Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle and WCW star Steve “Mongo” McMichael has been hospitalized, according to a post on Instagram by his wife, Misty McMichael. The former WCW United States Heavyweight Champion was admitted to an intensive care unit Thursday night to treat pneumonia and sepsis. In January 2021, McMichael revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes loss of muscle control over time. There is currently no cure for the disease.
McMichael is a two-time Pro Bowl player and became a Super Bowl champion in 1985 with the Chicago Bears. His NFL career lasted from 1980 until 1994, playing for the New England Patriots in his first year, the Green Bay Packers in his final year, and the Chicago Bears every year between. After retiring from football, McMichael transitioned to professional wrestling for a few years, making a pair of WWF appearances before signing with WCW in 1995.
While working for WCW, McMichael started out as a color commentator before stepping into the ring. McMichael’s first match was at WCW’s Great American Bash 1996, where he teamed with Kevin Greene to face Ric Flair and Arn Anderson of the Four Horsemen. He would later join the Horsemen and make his singles debut during Bash at the Beach that same year, defeating Joe Gomez.
At WCW Clash of the Champions in 1998, McMichael defeated Jeff Jarrett to become the new WCW United States Heavyweight Champion. He successfully defended the title twice and held it for 25 days before dropping the championship to Curt Hennig.
Over the course of his three-year career, McMichael would have more than 100 matches, often teaming with fellow members of the Four Horsemen. McMichael’s final televised match was on February 8, 1999, where he teamed with Flair against Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Apart from a 2008 appearance in TNA as a guest referee, McMichael has made no further appearances in the world of professional wrestling.
Haus of Wrestling sends its best to McMichael and his family during this trying time.