Davey Boy Smith, better known as WWE Hall of Famer British Bulldog, died in 2002 at the age of 39.
His death was a shock to the wrestling world, especially in the UK. As his name would suggest, Davey Boy Smith was a huge star in his home country, and his death was a great loss to Britain.
Smith died of a heart attack on 18th May 2002, two years after being released by the WWE due to a drug problem.
He stayed out of the ring for two years after that, before coming out of retirement to team with his son for the first time, just one week before he died.
British Bulldog Teamed With His Son
Davey Boy Smith teamed with his son Harry Smith twice before he died, on two local shows in Canada.
Harry Smith was born and raised in Canada (despite being known as “The British Bulldog” later in his career), due to his mother being Canadian.
Davey Boy Smith married Diana Hart, the sister of WWE legend Bret Hart, after Bulldog moved to Canada to continue his wrestling career.
He remained in Canada after retiring from wrestling, which followed short, unsuccessful runs in both the WWE and WCW.
Davey Boy Smith and Harry Smith (the latter of which was known as “David Hart Smith” in the WWE) teamed together twice on consecutive days, just a week before Davey Boy’s death.
The first was at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, for Top Rope Championship Wrestling.
In this match, Davey Boy Smith and Harry Smith defeated the team of Rob Stardom & Ryan Wood, two little known local wrestlers who worked in the area.
Harry Smith was only 17 at the time, and had just begun his wrestling training. Meanwhile, his father looked in tremendous shape, even better than he had been for his WWE return in 2000.
As expected, The British Bulldog won the match for his team, pinning his opponent with his trademark Powerslam before celebrating with his son.
British Bulldog’s final match ever came a day later, at the Southdale Community Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
This match saw Davey Boy Smith, Harry Smith & Zack Mercury vs TJ Bratt, Robby Royce & The Axe, on the 11th May 2002
Once again,Davey Boy Smith picked up the win with his Powerslam, and looked the best he had done in years.
He seemed to be angling for a return to the ring, but just a week later he passed away due to a heart attack.
Davey Boy Smith Jr died on 18th May 2002 from a heart attack. His drug use and steroid abuse were a big part of his death, causing him to have an enlarged heart (same as Eddie Guerrero).
His son went on to become a WWE Superstar, wrestling as David Hart Smith (honoring his mother and father) in a tag team with Tyson Kidd and Natalya, known as The Hart Dynasty.