IWA and NWA legend Mario Milano has sadly passed away at the age of 81. Milano got his start in wrestling in Venezuela and later competed in the United States and Australia. 

He would capture the IWA World Heavyweight Championship an impressive four times throughout his career, not before winning his first championship, the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship with Jackie Fargo, on 5 November 1963. 

On 2 March 1965, Milano again teamed with Fargo to win the Mid-America version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship. He also teamed with Len Rossi to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Championship six times - in total, he won that title nine times.

The following announcement was made my Alex Titan on Facebook:

R.I.P Mario Milano (1935 - 2016)
It absolutely breaks my heart to inform the wider community that a true pioneer and definition of 'Legend' in the industry, Mario Bulfone (Milano) has tragically passed away moments ago.

I'm at a total loss, no words can accurately describe his achievements in this business - likely to never be matched.

My deepest condolences to his family, including the beautiful soul Breanna Bulfone, I can't imagine you're pain right now x