The Midnight Express co-founder remembered fondly by fans and peers following his death on March 20.
Category: Sports
Wrestling fans around the world are mourning the loss of Dennis Condrey, who passed away at the age of 74 on March 20. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but the news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him and appreciated his contributions to the sport.
Condrey was a founding member of The Midnight Express, a tag team that many fans and wrestling historians regard among the greatest of all time. The Midnight Express first debuted on the wrestling scene back on 1980, initially featuring Condrey alongside Randy Rose and Norvell Austin. This trio laid the groundwork for a legacy that would see the team evolve and flourish over the years.
After their initial formation, Condrey went on to create a new version of The Midnight Express with Bobby Eaton and manager Jim Cornette during his time at Mid-South Wrestling. This iteration became the most famous, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and intense rivalries, particularly with The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express, comprised of Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson. Their clashes are still celebrated today, marking a golden era of tag team wrestling.
Condrey and Eaton's partnership was particularly notable, and their feuds were legendary. After leaving Mid-South for World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) around 1984, they continued their rivalry with The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Later, Condrey transitioned to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) where he continued to make waves until he departed the organization for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) around 1987. There, he reunited with Randy Rose, forming “The Original Midnight Express” under the management of Paul E. Dangerously (who would later become known for his work with ECW). This revival allowed Condrey to continue his wrestling career, but it was his feud with Eaton and Cornette that reignited the passion among fans for the Midnight Express brand.
One of the most memorable moments from Condrey's career occurred during a Scaffold match against The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) at Starrcade 1986. The match ended dramatically, with Eaton and Condrey losing after being knocked off the scaffold. The aftermath saw Cornette fall from the structure, resulting not just from the scripted chaos of the match but also from an unfortunate mishap with his supposed safety net. This incident left Cornette with serious knee injuries, marking a moment that many fans still discuss.
Condrey officially retired from wrestling back around 1990 but remained active on the independent circuit, participating until his final match took place much later, on 2011. His longevity and adaptability kept him relevant, even after the peak years of his fame.
Tributes began pouring out following the announcement of Condrey's passing. Dax Harwood, a current member of the AEW tag team FTR, took to social media to express his condolences and honor Condrey's memory. Harwood launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses, emphasizing Condrey's impact both inside and outside the ring. He wrote, "Dennis Condrey is one half of the greatest tag team of all time, The Midnight Express. For years they brought excitement and entertainment to millions of people. "...a sweet, God-fearing man who LOVED his wife Theresa. With her permission, I’ve opened this Go Fund Me to help with funeral expenses and bills that she now has to take on her own. She didn’t ask for this. I asked, "...if Dennis Condrey and the Midnight Express ever brought any amount of joy to your life, and you’re able to help, please do. If not, it’s absolutely ok! Please send all your thoughts and prayers to Theresa Condrey." This heartfelt message captured not just the respect that Condrey commanded but also highlighted the personal side of the wrestling community, where camaraderie often extends beyond the ring.
Condrey was also remembered during a recent episode of AEW Collision, where commentator Tony Schiavone acknowledged his passing with an audio insert. This tribute was appreciated by fans and served to honor Condrey's legacy within the wrestling industry. The acknowledgment was a touching gesture, considering that Condrey had passed just days before the show was taped.
Throughout his career, Dennis Condrey made a lasting impact on professional wrestling, particularly through his work with The Midnight Express. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless wrestlers and entertaining fans for decades. From his early days to his final appearances, Condrey's legacy is one that will not be forgotten.
Condrey's passing serves to remind fans of the thrilling moments he provided throughout his career and of the close-knit nature of the wrestling community. His life and work are celebrated by many, and the tributes flowing from fans and fellow wrestlers alike attest to the respect he earned.
The wrestling world has lost a legend, but Dennis Condrey's legacy will undoubtedly live on through the memories of those who watched him perform and the countless wrestlers he inspired. His work with The Midnight Express and his contributions to the wrestling industry will continue to resonate for years to come.