The professional wrestling community is grieving the loss of one of their own this week. Harold “Ice Train” Hogue, a popular wrestler from the 1990s, has died at the age of 56. Hogue wrestled for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the peak of the Monday Night Wars against WWE.
Hogue’s death was announced on Tuesday by his close friend and fellow wrestler Diamond Dallas Page on Facebook. Page called Hogue “a warrior and one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.” The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Hogue’s Decade-Long Career in WCW
Hogue, using the ring names Ice Train and M.S. Smooth, wrestled for WCW from 1993 to 2001 when the company was purchased by WWE. The 6’5″, 350-pound powerhouse was known for his sheer size and strength in the ring.
Throughout his WCW career, Hogue battled many of the top stars of the era. He teamed with Ron Simmons in 1993 to take on The Hollywood Blonds – “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Brian Pillman. In later years, Hogue feuded with wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page in a series of physical matchups.
“Our 30-year relationship was filled with laughter and brotherhood. We were always there for each other. Our families are one family,” Page wrote in his emotional tribute to Hogue.
Reactions from the Wrestling World
Many figures from the wrestling world have taken to social media to mourn Hogue’s passing and offer condolences to his family.
I just heard the devastating news that our longtime friend and Wrestling Superstar Harold Houge (sic) aka Ice Train passed away. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read this and immediately called [Diamond Dallas Page] and he confirmed what I was seeing was in fact real,” wrote former WWE wrestler Marc “Johnny B. Badd” Mero.
Fellow 90s wrestler Buff Bagwell tweeted, “So sorry to hear this, great guy who loved pro wrestling.” Wrestling podcaster Garrett Gonzales also offered his respects, writing, “RIP Ice Train. A super nice dude.”
A Kind Soul Outside the Ring
While Harold “Ice Train” Hogue was an intimidating figure between the ropes, he was known backstage as one of the kindest souls in the sport. Despite his short career, he clearly made a lasting impact on his peers.
Diamond Dallas Page made it clear how much his friendship with Hogue meant to him over their 30-plus year history. “Our families are one family,” he wrote. The tributes speak to the respect Hogue earned both inside and outside of the squared circle.
Hogue’s family has not yet released an official statement but has asked for privacy at this difficult time as they mourn the beloved wrestler, husband and father. The professional wrestling world has lost a genuine fan-favorite far too soon. Harold “Ice Train” Hogue’s legacy lives on in the hearts of the wrestlers and fans whose lives he touched.
