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Steele, a.k.a. the Jurassic Juggernaut, was wrestling a four-way match for Brii Combination Wrestling at a Knights of Columbus on Bergen Avenue, when the incident occurred, BCW said.
According to PWInsider, the referee called for the bell and another referee began administrating CPR. Police used a defibrillator on Steele, whose real name was Vincent Rosa, and did not stop administering aid until an ambulance arrived 23 minutes after it was called, PWInsider reported.
The venue regularly plays host to independent wrestling shows.
"We want to express our deepest gratitude to the Ridgefield Park Police Department, who were on the scene within minutes and immediately provided emergency medical assistance," BCW said. "Despite their rapid response and the best efforts of first responders, we tragically lost Vince. This is an unimaginable loss, and we ask for patience and respect as we process this tragedy. We will share more details in the coming days on how we plan to honor Vince’s incredible legacy."
A fundraiser has been launched by his sister for the family of Steele, a father of three, to assist with funeral arrangements and provide care for his children.
"He departed unexpectedly and so suddenly doing exactly what he loved to do and that was wrestle," Noelle Rosa, his sister wrote. "The best big man In the business!"
As of Tuesday, March 18, more than $6,700 has been raised.
"I love you, my brother, Vince Steele," wrestler TJ Marconi wrote. "About 10 years ago, you were the first guy to 'put me over.' Since then, we became great friends. We both knew how this business worked, so we played the game pretending to hate each other because, in wrestling, there’s only room for "one best big man." And we had everyone fooled.
Mancini said he and Steele would smile when everyone assumed they really hated each other.
"As big as you were, your heart was even bigger," Marconi said. "You’re in a better place. And I know you’re watching over your family, guiding and protecting them just like you did here on Earth. This tragedy has shattered my heart. It has opened my eyes in ways I never imagined. So to all my friends, I beg you normalize getting routine heart tests and checkups. Normalize saying 'I love you" Don’t wait. Life is too short. Please, take care of yourselves and each other."
To view the fundraiser, click here. To view the PWInsider story, click here.
Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced.
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