Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum was staple of the United Kingdom wrestling scene for more than a decade. In December of last year, he won the World Heavyweight championship for Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), the Glasgow, Scotlane-based promotion he was most associated with since debuting with them in 2007. He last wrestled on Sun., June 16 for ICW.
A few hours ago, ICW announced that Lionheart was dead at age 36.
We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of ICW World Heavyweight Champion, Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum. Adrian was a mainstay of ICW and British professional wrestling. Most importantly, he was our friend. His passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of those who knew him. pic.twitter.com/qmjnZTb5Lb
— ICW (@InsaneChampWres) June 19, 2019
No details are available, but his final tweet from earlier today reads ominously in retrospect, and has led to widespread speculation online. ICW has asked fans to respect the privacy of McCallum’s family & friends.
For fans who don’t follow the UK and European scene, McCallum’s name may be familiar from a 2014 incident where his neck was broken while taking a Styles Clash from AJ Styles. It was one of a string of incidents with Styles’ finisher which played into kayfabe fear of the maneuver in New Japan. Lionheart returned to wrestling a year after the injury.
Please join the entire Cageside Seats community in sending our best to everyone saying goodbye to McCallum today.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or needs resources for helping someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. In the UK, visit the NHS resources page here.