Pro wrestling icon ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham has died at the age of 79.
One of the most influential performers in the history of the business, Graham – real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman – had been dealing with multiple health issues in recent weeks.
His wife Valerie took to social media earlier in the week to give an update Graham’s ongoing health battle, revealing the former WWWF Heavyweight Champion had been placed on life support.
Graham was one of pro wrestling’s first larger than life characters, influencing the likes of Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.
The former bodybuilder rose to prominence in the 1970s, working for the AWA, WWWF and NWA. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Ric Flair leads tributes for Superstar Billy Graham
WWE released a statement on Wednesday night, while tributes began to flow from the likes of Flair and Paul Heyman among on social media.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham has passed away. We extend our condolences to Graham’s family, friends, and fans.https://t.co/Qpykpjv616
— WWE (@WWE) May 18, 2023
The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left Us 🙏🏻 THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career! pic.twitter.com/YH0eT2NM4p
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 18, 2023
