Local wrestling fans knew Varian Baker as “Big V,” and to the students at Treadwell Middle School, he was their football coach in Memphis, Tennessee.
In the cafeteria, he was a kind school worker who cared deeply about the kids. He recently passed away on 19 June, and his presence will be missed by many.
In 2018, he was in two car accidents not long apart, which made things harder.
Without a car, getting to work became a big challenge. He started using Uber, even though it was expensive, just to make sure he could still show up for the kids.
Seeing his struggles, News Channel 3 decided to lend a hand. They surprised him with $600 from the station and another $300 from a generous person in Nesbit, Mississippi.
The money came at just the right time, as Varian, 53, had been in a wreck, was dealing with high blood pressure, and had been diagnosed with diabetes.
Family And Friends Mourn The Loss Of Varian Baker
Varian Baker is survived by his daughter, Vanessa, and two sons, DeAngelo and Darian.
Tommy Jax, host at 901 Wrestling, remembered Varian as one half of the tag team he called “Pure Power,” alongside Bishop Kage.
When Tommy first got into wrestling, his dream was to manage both of them.
One half of “Pure Power” or at least what i would call them…..
Tommy Jax
When I got into Wrestling, all I wanted to do is manage Varian Baker and Bishop Kage .
V’s legacy still lives on in the young guys he has helped though the years but the news of his passing still sucks. I was told often V would remind folks about how I was a big missed opportunity 😆
Hate he is gone. 😔
To all of those that he helped in Wrestling, pay it forward. That’s how you make someone immortal
Similarly, Memphis native Marquello Moore expressed deep sadness over the loss of his trainer and teacher.
He said Varian Baker was a man who took a chance on him and spent many hours helping shape him into the professional wrestler he is today.
My trainer passed away……. My teacher……. A man who took a chance on me… A man who spent hours on in molding me into the Pro Wrestler I am today… I don’t wanna say much… I’m hurt 😢💔💔💔 I love you tho, mane….. Thank you for the laughs and the lessons 🥺 They’ll be with me always! 😢😢😢😢😢💔 Rest Well.
Marquello Moore
Further, Poker Q Williams said this was a dreaded phone call because he had known Varian Baker longer than anyone else in wrestling.
They even had their first match on the same day. They traveled to shows together, partied together, and sometimes almost came to blows.
He sent his prayers, condolences, and thoughts to Varian’s children, family, and friends, and wished him to rest in peace as “Big V.”
Another dreaded phone call. I’ve known this guy longer than ive known anyone in the wrestling business. We actually had our first match the same day. We rode to shows together, partied together, and damn near threw hands together. My prayers, condolences, and thoughts to his children, family, and friends. Rest In Peace Big V.
Poker Q Williams
Moreover, Lucky, reflecting on his nine years in the wrestling business, remembered Varian Baker as one of the strongest men he had ever met.
There were stories of Varian catching a 375-pound man in mid-air and tossing another over 300-pound man like it was nothing.
But beyond his incredible strength, “V-Man” was known for being one of the kindest and most respectful people in the locker room.
Still, even Lucky admitted he made sure never to get on Varian’s bad side.
Rest in peace, Varian Baker!
