The heart of the independent wrestling world is a little heavier this week, as Sondra Culbertson, the longtime partner of deathmatch icon Nick Gage, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 43.
GCW, the promotion most synonymous with Gage’s blood-soaked rise to cult legend status, confirmed Culbertson’s passing in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The two had been together for over 25 years, a partnership that outlasted barbed wire, light tubes, and the unpredictable insanity of indie wrestling life.
If you’ve ever followed Gage’s career—from his chaos in CZW to his defiant spirit in GCW and even that surreal moment he showed up on AEW—you’ve probably seen Sondra. Whether she was ringside, shouting support louder than a megaphone, or featured in his Dark Side of the Ring episode in 2021, she wasn’t just a part of his life—she was his foundation.
GCW owner Brett Lauderdale paid tribute to her online, writing:
“Those that knew her will never forget her. She had an unbreakable spirit, an infectious laugh and an attitude that never quit. She never lost an argument but it sure was fun to argue with her. I’m lucky to have shared so many laughs with her and Nick over the years.”
Culbertson’s passing has hit the indie scene hard. Wrestlers from across the circuit have chimed in with memories and love. Joey Janela, a GCW staple, said it best:
“They were together 26 years through the good times and bad. Not many people could say the same in this day and age, true love. One of [the] realest. RIP Sondra. Show your love for the king, he loves you all!”
Others like Tony Deppen and Cheeseburger joined the chorus of condolences, all recognizing what anyone who knew her already knew—Sondra wasn’t just Nick Gage’s partner. She was part of the GCW family.
As of now, Gage hasn’t issued a formal statement, but fans everywhere have rallied behind him, flooding his mentions with love and support.
In a world where everything feels like a work, Sondra and Nick were real.