Julie Youngberg, recognized for her appearance in The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania (2009), has been a notable figure in the wrestling world. While she is currently married to Shannon Moore, it was her previous marriage to Darren Drozdov, also known as Droz, that drew attention.
Let’s delve into the life of Julie Youngberg and her connection to the wrestling industry.
Marriage and Divorce
Shortly after Darren Drozdov’s wrestling accident, he tied the knot with Julie Youngberg, a WWE seamstress, in 1999. Despite his paralysis, Drozdov expressed his desire to walk Youngberg down the aisle. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in late 2005, marking the conclusion of a chapter in their lives.
Unique Wheelchair
In his post-accident life, Drozdov relied on a customized wheelchair reminiscent of a tank, which was designed and financed by his college friend, Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour. This innovative wheelchair provided him with mobility and a sense of independence, showcasing the impact of friendship and support in his journey.
Droz’s Career
Before his time in the wrestling world, Darren Drozdov had a career in the NFL, playing three seasons. Transitioning to professional wrestling after his football days, he debuted in WWE as “Puke” in 1998. His unique ability to vomit on command during a football game brought attention and led to the memorable Beyond The Mat scene.
Sadly, his wrestling career came to an abrupt end when he was paralyzed while taking a powerbomb from D-Lo Brown on October 5, 1999.
Tribute to Darren Drozdov
Tragically, on June 30, 2023, Darren Drozdov passed away, leaving behind a legacy in the wrestling world. WWE, acknowledging his contributions, paid tribute to him during their SmackDown show, honoring his memory and the mark he left on the industry.
