Credited to The Houston Chronicle

Dec. 22, 2001, 10:27PM
Wrestler `Russī Haas, aimed for big time
By JANETTE RODRIGUES
Copyright 2001 Houston Chronicle

Thomas Russell "Russ" Haas, who was working his way up through the World Wrestling Federation's farm league to the big show, died Saturday in Cincinnati. He was 27.

He suffered from coronary heart disease, said Charlie D. Haas, his brother and tag-team wrestling partner. His family and the wrestling world were stunned when he suffered a heart attack in September.

Born in Little Rock, Ark., Haas graduated from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. He considered Houston his second home because of family ties to the area.

Although his grandfather, the late Hugh Devore, was a onetime Houston Oilers assistant coach and Notre Dame head coach, Haas decided to make his mark in professional wrestling.

"Russ Haas was one of our shining lights at the Heartland Wrestling Association, and he was an even better human being," said Jim Ross, WWF senior vice president of talent relations.

Located in Cincinnati, the HWA has been a proving ground for WWF wrestlers such as D-Lo Brown, Road Dogg, Al Snow and Cactus Jack.

Wrestling under the tag-team names "Haas Brothers" and "Haas of Pain," the brothers paid their dues for five years on the independent professional wrestling federation circuit. They signed with the WWF a year ago.

"The WWF was close to bringing us up," said Charlie Haas. "The WWF had high expectations for us."

Russ Haas' cardiologist had recently cleared him to return to wrestling, and Charlie Haas watched his brother wrestle Friday.

"We went back to his house to watch the tapes," Haas said. "He was so excited to get back to wrestling. He seemed in the perfect health."

Charlie Haas left his brother watching television at about 3 a.m. A short time later, Russ Hass' wife, Deedra, found him dead.

Russ Haas was scheduled to see another cardiologist Tuesday, because the WWF wanted a second opinion before allowing him back in the ring.

Haas is also survived by his parents, Charles and Noreen Haas; sisters, Cara Marie Haas and Kelly Marie Church; and grandparents, Harlan and Virginia Haas.

A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc.