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THE FANTASTICS' TOMMY ROGERS PASSES AWAY

By Mike Johnson on 2015-06-01 16:17:11

Bobby Fulton announced the passing of his long-time friend and tag team partner Thomas R. Couch, professionally known as Tommy Rogers this afternoon via Facebook, writing:

"I was wanting to wait until all of the family has been notified. My wrestling tag team partner Tommy Rogers passed away this morning in Hawaii. I am totally devastated by this loss. Words can't even describe it. Tommy blessed me with an opportunity to be a part of one of the great tag teams of professional wrestling. He was one of the best athletes in the profession. My prayers are for Sheila and the rest of the Couch family. Not only was he a partner he was like a brother we travelled many miles and many different places. I know in fact with his belief in Jesus which he shared with me many times recently and I know he has heaven as his home, because the Bible teaches us to be absent of the body is to be present with The Lord."

Rogers was only 54. I don't know details on Rogers' passing beyond Fulton's announcement as of this writing.

Rogers, alongside Fulton as The Fantastics, was one of the top rivals to Jim Cornette's Midnight Express, feuding with them most famously for the NWA United States Tag Team championship in Jim Crockett Promotions as well as several other territories. At one point, the teams had one of the best feuds anywhere, and I highly suggest checking out their match at the first Clash of Champions if you've never seen the incredible chemistry they had.

The team was originally put together in Memphis and also had runs in World Class, The UWF (including an awesome feud with The Sheepherders) and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Rogers also worked Portland and a number of other territories. 

In recent years, Rogers, who late in his career had a short run in the original ECW as a singles star, had been living in Hawaii.

Rogers had been retired from the business but made occasional appearances at legends conventions, usually alongside Fulton.

I intend to have more on Rogers' career as soon as I can, but for now, I can say this. He was a hell of a nice guy every time I met him and was a great performer who was always underrated.

On behalf of everyone at PWInsider.com, I'd like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tommy Rogers.

A number of those involved in the pro wrestling world have taken to Twitter to express their condolences as well:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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