The wrestling world is mourning the loss of longtime independent veteran Ralph Mosca, who passed away at the age of 55.

Known throughout the Northeast and Florida wrestling scenes, Mosca also wrestled under the name Ralph Lemieux and made multiple appearances for WWE (then WWF) during the early 1990s.

Many fans will remember Mosca from his early days, including the moment he stood across the ring from Kevin Nash during Nash’s WWE in-ring debut as Diesel. That match was just one chapter in a lengthy career that saw Mosca become a staple in various Florida promotions, including Florida Underground Wrestling (FUW), Full Impact Pro (FIP), and ACW.

In ACW, Mosca was a major figure—holding the promotion’s top title four separate times. He also appeared in the early days of WWE developmental territory FCW, helping shape the Florida scene long before it became home to today’s NXT.

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Tributes have been pouring in from those who knew him both in and out of the ring. Longtime friend Fidel Sierra took to Facebook and shared:

“Just want to say it’s a very sad day. Finding out Ralph Mosca passed away—lot of great times together. We booked FUW together for a while and he would come by my bar, Crazy Dave’s Sports Bar. We always laughed together, had some crazy times. At the end of the day, I lost another brother in this pro wrestling business. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family and friends from Fidel Sierra, the Cuban Assassian, and Fantasy.”

Tony DeVito, who helped break Mosca into the business back when they were in 10th grade together, also honored his longtime friend, “RIP Ralph Mosca. I love you forever.”

Mosca had faced multiple health issues in recent years and had largely stepped away from the ring. He last wrestled regularly in 2014, with his final in-ring appearance taking place in 2022 during a Bunkhouse Battle Royal at a FIP event.

A respected journeyman and locker room brother to many, Ralph Mosca leaves behind memories that stretch far beyond the squared circle. His impact on the Florida indie scene and his contributions during the early ’90s WWF era will never be forgotten.

What are your memories of Ralph Mosca’s career—or did you ever meet him at an event? Share your stories and tributes in the comments.

Steve Carrier is the founder of Ringside News and has been reporting on pro wrestling since 1997. His stories have been featured on TMZ, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and more.

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