October 15, 2001 Observer Newsletter: Death of Gentleman Chris Adams

“Gentleman” Chris Adams, who in his heyday played the role of a Hugh Grant-like British charmer, but his real life was hardly as gentlemanly, was shot to death by his best friend in Waxahachie, TX, near Dallas.

Adams, 46, becomes the latest in what used to be known as the Von Erich curse, but later has expanded to the glory days of World Class Championship Wrestling, a promotion which in the mid-80s focused on young talent, mostly in its early and mid-20s. Through the best television production and a great mixture of babyfaces and heels that appealed to younger fans, it was one of the hottest and most innovative eras in pro wrestling.

William Parnell, 49, a long-time wrestling hanger-on known as “Brent” and “Boo Ray” by those in the business, was charged with Adams’ murder, which took place at about 1 a.m. on 10/7 at his mother’s home, not far from Dallas.

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Dave Meltzer
Dave Meltzer

Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.