“Gangrel” is a name that some may not be familiar with but the character was part of the WWE Attitude Era back in the 90s. He never really got a push but his select matches did include one that almost cost his life.
Gangrel, known as David William Heath in real life, was best known as the head of the cult faction “The Brood”. While he never excelled, two of his allies did – Edge and Christian. Both went on to greater heights while Gangrel stayed in the mid cards before quietly exiting the WWE scene.
With little known about him, it was pretty surprising to hear how Gangrel almost lost his life to the WWE ring in 1999. The first name that comes to mind during that time is Owen Hart. Hart died from an equipment malfunction on May 23, 1999, but Gangrel’s case happened earlier.
Gangrel narrated how a faulty rope almost choked the life out of him had it not for timely aid. The match took place Feb. 1, 1999, on WWE Monday Night Raw as “The Brood” were taking on the “Ministry of Darkness” pair of “Viscera” and “Mideon”.
Things got crazy with the “Acolytes” (John Bradshaw Layfield and Farooq/Ron Simmons) invaded the match. Layfield wrapped the controversial noose around Gangrel’s neck after which the Undertaker pushed him off the ring apron and hanging, 411 Mania reported.
Mideon (Dennis Knight) was the one who technically saved Gangrel’s life, noticing it and easing the pressure on his neck. And as one would guess, the whole scene turned ugly which included his wife (Luna) flipping out.
Curiously, Gangrel did not join the class-action lawsuit filed by former wrestlers against the WWE. Over 50 wrestlers are suing the WWE, alleging that former wrestlers either suffered long-term brain damage or the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), CNN reported.
Among the WWE names included in the list are Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff, “Road Warrior” Animal (Joseph Laurinaitis) and Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. The WWE alleges that this is nothing more than another attempt to get some financial benefit for former WWE stars.
For those unfamiliar with "The Brood", check out the video below.