Tampa Wrestling Legend Austin Idol Reflects on 1975 Plane Crash and Second Chance

The 1975 Plane Crash

• ✈️ In 1975, wrestling legend Mike McCord, known as Austin Idol, was involved in a near-fatal plane crash.
• 💔 The crash, which occurred on a flight from Sarasota to Davis Islands, resulted in the death of one passenger, Bobby Shane.
• 🤕 McCord and fellow wrestlers Gary Hart and Buddy Colt sustained injuries in the incident.

A Changed Perspective

• ⚡ The traumatic event changed Idol's life completely, altering his perspective on time and existence.
• 💭 He recalls thinking he was dead during the crash, a moment that profoundly impacted his outlook.
• ⏳ The experience led him to adopt a philosophy of living in the present, stating, "The old cliche is yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery, and today is all that matters."

Return to Wrestling and NWA

• 💪 After months of rehabilitation, McCord returned to the wrestling business under the name Austin Idol.
• 🌟 This return was seen as a second chance at life and career.
• 🤼 Currently, in 2025, Idol works as a manager for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
• 😊 He finds fulfillment in this role, describing it as a great balance that allows for personal time while remaining involved in wrestling, making him a happy individual.