“Rowdy” Roddy Piper, RIP

Former professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61.

Piper suffered a heart attack at his home in Hollywood, California, according to Variety. In one of the legendary matches, Hogan and Mr. T beat Piper and Paul Orndorff on March 31, 1985 in what was the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden, notes the Associated Press. “Rod passed peacefully in his sleep last night”, his agent, Jay Schachter, said in a statement.

His representative told the website: “I am devastated at this news”.

Despite being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2006, Piper had been cancer free since November which makes this news all the more shocking especially only weeks after the passing of fellow legend Dusty Rhodes. My condolences to his children and to his wife Kitty.

Although adored by fans, Toombs is largely thought of as one of the biggest villains in the history of pro wrestling. Piper never held the WWF World Heavyweight Championship, but remains one of the most memorable figures of the era, which speaks to the power of his personality.

Hogan and Piper had famously battled at Wrestlemania I in 1985.

Piper started his wrestling career back in 1984.

Born Roderick Toombs, Piper hailed from Canada, but spent his wrestling career playing up his Scottish heritage, wearing a kilt to the ring and being billed as from Glasgow, Scotland. Great wrestler, underrated actor, dear friend. The wrestler known as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roddy Piper’s passing”. Although he did have many bouts with several personalities on the live and taped entertainment shows, Piper also did a few stints as the fan’s champion, or a “good guy”, so to speak. That movie featured Piper uttering the now classic line, “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubble gum”.

He also hosted a segment called “Piper’s Pit“, in which he interviewed other wrestlers.