Who was wrestler Kurtis Chapman, AKA ‘Mad Kurt’?

PROFESSIONAL ”gifted” wrestler Kurtis Chapman has died aged 26.

Here we take a look into the life and death of the sports star, and the tributes that have been paid following the news of his passing.

Chapman was a professional wrestler

Who was Kurtis Chapman?

Kurtis Chapman, 26, was a professional wrestler from Portsmouth.

Chapman first started the sport as a teenager in 2014, and was described as “one of the most gifted technical wrestlers”.

He was also recognised for his light-hearted style.

During his career, Chapman competed in RevPro, Progress, IPW, and many other minor promotions.

The late wrestler’s career highlights included becoming a former RevPro British Cruiserweight Champion, in which he held the belt for six months back in 2018.

His final match came back in June 2023, in which he successfully defended his Resurgence Arthouse Championship title.

What happened to Kurtis Chapman?

On December 29, 2023, Revolution Pro, a British wrestling promotion, revealed that Kurtis, also known as ‘Mad Kurt’ had passed away.

A statement read: ”We, at Revolution Pro Wrestling are absolutely heartbroken to report the loss of our dear friend Kurtis Chapman.

”We watched Kurtis grow from a child to a young man who loved professional wrestling and continued to excel in all aspects of his life.

“One of the most gifted technical wrestlers, charismatic characters and magnetic personalities. He will never be forgotten.”

A cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

In the wake of his passing, tributes from the wrestling community have poured in for the wrestler who was ”such a character and so fun to be around”.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Professional wrestler ‘Big Wavy’ Roy Johnson wrote: “Awful news. Kurtis was such a character and so fun to be around. RIP.”

Meanwhile, ATTACK! Pro Wrestling shared a picture with the caption: “Rest in peace, Kurtis,” and Promotion Riot Cabaret Pro Wrestling said: “We’re so sorry to hear this.”

“Thinking of you all today and sending our deepest condolences to everyone who knew him.”

International Wrestling Network also shared snaps of Chapman, and wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kurtis Chapman.

”Chapman was a regular on our roster, appearing at our biggest shows, on our national television series and was a big character behind the scenes.”

They continued: “Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this incredibly hard time.”

TNT Extreme Wrestling also shared their condolences for Chapman.

A tribute read: “Everyone at TNT extends their deepest condolences to the loved ones of Kurtis Chapman, better known as Mad Kurt.

”Kurtis was not just a well-respected performer but a dear friend. We will miss not just him but the laughter and light he brought to all of us dearly.”