Entertainment · Celebrity · 2 hrs ago
Former WCW executive Jim Herd dies at 87
Former WCW executive Jim Herd died in October at 87, with his death announced on November 10.
Herd led the wrestling company from 1988 to 1992, after Turner Broadcasting bought Jim Crockett Promotions.
He came to WCW from jobs in television and food service and worked to modernize the company and attract younger viewers.
His time in charge is remembered in part for his conflict with star Ric Flair, whom Herd wanted to repackage as “Spartacus.”
Flair was fired in 1991 while he still held the WCW/NWA championship belt, then joined WWF.
Herd’s tenure included sponsorship deals and major wrestling moments, though his creative ideas also drew criticism.
He largely left the wrestling business after his time at WCW and later worked in the casino business.
Former WCW executive Jim Herd died in October at age 87, according to an announcement reported on November 10.
Herd led WCW after Turner Broadcasting bought Jim Crockett Promotions, with sources giving his tenure as 1988 or 1989 through early 1992.
He was known for disagreements with Ric Flair, whom WCW fired in 1991 while Flair held the championship.
Herd also secured sponsorships and brought wrestlers and other figures into WCW, though his creative ideas drew criticism.
Before wrestling, Herd worked in television broadcasting and as a regional manager for Pizza Hut.
- Who
- Jim Herd, former WCW executive vice president.
- What
- Herd died at age 87. His death was reported by Conrad Thompson.
- When
- He died in October; the exact date was not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Herd began leading WCW after Turner Broadcasting bought Jim Crockett Promotions; the sources differ on the start year.
WCW fired Ric Flair amid a contract dispute while Flair held the championship.
Herd resigned from WCW, according to Wrestling Inc.
Herd died at age 87.
Conrad Thompson’s announcement of Herd’s death was reported by the outlets.
- Age
- 87
- Death
- October 2026; exact date not stated
- WCW tenure
- 1988 or 1989 to early 1992; sources differ on the start year
- Ric Flair
- Fired by WCW in 1991 while holding the championship
- Announcement
- Conrad Thompson reported Herd’s death on November 10, 2026
What people are saying
I can’t call his run successful because it wasn’t, and he was the first to admit to it, but personally we got along.
Posts on X
Jim Herd passed away three weeks ago but it was just reported today by Conrad Thompson. He ran WCW from late 1988 until early 1992, circumstanes of his losing his job are quite funny in hindsight. I can't call his run successful because it wasn't, and he was the first to admit