Conrad Thompson confirms Herd passed away in October

Summary

– Former WCW executive Jim Herd has died at age 87

– Conrad Thompson confirmed Herd’s death, which occurred in October 2026

– Herd’s legacy includes firing Ric Flair and overseeing major WCW business deals

Jim Herd, the former World Championship Wrestling executive vice president, has died at 87. Conrad Thompson announced that Herd passed away in October 2026, with news of his death becoming public on November 10.

Herd took charge of WCW after Turner Broadcasting purchased Jim Crockett Promotions in 1988. He had previously worked in television and the restaurant business before joining Turner as an executive tasked with making the wrestling company profitable.

His tenure became closely associated with the 1991 firing of Ric Flair after contract negotiations broke down. Flair subsequently joined the WWF and appeared on television with the WCW/NWA championship belt.

Herd also became known for several unusual creative ideas, including a proposed gladiator character for Flair, Spartacus, and the controversial Oz character for Kevin Nash. Those decisions helped cement his reputation as a corporate executive whose wrestling ideas often drew criticism.

Thompson, who is Flair’s son-in-law, argued that Herd’s legacy includes more than those controversies. He credited Herd with securing a Coors sponsorship, expanding merchandise through trading cards and action figures, and pursuing corporate partnerships.

Several notable WCW moments also took place while Herd was in charge. Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat had their acclaimed 1989 match series, and Sting won his first NWA World Heavyweight Championship at The Great American Bash in 1990. Big Van Vader, The Great Muta, Terry Funk, and Scott Steiner also joined WCW or established themselves during Herd’s tenure.

Herd resigned as WCW executive vice president in January 1992 and later moved into the casino business. Thompson said Herd viewed his time in wrestling as a corporate assignment and did not want to return to the industry.

Herd’s legacy remains tied to the Flair split and the creative decisions that drew decades of criticism. Thompson’s tribute also highlighted the business initiatives and memorable wrestling moments that unfolded during Herd’s time leading WCW.