lawler Death Investigation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the death. The Lawler family has consistently stated they doubt the official version of events which states Brian died via self-inflicted hanging.
“It just doesn’t pass the smell test,” Lawler said earlier this month. “We’ve received literally countless calls, text messages from people, actual eyewitnesses, that were in the jail and saw things that happened on the actual day that Brian died that now has opened up a new can of worms,” he continued. “It just doesn’t seem like it was suicide.”
Experts have also cast doubt on ligature marks found around Brian’s neck.
“Just look at his neck and look at his hand,” Lawler said earlier this month. “You can see the lines on his neck all the way around here to here and what would be the length of your hand as if he was trying to keep the pressure off.”
As new details regarding the death of Brian Christopher are becoming known, what exactly happened is becoming less clear.
An affidavit filed last week is stating that inmate Danterriaus Jones committed identity fraud concerning Christopher’s information. Jones made several phone calls from prison using Christopher’s information before Christopher’s death. He used Christopher’s social security number which is required for outgoing prison phone calls. One of the calls is believed to have taken place on July 28th, the day before Christopher died.
Jones is believed to have called the Lawler family and said Brian had been assaulted and had a concussion. The next day when Christopher was being transported for medical care, Jones then called members of his own family.
Jones is being charged with identity theft but lawyers believe this is being done in an attempt to discredit potential future testimony from him. It is possible Jones would testify he was told to notify the Lawler family that Brian had been assaulted in prison the day before he died.
“If you’re skeptical, you might think that there’s a witness in the Hardeman County Jail that someone is attempting to discredit,” Lawler lawyer Ted Hamson said. “That’s one scenario that makes sense.”
The Lawler family has stated they doubt Christopher died via suicide. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently looking into the matter.
Private investigators have also raised concerns regarding the evidence in the case. The lack of ligature marks around the neck has been raised by experts.
Brian Christopher Death Investigation
In addition to attempting to contact the Lawler family, Jones did use Christopher’s identity to make calls to his own family, which is likely what is leading to the charge.
“At some point, Brian clearly gave this guy his PIN number,” Hansom continued. “He (Lawler) told him to call his family and let Jerry know what was going on. All that is consistent. After Brian was transported to the Med, this guy attempted to contact his own family to tell them what was going on. But again, nobody has complained about it.”
Jerry Lawler released a “Dinner with the King” podcast today. Although he wouldn’t say much on the topic, Lawler has doubts his son killed himself.
Lawler has previously mentioned he has been asked not to talk about the case by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. He has, however, stated that his family’s been contacted by some within the prison who do not believe Christopher killed himself.
“There’s more to this than we can really talk about now,” Lawler said. “A lot of people have expressed, as I have, doubts as to whether Brian actually did commit suicide.”
Investigation Into Brian Christopher’s Death
An investigation is currently ongoing into Brian Christopher’s death.
“We’ve been contacted by inmates that were in the jail with Brian who said they don’t believe what was told is exactly what happened,” Lawler said.
Lawyers for the family have said they are hoping to obtain security footage from within the jail. The Sheriff’s department has said Christopher was not in solitary confinement but rather placed in a cell by himself for his own protection.
“I probably shouldn’t say anymore,” Lawler continued. “This investigation is going to be on-going and it may take a long time to get this all sorted out,” he continued.
Jerry Lawler wrestled James Ellsworth on Sunday at a USA Wrestling show. He made his entrance while wearing Christopher’s “Grand Master Sexay” vest in tribute to his late son.
The passing of former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Christopher (Grandmaster Sexay) has hit the professional wrestling world pretty hard.
One man who felt the affects of Christopher’s passing rather personally, was WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross. “JR” served alongside Christopher’s father, Jerry “The King” Lawler, as the commentary duo for Monday Night RAW for several years.
Ross On Christopher’s Passing
He offered his thoughts on the matter in a recent episode of his podcast, The Ross Report. Ross doesn’t quite understand why Christopher was being held in solitary confinement. Christopher was only being held for a DUI charge:
“I never quite understood the reason for that,” said Ross. “I understand getting incarcerated for a DUI, or any other crime, I get that.
“But, in the solitary confinement? Unless you’re gonna say that it was for his own protection, I don’t know.”
Ross then put over Christopher’s in-ring skills and also joked about hinting on WWE TV that Grandmaster Sexay was in fact Lawler’s son:
“I loved calling his matches with the King during the Attitude Era, as many as already remarked on social media,” said Ross.
“Because I always had fun hinting that ‘Grandmaster Sexay’ was the King’s son. Good ole days, right? Good ole days.”
Medical staff at a local Tennessee hospital were able to keep Christopher alive long enough for his family to say their final goodbyes. He was just 46-years-old.
Christopher’s father, Jerry Lawler, believes that “There may be more to this than meets the eye,” in regards to his son’s death. As a result, an investigation was opened into the matter.
Brian Christopher was buried yesterday in Memphis. His friends and family prepared a custom-made casket for him they say he would have loved. It was decked out in Pittsburgh Steelers colors and logos with “Grand Master Sexay” on the top.
Local 24 Memphis news was on-hand to cover the funeral. They spoke with many of Brian’s friends as well as with his father, Jerry Lawler.
Jerry Lawler Comments On Brian Christopher’s Funeral
“This is gotta be one of the toughest days of my life and if I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times,” Lawler said. “They say the toughest thing for anybody to do is have to bury a child and that’s what we’re going through today.”
“My fiance Lauren and I are standing next to the casket and I keep looking down almost expecting Brian to sit up and start laughing,” Lawler continued. “It’s just tough.”
Brian’s friends spoke of remembering their friend as funny, fun, and as having a big heart. They also remembered him as willing to go out of his way to make someone laugh. Other friends say he was always quick to help a friend in need.
Investigation Into Brian Christopher’s Death
There is currently an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding Brian Christopher’s death. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has asked family not to comment publicly on the ongoing case.
A lawyer for the family has made a public comment that they are hoping to receive camera footage from within the jail to gain a better understanding of how he was being housed.
The Sherrif’s department has stated Brian was being housed in a cell by himself but was not in solitary confinement.
The passing of former WWE Tag Team Champion Brian Christopher (Grandmaster Sexay) has saddened the professional wrestling world.
Christopher passed away at a Tennessee hospital after an apparent suicide attempt in prison. He attempted to hang himself and subsequently passed after his family got the opportunity to say their final goodbyes.
Earlier that week Christopher was arrested for a DUI and attempting to evade police. The Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolen revealed that, due to his notoriety, Christopher was placed in a cell by himself.
He also noted that Christopher wasn’t on suicide watch because the Sheriff’s Department “had no indication he was suicidal.” This has greatly upset former WWE star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman.
Waltman took to his podcast, X-Pac 12360, and expressed his frustration by the entire matter:
“I’m really pissed about this, really pissed,” Waltman said. “Because I’ve been in that situation in more than one way. And you don’t take someone that’s not done something violent or isn’t a danger to others.
“Even then, you don’t put somebody in solitary confinement. You don’t put people in solitary confinement for that long that didn’t do s–t and then go, ‘Oh, it wasn’t solitary confinement.’
“It’s f–king solitary confinement! I’ve been in it, if you’ve never actually been in it I don’t want to hear it from you at all. It’s torture.
“It drives you crazy, you don’t have to be suicidal, you become suicidal. You stay in there with no one to talk too staring at the walls for that long.”
Sharing Demons
He then dove into the similar issues he had to Christopher’s. Waltman revealed he once attempted to hang himself as well:
“I’ve been there and I’ve hung myself and so I know. I have a pretty good idea of where [Christopher] was and it’s just about the worst place you can ever imagine. Not only are you in the lowest possible place but you die that way.
“You never come up out of it… I love [Christopher], I was tight with Brian in WWE. He was crazy as f–k no doubt, but if you knew him like I did you would know he’s a real wonderful guy.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRTT1KvjVFQ]
Kevin Lawler has posted a photo of the custom casket his brother will be buried in.
“My brother Brian was a die hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan,” Kevin Lawler wrote on Facebook. “He had and collected everything Steelers imaginable. Special thanks to our friends for making him this customized casket so he can go out the only way he would want to! Brian would have loved this.”
Christopher’s funeral and visitation are scheduled for tomorrow at the Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens.
Brian Christopher Death Under Investigation
Christopher’s death is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The 46-year-old was not on suicide watch as he was not thought to be a danger to himself at the time.
What is potentially more at play is the length of time he was left in a cell by himself. The use of solitary confinement has been heavily critisized by human rights advocates. The United Nations states solitary confinement, defined as imprisonment for more than 22 hours a day without meaningful human contact, should not exceed 15 days as per the Mandela Rules updated in 2015.
Brian Christopher was left alone in a cell for 23 days.
The Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office, however, says Christopher was never in solitary confinement but rather in a cell by himself as a result of his fame. Some are suggesting being alone all day by yourself in a cell carries the same effects of being left alone all day by yourself in a solitary confinement hole.
Sean “X-Pac” Waltman addressed the issue yesterday on his podcast. He also addressed it on social media.
“I’m saddened beyond words by Brian’s death,” Waltman wrote on Twitter. “He and I were close during our time in WWE together. I have many great memories of Brian both inside the ring and out. No one but the most dangerous criminals should be kept in solitary confinement for almost a month.”
Jerry Lawler has said he was with his son Brian Christopher when he died. He told WHBQ news he was “glad to hold his son’s hand when his heart stopped beating around 3:30 p.m.”
Lawler told the news outlet he and family are overwhelmed with support from friends and the public.
There is an ongoing investigation into Brian Christopher’s death after the former WWE Superstar was found hanging in his cell on Sunday. Christopher was arrested for a 3rd DUI offense and for evading the police a week prior. He was still in jail as he had not posted the $40,000 needed for bail. The family has said they were waiting to determine if they would hire a private or public attorney for his case.
Jerry Lawler Comments On Investigation Into Brian Christopher’s Death
A recent statement by the Sheriff’s office has indicated Christopher was not on suicide watch as he was not thought to be a danger to himself. The police did state he was in a cell by himself due to his fame.
“Mr. Lawler, because of his notoriety, was placed in a cell by himself but as the Sheriff’s Department had no indication he was suicidal, he was not on suicide watch,” the statement reads.
Lawler would only briefly comment on the ongoing investigation into his son’s death. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has asked Lawler not to comment publicly on the matter.
“There may be more to this than meets the eye,” Lawler said in a phone call to WHBQ news.
Yesterday, we reported that Lawler had told Christopher he could get him a job at the WWE Performance Center. The offer came with the condition that Christopher had to stay clean for a year. Christopher’s “Too Cool” tag-team partner, Scotty 2 Hotty, is currently an instructor there.
Prior to his passing, WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler wanted to get his son, Brian Christopher, a job with the WWE.
Christopher passed away yesterday after an apparent suicide attempt. He reportedly tried to hang himself in prison and later passed away at a nearby hospital. Doctors reportedly kept him alive long enough for Lawler to come and kiss him goodbye.
Dave Meltzer discussed the entire situation on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer noted that Lawler told Christopher that if he was able to stay clean for a year he’d try and get him a job with WWE, likely something in the Performance Center.
Unfortunately he wasn’t able to stay sober for longer than a few months. Meltzer revealed Christopher attempted to take his own life several years ago as well.
Christopher was arrested this past week in Memphis and charged with a DUI and attempting to evade police. The 46-year-old was reportedly speeding and swerving around at 1 A.M. on July 7th.
Cops attempted to pull Christopher over, but he refused. Police say Lawler told them he initially refused to pull over because he was trying to get home.
One police pulled him over, they smelled alcohol in the vehicle and found an open container in the center console. Christopher was arrested immediately. He was booked for a DUI and evading police. Bail was set at $40,000. Last month, Christopher was arrested for [allegedly] attempting to run out on a hotel bill in Memphis.
Yesterday (Sun. July 29, 2018) Brian Christopher (Grandmaster Sexay) sadly passed away. The son of WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler reportedly attempted to hang himself in prison.
He passed away in a local hospital several hours later. The news stunned the professional wrestling world. WWE COO Triple H broke his silence on the matter. “The Game” said he and his wife, Stephanie McMahon, are thinking of the Lawler family at this time:
Incredibly sad news about the passing of Brian Christopher. A tragic loss of life. Both @StephMcMahon and I are thinking of Jerry Lawler and the entire Lawler family this evening. https://t.co/Siqrx5Vt1c
Tyler Breeze Returns To Face Adam Cole In NXT (Video)
Over the weekend Tyler Breeze returned to NXT. He came face-to-face with NXT North American Champion Adam Cole. The pair exchanged some funny “Bay Bay” chants before Cole attacked Breeze once again.
Some video highlights can be seen below courtesy of WWE NXT’s Instagram account:
Yesterday, WWE lost both Brian Christopher and Nikolai Volkoff. At yesterday’s NXT house show in Phoenix, a 10-bell salute was held to pay tribute to both.
A former WWE tag-team champion, Brian Christopher was 46-years old. Nikolai Volkoff was 70. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s class of 2005.
Response to the Deaths of Brian Christopher and Nikolai Volkoff
There has been an outpouring of support online for both Christopher and Volkoff.
Volkoff won the WWE tag-team championships with the Iron Sheik at the first-ever WrestleMania:
WE HAVE TO WEAR WIGS & DISGUISES WHEN WE WENT TO RESTAURANT BECAUSE EVERYBODY HATED US. NIKOLAI SAY NO MORE EATING OUT SO HE MAKE FOOD IN HOTEL ROOM. VINCE TELL US “YOU HAVE THE WHITE HOT HEAT”. ONCE NIKOLAI SING ANTHEM WE DIDNT EVEN HAVE TO WRESTLE. I MISS HIM #NIKOLAIVOLKOFF 💔 pic.twitter.com/oMsPLhMFyr
“WE HAVE TO WEAR WIGS & DISGUISES WHEN WE WENT TO RESTAURANT BECAUSE EVERYBODY HATED US. NIKOLAI SAY NO MORE EATING OUT SO HE MAKE FOOD IN HOTEL ROOM. VINCE TELL US “YOU HAVE THE WHITE HOT HEAT”. ONCE NIKOLAI SING ANTHEM WE DIDNT EVEN HAVE TO WRESTLE. I MISS HIM”
MY BEST FRIEND. MY PARTNER. MY BROTHER. WE GET MORE HEAT THAN ANYONE ON EARTH. I TRUST HIM WITH MY LIFE. HE TAKE CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS DOWN. I MISS YOU FOREVER 💔 pic.twitter.com/pp7ZgQRDnb
“MY BEST FRIEND. MY PARTNER. MY BROTHER. WE GET MORE HEAT THAN ANYONE ON EARTH. I TRUST HIM WITH MY LIFE. HE TAKE CARE OF ME WHEN I WAS DOWN. I MISS YOU FOREVER”
My deepest condolences go out to the family & friends of Brian Lawler, aka Brian Christopher, after his passing today. Jeff & I worked with Brian & @TheScotty2Hotty for a year straight when we started in @WWE. He was SO talented.. We learned from him. Godspeed, Grandmaster Sexay. pic.twitter.com/r5l42sK0wg
“My deepest condolences go out to the family & friends of Brian Lawler, aka Brian Christopher, after his passing today. Jeff & I worked with Brian & @TheScotty2Hotty for a year straight when we started in @WWE. He was SO talented. We learned from him. Godspeed, Grandmaster Sexay.”
“Very sorry to learn of the passing of Brian Christopher. Brian had so much talent, such great charisma. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Rest In Peace Nikolai Volkoff Brian Christopher Brickhouse Brown Each in their own way contributed to this world of wrestling that we inhabit, and have left memories that will last.
“Rest In Peace Nikolai Volkoff Brian Christopher Brickhouse Brown Each in their own way contributed to this world of wrestling that we inhabit, and have left memories that will last.”
WWE will likely play tribute to both Brian Christopher and Nikolai Volkoff on Raw later tonight. A Table for 3 featuring Volkoff is currently featured on the WWE Network.
Former WWE Superstar Brian Christopher has passed away at 46 years old, according to multiple reports. Christopher was best known for his role as “Grandmaster Sexay” during the Attitude Era. Along with tag team partner Scotty 2 Hotty, the “Too Cool” – along with Rikishi – were one of the hottest acts during a wild time in WWE. He was also the son of WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler. SEScoops extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brian Christopher.
Christopher was arrested this past week in Memphis and charged with DUI and attempting to evade police. The 46-year-old was reportedly speeding and swerving around at 1 A.M. on July 7th. Cops attempted to pull Christopher over, but he refused. Police say Lawler told them he initially refused to pull over was because he was trying to get home.
One police pulled him over, they smelled alcohol in the vehicle and found an open container in the center console. Christopher was arrested immediately. He was booked on DUI and evading police. Bail was set at $40,000. Last month, Christopher was arrested for [allegedly] attempting to run out on a hotel bill in Memphis.
Remembering Brian Christopher
Some of Brian Christopher’s former colleagues and other members of the pro wrestling community have commented on his untimely passing.
Praying for the families of the departed now. Brian was special to me at a really special time in my life. Nikolai and my dad were good friends. Brickhouse and my late brother Brad were close. #RIPBROTHERS God bless the families!
I only met Brian Christopher once, last year at an indy show in Kentucky. He was very friendly and just genuinely happy to be a part of the show, the life of the party. I almost left before introducing myself to him last minute. I'm glad I did. Rest in Peace Brother 🙏
Sadly, Nicolai, Brickhouse Brown & Brian Christopher all have passed. Unimaginable pain for @JerryLawler My heart goes out to him. Very sad day for the business I love. 😔
— 👑 Frankie Kazarian 👑 (@FrankieKazarian) July 29, 2018
Former WWE tag-team champion, Brian Christopher, has been arrested. Christopher and the owner/chairman of the Glory Championship Wrestling Alliance, Terry Teague, were arrested for failing to pay for a hotel bill totaling over $800.
It’s been an unfortunate few months for the son of Jerry Lawler. In March, it was reported that Christopher was beaten so badly he required surgery. Indie wrestler, Chase Stevens, was arrested shortly after the incident.
Fox Memphis was the first to report on Christopher’s arrest. According to their report, Lawler and Teague had used a company credit card to pay for their stay. When the hotel attempted to bill the wrestlers there was not enough money remaining on the card they used. The hotel then notified the police after being informed by Christopher and Teague that they were unable to pay their bill through other methods. The pair were staying at the Hampton Inn on Peabody Place in Memphis.
Christopher has been charged with Theft of Services under $1000 or less. The crime is deemed a misdemeanor offense in Tennessee.
Tennessee law lists the following possible penalties for Christopher’s offense:
“Tennessee law specifies that penalties for a Misdemeanor Theft conviction apply if the value of lost property or services was $1,000 or less. Misdemeanor Theft is a Class A Misdemeanor and may result in some or all of the following penalties:
A sentence of up to 11 months, 29 days in prison;
A probationary period;
A fine of up to $2,500;
Court costs.”
Brian Christopher in 2018
The 46-year old has yet to wrestle a match in 2018. He’s been dealing with the facial injuries he suffered since March.
Christopher has been wrestling only sporadically in recent years. He wrestled 4 matches in 2017 and only 5 in 2016. Often, he will wrestle under his former Grandmasta Sexay gimmick as well. On occasion, he has been joined by Scotty 2 Hotty on the indie scene as well. In 2015, Too Cool wrested several matches together. Scotty 2 Hotty now works at the WWE Performance Center in Florida, however.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry Lawler and his girlfriend Lauryn were involved in a head-on collision on Saturday night. Lauryn posted the following on Facebook:
“Not exactly how we expected to spend our Halloween, but while on our way home from dinner (Peyton wasn’t with us thank God) a girl ran a red light and hit us totaling the car… the airbag deployed hitting me in the face (hence why I look like Sandy the Squirrel from SpongeBob) causing the swelling to my face…have to wear a silly brace and crutches for my knee for the time being…thank God we are ok other than that & I think Jerry is superman…not a scratch or anything….he tried to cover me to save me from the airbag before it deployed.”
The following are highlights of a new Wrestling 101 interview with the former three-man tag-team, “Too Cool,” which consisted of Rikishi, Brian “Grandmaster Sexay” Christopher and Scotty 2 Hotty:
Brian Christopher on The Rock: “He would pick my brain because he was getting a lot more TV time than I was, so he would ask me how I thought his interview went and I would tell him he need to work on this or you need to pause a little bit longer before you say this…we then worked on his moves together and came up with things like ‘The Peoples Elbow.'”
Brian Christopher on defeating the Legion of Doom: “I’ll never forget that because the Road Warriors at the time couldn’t believe that they were about to lay down to a couple of 215lbs guys because their egos were as big as you could get and their muscles were as big as the steroids would get them.”
Scotty 2 Hotty on wrestling whilst still in school: “That was awesome, I was still in high school at the time which is just crazy for me to think about now. I was with the WWF when I was in high school, I was in a locker room at a WWF event with Hulk Hogan, Sid Vicious, The Undertaker, and Bret Hart then two days later I’m sitting back in class. I was getting to wrestle some of the biggest names in the world, it was an amazing experience.”
Rikishi on the Rusev/Rock segment: “Oh my god, we were all happy, anytime you work with The Rock that’s a treat because Rusev’s not the champ. It was a good deal, Rock knew Rusev came from our school and he didn’t have to do that but he did, family looking out for family. That segment with The Rock just took Rusev to another level, and I was very excited.”
Rikishi on Vince McMahon: “He is the type of person that likes it when you go over and talk to him and ask him questions they may have about their character. Nine times out of ten when they’ve finished talking to him he hasn’t really answered their question but at the same time they’re not.”
Check out the complete interview at Wrestling101.com.
Former WWE Superstar Brian “Grandmaster Sexay” Christopher, who is the son of Jerry “The King” Lawler, has released a new rap album via iTunes, which features cameos from a few wrestling personalities.
A press release for the CD reads as follows:
“This CD consists of several hilarious song parodies plus some great original music. Included on his CD are the songs ‘Going Down’ which Brian uses as he makes his grand entrance into the ring. ‘Puppies’ featuring Hall of Famer, Jerry (The King) Lawler. ‘Memphis Thang’ a tribute song written by Brian about classic Memphis wrestling. Plus, Brian’s good friend Rikishi makes several cameo appearances on the CD. Brian Christopher not only performs all the songs on this CD but also co-wrote most of them. This CD is a ‘must have’ for any wrestling fan. You can download yours today or purchase one through CD Baby or at any wrestling event where Brian is appearing.”
The following are highlights of a recent Rodolfo Roman interview with Jerry Lawler:
On his son Brian Christopher returning to NXT with Scotty 2 Hotty: “I was really happy for him. Brian and Scotty are doing quite a few appearance across the county. There’s so much wrestling going on all over the place, independent shows around the country. Scotty, Brian and Rikishi, they are busy every single week doing something. He’s not on WWE TV but he’s available all the time. They might bring him back. Who knows? He’s staying real busy which is good.”
On bringing his Memphis Wrestling library to the WWE Network: “We’re in negotiations. They’re sending a crew down next week to Memphis to evaluate the tapes, see what they want and what is still useable. We produced a 90 minute wrestling show every Saturday morning live for 21 straight years so there’s a lot of footage, a lot of tape out there. Hopefully one of these days we will have it on the WWE Network. So many of the stars you’ve seen in WWE over the years either started or came through Memphis Wrestling at one point.”
