After a long battle with a congenital heart disease, several sources are reporting that National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and Memphis wrestling legend Jackie Fargo (real name Henry Faggart) has passed away today at the age of 85.
An internet rumor in January of last year indicated that Fargo has passed away due to his ongoing health issues during a bout of pneumonia. The number and variety of sources reporting his death confirms today's news.
Fargo won his first NWA tag team title with Don Fargo in 1958. The pair set a then-record when they wrestled Argentina Rocca and Miguel Pérez for the belts in front of 20,000+ at Madison Square Garden. He would go on to tag and win titles with the likes of Lou Thesz and Jerry Jarrett.
His wikipedia page credits him with innovating the hardcore wrestling style with the use of tables and chairs in his Tennessee area matches.
The Fargo strut may be his most lasting legacy, as his distinctive ring walk was adopted and adapted by the likes of Ric Flair and the Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane and Steve Keirn).
Fargo is also credited by Jerry "The King" Lawler as being a mentor of his.
Lawler was among the first to express thoughts on Fargo's passing and legacy:
Without the Fabulous Jackie Fargo, there would never have been a King Jerry Lawler. RIP Jackie. pic.twitter.com/29C9bEg06z
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) June 24, 2013
RIP Jackie Fargo... Huge influence on my career... Often imitated, but never duplicated...
— Jeff Jarrett (@JeffJarrettTNA) June 24, 2013
Cageside Seats wishes to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Jackie Fargo.