Brian Knighton, known to wrestling fans as Axl Rotten, was born on April 21, 1971 in Baltimore, Maryland. He showed an interest in wrestling from a young age and dropped out of high school in 11th grade to pursue his passion.
In 1986, Knighton began training with Ricky Lawless to become a professional wrestler. He adopted the ring name Axl Rotten and quickly made a name for himself in the wrestling world.
Axl Rotten is best known for his time with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the 1990s. He formed a popular tag team with Ian Rotten called The Bad Breed. Together, they became fan favorites and were known for their hardcore wrestling style.
In 2005, Axl Rotten was part of WWE's One Night Stand, a tribute to the defunct ECW promotion. He competed alongside other ECW legends such as Spike Dudley and New Jack, showcasing his skills to a new generation of fans.
Tragically, Axl Rotten's wrestling career was cut short due to a severe spine injury. This injury left him wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life. Despite this setback, he remained dedicated to the wrestling community and continued to inspire others with his perseverance.
On February 4, 2016, Brian Knighton passed away from an accidental heroin overdose. His untimely death shocked the wrestling world, as fans mourned the loss of a talented performer.
Axl Rotten's impact on the wrestling industry is still felt today. He is remembered for his hardcore wrestling style, his loyalty to the ECW promotion, and his influence on aspiring wrestlers. Though his life was cut short, his legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew and admired him.