Paul Bykow, Known as ECW’s ‘The Equalizer,’ Dies at Age 65

His passing was confirmed by Mike Johnson of [PWInsider.com](https://pwinsider.com), though specific details regarding the cause or circumstances of his death have not been released.

Career in Extreme Championship Wrestling

Bykow was a consistent presence on the independent wrestling circuit and served as a member of the original ECW roster.

Tributes from the Wrestling Community

Independent wrestler Tony Chini, who had a personal friendship with Bykow, posted a tribute on social media, noting that he had seen the veteran just one week prior to his death.

“It was an honor to grow up watching him, become his friend, and even share the ring with him,” Chini wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Chini recalled Bykow’s willingness to mentor others, noting that the veteran often shared stories from his time in the business and expressed pride in his past matches. Chini also highlighted Bykow’s dedication to preserving his own history in the sport, mentioning that he had assisted the wrestler in digitizing his old match recordings for a YouTube channel. “He always wanted to help people,” Chini stated. “Watch a match or a promo for him today.”

Legacy in Independent Wrestling

Bykow remained a respected figure in the wrestling industry long after his primary run with ECW.