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Lessons on Life from "Dr. Death"

Posted: Apr 27th 2007 By: CMBurnham

As one of the industry's top performers during the 1980s and 1990s, Steve "Dr. Death" Williams has plenty to offer aspiring pro grapplers as a part-time trainer in World Wrestling Entertainment's developmental system.

But the best lesson Williams can teach isn't easily learned. That's because Williams is the living embodiment of the toughness needed to thrive _ and, in his case, survive _ while working in a rough-and-tumble business.

Williams wrestled a match in 1985 on the same day he received 108 stitches above his eye after receiving an errant elbow from Brad Armstrong during an earlier bout. Thirteen years later, Williams finished a fight in the "Brawl for All" _ a series of legitimate boxing matches involving WWE performers _ even after tearing his quadriceps en route to a loss against Bart Gunn. Williams also suffered plenty of other bumps and bruises while showcasing his hard-hitting style for every major promotion in the United States and Japan over the past two decades.

Such exploits, though, actually seem tame compared to the battle Williams later waged against his most dangerous opponent.

His fight against throat cancer is chronicled in his new autobiography, "How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life" ($24.95; Sports Publishing LLC). Standing at 6-feet-2 and weighing 290 pounds during his wrestling heyday, Williams dropped 85 pounds after being diagnosed in 2004 and undergoing subsequent surgeries to remove his vocal chords, larynx and a large tumor.

But Williams didn't let the disease defeat him. Williams is set to celebrate his third anniversary of being cancer-free in May and has even returned to the ring on a limited basis for independent promotions.

The biggest adjustment Williams had to make is growing accustomed to wrestling with a scarf around his neck to ensure that dirt doesn't fly into the stoma that allows him to breathe.

"In my first match back, my lungs were going so strong that I kept blowing the scarf into the hole," Williams said in a voice left raspy by his cancer surgeries. "I was blowing up (getting winded), which I would never do before. But I didn't get uptight or freak out about it and just finished the match. I realize that sometimes the scarf is going to go in there and I've just got to keep on rolling."

Williams said his positive attitude is shaped by becoming a born-again Christian during his health struggles. In his 226-page book, Williams admits to extensive drug and alcohol abuse dating back to his days as a standout amateur wrestler and football player at the University of Oklahoma. He also notes how the premature deaths of many close friends, including longtime tag-team partner Terry Gordy, stemmed from such issues.

"It wasn't hard to come to tell people what happened in my life with drugs, alcohol and women," Williams said. "I wouldn't call it all bad, but I did live life in the fast lane."

Those days are over, especially with Williams forced to sell his business investments and deplete his life savings to pay for more than $300,000 in medical expenses. Williams is drawing some income as a part-time WWE trainer, being flown to Louisville, Ky., for work with Ohio Valley Wrestling students.

"It's not big money, but it's money," said Williams, who expressed appreciation to WWE owner Vince McMahon and executive Johnny "Ace" Laurinaitis for the opportunity. "My health insurance doesn't cover everything, but I'm blessed."

Williams is about to begin a new chapter in his life by moving back from Shreveport, La., to his hometown of Lakewood, Colo. Williams wants to take care of his 85-year-old mother, Dottie, and be closer to his 14-year-old son, Wyndham.

Williams said he plans to continue preaching and "dreams" that his son will someday join him in ministry.

"The greatest part is that you've got the toughest, baddest guy in pro wrestling who is now preaching," Williams said. "Instead of taking my big hands to slap somebody, I'm telling people to put their hands together and pray."

"How Dr. Death Became Dr. Life," which was co-written with Tom Caiazzo, can be purchased on-line at Williams' Web site (www.oklastamped.com).