Mike Halac may be better known to mid-90s World Wrestling Federation fans as the mysterious, half-man-half-bull wrestler, Mantaur. With his over-the-top bullhead and menacing gaze, the bulky brute left a lasting impression in the minds of many fans. Unfortunately, the man behind Mantaur, Halac, passed away at 55, as confirmed by his daughter, Demi, on Facebook. She noted he passed peacefully in his sleep.
Noted promoter Eric Simms also took to Facebook earlier this morning to confirm the news.
“I am sad to report that Mike Halac who played the character Mantaur has passed away,” he said. ” Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We had mike booked for 90s wrestling con sept 30 and a full weekend of bookings that weekend. RIP Mantaur.”
After his passing, other pro wrestlers like former WWF star Leilani Kai have begun showing their love for Halac on social media.
“RIP ‘Mantaur’ Mike Halec,” she wrote.
Halac’s earliest notable pro wrestling work began in 1991 when he wrestled for Catch Wrestling Association in Germany. Once he returned to the United States in 1994, he signed with WWF and after a few appearances under the name Bruiser Mastino was rechristened as Mantaur. Shortly after dawning the horns, he was paired with Jim Cornette as his manager and squashed various local talent.
Mantaur eventually worked his way up to wrestling some of the bigger WWF stars of the time, like Razor Ramon, Bret Hart, and Bam Bam Bigelow. He exited the company after about a year, last being featured as a lumberjack in a match between Sycho Sid and Diesel at In Your House 2. He did return one year later for a brief cameo, serving as Goldust’s bodyguard in a match against Ultimate Warrior at In Your House 7. Following Goldust’s loss, Halac charged Warrior only to be dropped with a body slam.
Haus of Wrestling sends its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Halac.