We are saddened to learn that Michael Penzel, better known to WWE (WWF) fans as Corporal Kirchner, has passed away at the age of 64.
FMW archivist BahuFMW confirmed Penzel’s passing on Twitter, and the The Loflin Funeral Home in Liberty, North Carolina has since shared an obituary for the veteran.
The former US army paratrooper was introduced to his eventual wrestling trainer, Verne Gagne, by Hulk Hogan. Penzel began to wrestle for WWF as a preliminary talent in the early 1980s, under the name ‘RT Reynolds’, before later adopting the ring name ‘Corporal Kirchner’.
Penzel is remembered for his feud with Nikolai Volkoff, with the two stars notably clashing at WrestleMania 2 in a flag match.
After leaving WWF in 1987, Penzel had a couple of brief runs in NJPW between 1989-1990. Penzel notably debuted his ‘Leatherface’ (and Super Leather) character during his time with the promotion, inspired by Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
From everyone here at WrestleTalk, we extend our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and fans of Michael Penzel.
To make sure you stay updated with all the latest wrestling news, add WrestleTalk.com to your Google Discover feed and follow us on Twitter!
Trending
- Tony Khan Addresses AEW Potentially Signing More Free Agents
- WWE Star Undergoing Gimmick Change
- Former WWE Star Re-Signs With The Company
- WWE Star ‘Sick Of’ Not Getting Main Event Spot
- WWE ‘Confident’ About Re-Signing Popular Star After Big Draft Move
- Scrapped WWE Ring Name For Tiffany Stratton Revealed
- More Roster Trades Expected After WWE Draft 2024
- New WWE Star Makes In-Ring Debut Under New Name
- AEW Star’s Injury Requires Surgery
- WWE Star’s Surprise Appearance Kept Secret Internally, Listed As WWE Hall Of Famer