Biography
Christopher Morgan Klucsarits was an American professional wrestler, best known for his work in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under the ring names Chris Kanyon (or simply Kanyon) and Mortis. During his youth, Kanyon played roller hockey, basketball, and baseball in school. He graduated from Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, NY, in 1988. In 1992, he earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from the University at Buffalo, where he was also a member of the Mad Turtles, the university's rugby team. Before pursuing wrestling, Kanyon worked full-time as a physical therapist for three years.
Kanyon began his wrestling career in WCW as a jobber. After several months, he teamed with Mark Starr in a tag team called "Men at Work." Their gimmick portrayed them as construction workers-turned-wrestlers who wore jeans to the ring, with Kanyon causing the team to lose by taking measurements with his tape measure at inopportune moments. Mike Winner replaced Kanyon before the team eventually disbanded.
In November 2007, Kanyon appeared on the CNN special Death Grip: Inside Pro Wrestling, which aired after the Chris Benoit double-murder and suicide. On the program, Kanyon revealed that on September 14, 2003, he attempted suicide by taking 50 sleeping pills.
On October 16, 2004, in the early hours, Kanyon was arrested in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence after trying to break up a fight. He was released the same day after fellow wrestler Altar Boy Luke posted a $750 cash bond. Kanyon maintained his innocence, and the case was eventually dismissed.
Kanyon, alongside Raven and Michael Sanders, attempted to sue WWE, alleging that they were cheated out of health care and other benefits. However, a federal judge in Stamford, Connecticut, dismissed the lawsuit.
In 2004, following his release from WWE, Kanyon adopted a gimmick as an openly gay wrestler. This included a publicity stunt where he claimed WWE released him due to his sexuality. He later told reporters and radio hosts that this was staged but eventually retracted these statements and openly acknowledged his homosexuality. Prior to his death, Kanyon was collaborating on a book titled Wrestling Reality with Ryan Clark. Published on November 1, 2011, the book chronicles Kanyon's struggles as a closeted gay man.
Kanyon battled bipolar disorder and had threatened suicide in the weeks before his death. On April 2, 2010, his brother Ken Klucsarits found him deceased in his Sunnyside, Queens, New York apartment, alongside an empty bottle of antidepressants. Kanyon left a note apologizing to his family. WWE publicly acknowledged his passing.
