REST IN PEACE ... Chris Kanyon took his own life
FORMER WCW and WWE tag team champion Chris Kanyon has died.
The popular 40-year-old wrestler, real name Christopher Klucsaritis, is believed to have committed suicide.
His body was found yesterday at his apartment in New York.
Kanyon had overdosed on medication, with early reports indicating he had taken his own life after leaving a pill bottle and several notes close by.
The gay star suffered from bipolar disorder and had previously spoken about killing himself.
Jason Powell, of prowrestling.net, said: "Kanyon has battled severe depression issues over the years.
"He told one friend as recently as Monday that he was having problems and was contemplating suicide.
"The friend is said to have contacted one of Kanyon's family members to express his concern — despite the fact that he and several of Kanyon's friends have heard similar statements over the years.
"One friend said this morning that he's expected this type of news for years, yet it was still surprising and clearly painful for this person."
Kanyon was best known for his time in WCW in the late 90s, moving to WWE in the Invasion angle after Ted Turner's company folded.
He came out as gay after leaving WWE in 2004 with the idea of using his homosexuality in a wrestling angle, although neither Vince McMahon's company nor rivals TNA would hire him in that role.
The star began his WCW career as a jobber, being given a construction worker gimmick.
He was then placed under a mask and renamed Mortis, portraying a character similar to Reptile and Scorpion from the Mortal Kombat series of computer games.
Kanyon then had a spell in the Flock alongside Raven before becoming affiliated on screen with Diamond Dallas Page and Bam Bam Bigelow in a stable called The Jersey Triad.
During his stint he used the nicknames Postively Kanyon and Chris 'Champagne' Kanyon, but was little more than a sporadically used midcarder. He also worked on the WCW-produced movie Ready to Rumble as stunt co-ordinator.
When WCW was purchased by McMahon, Kanyon's contract was assumed by WWE and he became part of the Alliance Invasion team, enjoying a brief stint as United States champion and with the tag belts alongside Page.
In late 2001, he tore a cruciate ligament in his left knee and his career took a downturn.
Upon returning from injury and going to OVW to restore fitness, Kanyon then severely injured his shoulder and suffered an allergic reaction to the medications used to treat him post-surgery, leading to a build-up of fluid on his lungs and an enforced stay in hospital.
He made a brief return to WWE in February 2003, but it was short-lived and he was relegated to working as a jobber on Velocity until being released.
Along with Raven and Mike Sanders, Kanyon attempted to sue WWE upon his release for "cheating us out of healthcare and other benefits", but it was thrown out of court.
He wrestled a few independent matches after his sacking and made one appearance for TNA, losing to Raven at Turning Point 2005.
Fans and fellow wrestlers were today paying tribute to Kanyon on blogs and Twitter, with many repeating his famous catchphrase: "Who betta than Kanyon?"
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