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Heartbroken. I just saw Paul a week ago. It was an honor to grow up watching him, become his friend, and even share the ring with him. Rest in peace, The Equalizer. ???? https://t.co/y8rVopvDOO@ECWEqualizer pic.twitter.com/HLZB3BcW4Q
— Tony Chini (@TonyChini96) July 19, 2026
While there is not much in the way of details yet, PWInsider.com has learned Paul Bykow who wrestled for the original ECW as The Equalizer and also worked the New Jersey independent scene recently passed away.
A New Jersey native, Bykow was extremely close with Chris Candido and Tammy Sytch. They were his conduit into the company, where he appeared in 1998, often as a bodyguard for manager Lance Wright. He also worked as a part of an entourage for Danny Doring early in Doring's ECW tenure.
After departing ECW, Bykow was a reguar for New Jersey promotions such as National Wrestling Superstars in the 2000s. He was visiting at the GCW Backyard Wrestling event a few weeks back in New Jersey.
PWInsider.com sends our condolences to Paul's family and friends.
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