– –
On Wednesday, wrestling legend Billy Graham died at the age of 79. He had been placed in the ICU on life support for some time owing to health difficulties, albeit no explanation was offered.
Graham was the ring name of Eldridge Wayne Coleman, a three-time former world champion in professional wrestling. In 1977–1978, he won the title in the WWWF, which eventually adopted the name WWE.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. His wife Valerie posted on Graham’s Facebook page on Monday morning that she had resisted having his life support removed.
– –
“SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM. ONE OF MY FIRST TEACHERS OF THE HEAT,” the Iron Shiek tweeted. “THE REAL LEGEND BUBBA. HE LOVE ME I LOVE HIM. TOGETHER WE HIT THE GYM AND SHOCK THE EARTH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BROTHER. RIP.”
In the late 1960s, Graham began watching professional wrestling. He continued to wrestle until 1987, when he retired due to injuries and health problems.
He stopped competing in the ring and began making TV commentary. Graham won the WWWF belt by defeating Bruno Samartino in April 1977, but Bob Backlund dethroned him in February 1978. Several well-known wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Scott Steiner, and Ric Flair, were said to have been influenced by Graham. His wife and two children are still alive.
Billy Graham’s real name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman. He was a pro wrestler from the United States. His time as the WWWF Heavyweight Champion from 1977 to 1978 helped him attain notoriety.
In important professional wrestling promotions, he won the world championship three times. He was an accomplished bodybuilder who trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger and was close to the actor.
He is best known for his captivating performance style and for changing the interview and physique parts of the professional wrestling business. Ric Flair, Scott Steiner, Hulk Hogan, and Jesse Ventura are a few of his wrestler proteges.