Nick Busick, better known to wrestling fans as Big Bully Busick, has passed away at the age of 63. He had been receiving hospice care after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Busick began his wrestling career in the late 1970s. He had been competing as a powerlifter before then and wrestled in high school. After moving to Atlanta to work for the local police department, Busik began wrestling for Jerry Blackwell and developed the Big Bully persona.
Under his gimmick, Busick wore a derby hat and smoked a cigar. When he debuted for Vince McMahon in 1989, he used the gimmick as a way to get heat with fans at ringside. Busik would be shown popping a kids balloon with his cigar and committing other acts to antagonize live crowds. The act led to the introduction of the “Sid Justice” character in 1991. The Sid Eudy character came to the aid of a ring announcer Big Bully Busick was bullying. Busick would then enter a feud with the Brooklyn Brawler before leaving the company the same year.
His son Branko is a professional Mixed Martial Artist. Branko lost his debut fight in Bellator last year but won his 2nd bout earlier this year.
Busick suffered cardiac arrest in 2005 but reportedly refused medical treatment after. His health started to deteriorate further in 2015 when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. After losing almost 80lbs during chemotherapy, Busick announced he was cancer-free in 2016.
He underwent surgery for a brain tumor last year. Busick was diagnosed with cancer of the Cerebrospinal fluid earlier this year and was placed into hospice care in Weirton, West Virginia. His wife released word of his passing yesterday.
After leaving wrestling in 1991, Busick began working as a bouncer and private investigator in Atlanta. He continued competing in powerlifting competitions up until 2015.
