Distressing news has emerged from the wrestling world this week, with a WWE Hall of Famer reportedly “rotting to death” in a hospital bed after images of his condition surfaced online.

Now 85 years old, the hardcore icon in question was rushed to hospital in October after suffering a stroke, but his condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly in the months since.

During an astonishing 54-year career, he built a reputation for taking part in some of the most brutal matches the sport has ever seen. His lengthy list of accomplishments includes reigns as NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, NWA World Tag Team Champion and WCWA Brass Knuckles Champion, cementing his place among wrestling’s most enduring and respected figures.

WWE Hall of Famer ‘Rotting’ in Hospital Bed as Distressing Images Emerge

Abdullah the Butcher, real name Lawrence Robert Shreve, is now bedridden and has spent months in nursing homes and hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia in the US, suffering from horrific life-threatening infections. He told a local TV news crew, as per the Daily Star (see the distressing image below):

Credit: Daily Star

His assistant, Malikah Marshall, said: “He’s not doing too well. He has a sacral wound and it started real small. And now it’s real large to where you could probably put one or two of your fists in his wound.”

The grappling specialist appeared on camera on Atlanta First News looking frail in a hospital bed as he told of his ordeal. Bedsores are caused by pressure that reduces or cuts off blood flow to the skin and can increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections.

Abdbullah the Butcher’s Condition is Rapidly Deteriorating

Speaking about his condition, Malikah continued: “I’ve been helping him for the past 15 years and I’ve never seen him like this. He’s lost so much weight.

A fundraising page has been set up to help cover his medical expenses. It reads: “Late last year, Abdullah suffered two strokes. He is still dealing with health issues related to the strokes and diabetes. The hospital in Atlanta is working hard to discharge him. Miss Malikah is working around the clock to maintain his care. His bills are piling up, and he needs our support more than ever.”

Professional wrestler Devon “Hannibal” Nicholson – who alleged Abdullah gave him blood disease Hepatitis C during a match – posted to his YouTube channel: “Abdullah the Butcher spending his final days literally rotting to death before he is sent off to hell.”

Nicholson won a $2 million lawsuit against him in 2014 after his WWE contract offer was rescinded when he was diagnosed with the blood disease, of which he is now cured.

Manchester United are said to be at the front of the queue to sign one of the most exciting young talents in English football this summer. The Red Devils are hoping to upgrade their midfield this summer, and they have already made a start by snapping up Ederson from Atalanta.

But with Casemiro departing, a holding midfielder is on the wishlist, and United may well add another more dynamic midfielder to the mix between now and the end of the window,

Michael Carrick is going to get plenty of money to spend in a bid to take this United team from third place to into the title conversation, and a highly-rated Premier League talent could take up a chunk of that spend.

Manchester United lead Alex Scott race

According to Sky Sports, United are one of two sides leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott this summer. The report read: “It remains to be seen whether Spurs intend to try and sign both or just one of these two top midfielders. Alex Scott is also a Spurs target but Arsenal and Manchester United are the current frontrunners.”

Scott played a crucial part in Bournemouth qualifying for the Europa League, only missing one Premier League game all season. He was in contention for the England World Cup squad this summer, but he just missed out, instead serving as an injury back-up and travelling to Florida for the pre-tournament training camp.

The Cherries will understandably be desperate to keep hold of him. As things stand, the midfielder has just two years remaining on his deal, and it’s likely a new contract will need to be offered if Bournemouth are to stand a chance of keeping Scott.

The Cherries are said to be asking for around £80million to sell the 22-year-old, which could give United a decision to make. It may be tough for the Red Devils to sign two midfielders around that price, and why Scott is a box-to-box player, he is more attacking, which is arguably not what United need most after Casemiro’s departure.

Scott would be an ‘amazing’ signing for United

Bournemouth wisely snapped up Scott at the age of 19, paying a £25million fee that was questioned by some at the time. But they are likely to make a more than three-fold profit on the midfielder whenever he does leave, and they have already benefited from his talent along the way.

Now former Cherries boss said after a clash with Arsenal last season: “Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing. He’s in such good form. I’m so happy for him. He’s worked a lot to be at this level.”

Scott is one of a number of top young talents Bournemouth have cleverly recruited, and he was nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award, which was won by Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.

Liverpool have joined the race to sign in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who has caught the eye at the World Cup, according to Sky Sports Germany’s Patrick Berger.

New manager Andoni Iraola is expected to be heavily backed in the transfer window this summer after replacing Arne Slot. The Spaniard will be keen on strengthening in midfield, given the issues that arose last season.

Uncertainty continues to grow over Alexis Mac Allister’s future after an underwhelming campaign. The Merseysiders are reportedly prepared to sell the Argentine midfielder, and this could play a role in a potential pursuit of Nmecha.

The German has enjoyed a superb World Cup campaign thus far, playing in all three of his nation’s group games. He has already registered one goal and two assists with the world watching.

Nmecha isn’t the only midfielder who has been linked with Liverpool, as they are also eyeing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The Reds spent around £449million last summer but still have money to spend ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Liverpool battle Manchester United for Nmecha signing

While Berger claims that Manchester United are “stepping up their pursuit” of Nmecha, he also names Liverpool as one of four clubs keeping tabs on him. Manchester City and Real Madrid are monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation.

Nmecha is said to be “happy at Dortmund” and “fully focused on the World Cup“, but a move to the Premier League is viewed as a “realistic option.” He has previously played in England, starting his career at City before leaving for VfL Wolfsburg on a free back in July 2021.

A major stumbling block is Dortmund’s valuation of the Germany international, as they reportedly set a £104m price tag, per BILD. That is a huge fee and one that would see him become the third most expensive player in Liverpool’s history.

The Reds forked out £116m to sign Nmecha’s German teammate Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last summer. They followed that up with the British transfer record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125m.

Liverpool will have to pay a big price to sign Nmecha

There’s much to like about Nmecha, a mainstay in Dortmund’s midfield last season. He boasts a versatile profile, able to operate as a central and defensive midfielder.

Rightfully dubbed “underrated”, he is starting to earn recognition for his consistency in the Bundesliga and now on the biggest stage at the World Cup. He’s already familiarised with English football, which could come in handy if Liverpool win the race for his signature.

The main issue is the asking price, as spending over £100m will take a large chunk out of the Reds’ summer transfer budget. There are other areas of Iraola’s squad that need addressing, including out wide as they look to replace Mohamed Salah.

Yan Diomande is the top choice to replace Salah, and the club has already had an initial £86.2 million proposal rejected. They reportedly intend to return with a new offer of around £103.4m.