RIP: Gene Petit (The Mongol)

We were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Gene Petit (aka Gene Lewis), best remembered by WCCW fans in his 1983 stint as The Mongol.

Petit was billed early in his career as the "brother" of Dale Lewis, with whom he teamed in the Florida territory. Before his health began to decline in the early 2000s due to multiple sclerosis and diabetes, Petit had also appeared in WWE as Cousin Luke during the 1980s wrestling boom, and as the heel Midnight Rider (managed by Kevin Sullivan) who feuded with original "Rider" Dusty Rhodes upon his return to Florida.

WCM joins all who knew and loved Gene Petit in mourning his death. May he rest in peace.