The worlds of music and wrestling are in mourning as Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and WWE Hall of Famer, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news Tuesday, revealing the iconic “Prince of Darkness” died “surrounded by love.”
Though Osbourne’s contributions to heavy metal are the stuff of legend, his impact on professional wrestling—particularly WWE—earned him a revered spot in the company’s celebrity wing of the Hall of Fame. His involvement in several memorable WWE moments made him a beloved figure among fans of both music and wrestling.
A Rock Legend at WrestleMania
Ozzy’s most iconic WWE appearance came at WrestleMania 2 in 1986. During the Chicago portion of the tri-city event, Osbourne accompanied the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) to the ring alongside Captain Lou Albano, as they challenged The Dream Team (Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) for the WWF Tag Team Championships.
In a high-energy, hard-fought match, the Bulldogs captured the titles, with Osbourne visibly ecstatic at ringside. The moment became one of the signature examples of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection, Vince McMahon’s effort to blend music and pop culture with pro wrestling. Osbourne would later fondly recall his friendship with André the Giant, famously saying, “I used to go drinking with him, and he was such a lovely man.”
Later WWE Involvement and Hall of Fame Induction
After a long absence, Osbourne returned to WWE in 2007 when his song “I Don’t Wanna Stop” became the official theme for that year’s Judgment Day pay-per-view. Later, in 2009, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne guest-hosted an episode of Monday Night Raw, most notably participating in the now-infamous “Raw’s Got Talent” segment.
In 2021, WWE formally honored Osbourne’s contributions by inducting him into the WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he accepted the award virtually, telling fans: “Thank you so much WWE for this amazing award. I don’t deserve it, but thanks anyway. It’s all about the fans, really. Our fans keep us alive, man. It’s all about them.”
The Sound of WarGames
Ozzy’s influence on WWE continued even in recent years. Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” became the official theme song for the WarGames match format, used during NXT TakeOver: WarGames events and carried over to the main roster at Survivor Series. The iconic track has become the haunting soundtrack to some of WWE’s most brutal matches in modern history.
A Legacy Beyond Wrestling
Outside the ring, Osbourne’s legacy is immeasurable. As a pioneer of heavy metal, his work with Black Sabbath laid the foundation for a genre that would influence generations. His solo career produced hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “No More Tears.” In the early 2000s, he reached new audiences with the hit MTV reality series The Osbournes, which brought his eccentric family into the homes of millions.
Ozzy was a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee—once as the frontman of Black Sabbath, and again as a solo artist.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes from across the wrestling and music industries are pouring in for a man whose voice, presence, and impact will never be forgotten.
