Big Daddy V, a former star in the WWE, had lost about 100 pounds before he suffered a fatal heart attack this week.
The wrestler, born Nelson Frazier Jr., was 43, according to reports.
His wife, Cassandra Frazier, told TMZ that he was starting to get health after doctors said he had high blood pressure and noted that it was impacting his diabetes.
He started eating healthy, removing sugar and salt from his diet. He lost dozens of pounds within the last six months.
But Frazier died Tuesday night.
“I guess the Good Lord wanted him... I wanted him too, but He won,” his wife said.
He also wrestled under the names Viscera and King Mabel.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I just got off the phone with Big Daddy V’s wife,” his agent Eric Simms wrote on Facebook Tuesday. “He had a massive heart attack and passed away today. He was 43 years old. my thoughts and prayers are with his family right now.”
Frazier was 6-foot-9 and weighed nearly 500 pounds at one point. He had been wresting since 1993 under the WWE, which was called the WWF back then.
After leaving the WWE, he wrestled in Mexico and in the Middle East, it was reported.
Frazier received an outpouring of support after his death.
Former WWE wrestler Chris Masters wrote on Twitter: “Nelson Frazier/Big V has died.This really hurts!He was one of the good guys, and was always a great mentor and supportive. I Love U BigV RIP.”
Another ex-WWE wrestler, William Regal, wrote: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Nelson Frazier’Viscera’.A lovely man who always dressed and conducted himself like a real Pro.”
MVP, another former WWE star, added: “Me & Vis used to chill hard. All over the world or across the country. He was my dude! So many great times. Just hit him up not long ago...”
