Wrestling World Mourns Giant of German Wrestling
Hey there wrestling fans, we've got some sad news to share. One of the biggest names in German wrestling, Absolute Andy (aka Andreas Ullmann), passed away at the tender age of 40. The legend left us after a long battle with illness, leaving behind his beloved wife and a precious daughter.
Germany's wrestling league wXw broke the heartbreaking news over the weekend. In their statement, they honored Andy as:
"One of the most popular and iconic wrestlers in the German-speaking world with a career spanning nearly 20 years. Absolute Andy has won almost every major title in wXw, including the 16 Carat Gold, wXw Unified World Wrestling Champion, wXw Shotgun Champion, and wXw World Tag Team Champion, to name a few."
Born in Germany, Andy started his career in the late 2000s, making a name for himself in the German Stampede Wrestling league (GSW) as Ghetto Boy Andy. He quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a household name in the wrestling world. He shone brightest in wXw, where he faced off against international stars like Bryan Danielson, Tommy End (Malakai Black), Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jeff Jarrett, Walter (Gunther), and Ilja Dragunov. As a testament to his skill, he battled in more than 330 matches for the league.
His first significant achievement came in 2007 when he claimed the GSW title, defeating Austrian Michael Kovac in Giessen. He solidified his status with the Unified World Wrestling title victories in 2009 and 2018. Andy's swan song came on January 15, 2022, when he scored a win over Dennis Dullnig in his final match.
The wrestling world is still reeling from the loss, including Austrian WWE superstar Eli Drake, who wrote on X:
"Everyone will remember Absolute Andy as the legend he was. For being the heart and soul of wrestling in Germany for nearly two decades and being a driving force behind the growth of the sport. I'll never forget the unique and genuine character that Andi was. The memories will last for eternity."
AEW also expressed their condolences, stating:
"All Elite Wrestling joins the wrestling world in mourning the loss of Andreas Ullmann, known professionally as Absolute Andy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans."
Andy's charm, skill in the ring, and dedication to the sport have forged a lasting impact on the wrestling community. Despite his untimely demise, we continue to celebrate his career, which was marked by appearances at major events like Wrestlemania, alongside international stars like Lesnar Brock and Walter (Gunther). Known as the 'Undertaker' of German wrestling, Andy's legacy as a wrestling hero lives on.
In Remembrance of Absolute Andy, here are a few insights from his rich career:
- Early Career and Prominence: Born Andreas Bein, the famed wrestler started his journey in the wrestling world early in the 2000s. He quickly gained recognition for his charisma and wrestling skills, soon working his way to the top of the German wrestling scene.
- Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw): Andy became a household name in wXw, one of Germany's leading promotions. He competed in various high-profile matches and events, including the "Shortcut to the Top" tournament, often finishing high on the leaderboard.
- International Competitions: In addition to his impact in Germany, Andy showcased his talent in international tournaments and events. His performances did much to boost the profile of German wrestling globally.
- Championships and Accolades: Over his career, Andy has banked multiple titles, including championships in wXw. This impressive resume established him as a top wrestler in Germany and beyond.
- Impact on the Wrestling Scene: Andy's charisma, persona, and in-ring prowess have endeared him to fans worldwide. His contributions to German wrestling have played a crucial role in the sport's international recognition.
Andy's legacy beyond the ring has been just as powerful. He was a tireless advocate for underrepresented voices in the sport, utilizing his platform to promote inclusivity, making wrestling a more welcoming space for all. His wisdom and commitment to the world of wrestling inspired countless athletes, earning him admiration and respect.
My dear friends, let us commemorate the life and memories of the one and only Absolute Andy (Andreas Ullmann) as we continue to grapple with his departure from this realm. May his spirit forever live in our hearts and our dreams.
