Dominic DeNucci Passes Away At 89

Former WWF and IWA wrestler and iconic trainer Dominic DeNucci has sadly passed away at the age of 89.

DeNucci's passing was confirmed on Wednesday by the Cauliflower Alley Club on social media.

The Italian-American enjoyed a lengthy run in the WWF in the 1970s and is also widely recognised as the trainer of names such as Mick Foley and Shane Douglas.

DeNucci originally debuted in Canada, working as Dominic Bravo for both Stampede Wrestling and the Montreal territory. He then moved onto California before going to Australia's World Championship Wrestling, where he received his largest push as a talent, holding the IWA World title numerous times and becoming one of the promotion's biggest babyfaces.

During his time with the WWF, DeNucci held several Titles as a tag-team wrestler, the most notable being a short run as the International Tag Team Champions with Bruno Sammartino. He also held the WWF Tag Team Championship with Victor Rivera, Pat Barrett and Dino Bravo.

As a singles star, DeNucci was often used as a credible foe to put over developing heels. It was seen as a sign that a heel was on his way to challenging for the WWF Title if he defeated DeNucci.

DeNucci would depart the company in 1982.

After officially retiring, DeNucci trained a number of renowned stars including WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, former ECW World Champion Shane Douglas and Cody Michaels, among others.  He would occasionally come out of retirement and wrestled from time to time through 2012.

Everyone at Cultaholic would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and fans of Dominic DeNucci during this difficult time.

H/T PWInsider