Originally published at Jack Veneno passes away at 79
Jack Veneno, real name Rafael Antonio Sánchez passed away at the age of 79-years old. Veneno was regarded as one of the legendary wrestlers to come out of the Dominican Republic. ESPN published an article about his passing and noted that he lost his life to ‘aggressive’ pancreatic cancer. Jack Veneno’s son confirmed the news on Instagram.
Veneno defeated Ric Flair in 1982 for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship but his title reign is not officially recognized by the National Wrestling Alliance.
Jack retired from wrestling in the early 2000s and began a career in politics. In 2007, he was appointed as Vice-Minister of Sports. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republican tweeted about the passing of Veneno and referred to him as one of the most emblematic figures of the sport of pro wrestling.
La República Dominicana pierde una de las figuras más emblemáticas del deporte nacional. Lamento mucho la muerte de Jack Veneno, quien hizo vibrar de emoción a miles y miles de dominicanos. Mis condolencias a sus familiares. ¡Descansa en paz campeón!
— Luis Abinader (@luisabinader) April 6, 2021
POST Wrestling would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Jack Veneno.