Bobby Eaton, real name Robert Lee Eaton, best known for his work in tag teams, especially as one-half of The Midnight Express, passed away at the age of 62, according to his sister, Debbie Eaton Lewis.
Debbie confirmed his death in a Facebook post.
Bobby’s wife, Donna Eaton, died June 26 at the age of 57.
Bobby teamed up with multiple partners, including Dennis Condrey and Stan Lane, to form the Midnight Express over the years. He wrestled through multiple territories in the National Wrestling Alliance in the ‘70s and ‘80s before gaining nationwide exposure with World Championship Wrestling, according to NBC 11 News.
He won multiple tag team and singles championships, wrestling through the 2010s with several promotions.
Also known as Beautiful Bobby Eaton, he was widely regarded as one of the real-life nice guys in the business, per the news outlet.
Several current and former wrestlers paid tribute to Bobby on social media, expressing their gratitude and sadness for his loss.
Extending its condolences, the WWE said, “Eaton amassed countless accolades during his career but perhaps none more meaningful than the impact he left on his peers with Mick Foley, Steve Austin, and others having praised Eaton as one of the most underrated and nicest Superstars in the business.”
WWE superstar Edge, Adam Copeland, tweeted that anyone who has studied pro wrestling understands how special Eaton was in the ring. He wrote, “Every time I encountered him outside of (the ring), he was an even better person.”
The NWA tweeted, “The National Wrestling Alliance is Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary ‘Beautiful’ Bobby Eaton. We send our love to his friends and family. His impact & legacy will always be remembered.”
Retired wrestler Ric Flair wrote on Twitter, “So Sad And Sorry To Hear About My Close Friend And One Of The All Time Greats, Bobby Eaton! Beautiful Bobby And The Midnight Express Were One Of The Greatest Tag Teams In The History Of The Business! Rest In Peace!” The article was published on NBC 11 News.
