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Pro Wrestling Legend ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper Dies at 61
Posted On Aug 02 2015
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Piper, whose real name is Roderick George Toombs, joined World Wrestling Entertainment in 1984; before that he wrestled in the NWA.
Variety reported that Academy Award-winning film maker John Carpenter also expressed his heartbreak, tweeting: “I’m devastated by the passing of my friend Roddy Piper”.
He wrote on Instagram and Facebook, “I can’t find the words to describe the sorrow in my heart upon learning the news of my dear friend, Roddy Piper, passing away”.
Director Carpenter said: “He was an under-rated actor and just a marvellous entertainer and I feel like I’ve just lost one of my close friends”.
Roddy Piper attends the WrestleMania 25th anniversary press conference at the Hard Rock Cafe on March 31, 2009 in New York City.
Wrestling superstars paid tribute to Piper on social media Thursday, and Ronda Rousey, who was given permission from Piper himself to also use the nickname “Rowdy”, dedicated Saturday’s fight to the WWE Hall of Famer. I’ll miss you Roddy.
In 2005, Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and in April 2014, Piper appeared as a regular cast member on the WWE Network original reality show Legends’ House. The WWE billed him as “one of the most-hated villains ever to step between the ropes” and set him up as an antagonist to Hulk Hogan, with whom he sparred both in the ring and in interviews.
Roddy had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2006 but was cancer-free at the time of his death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this great loss. Five years later, Piper faced Bret Hart in what was probably his greatest ever WrestleMania match for the Intercontinental Championship. He said that Piper was very much loved by his fans all over the world.
While The Iron Sheik issued a statement saying, “Roddy Piper“.
Along with his in-ring prowess Piper was also known as one of the best talkers in the business. What a sweet message for Roddy’s grieving family. God bless you bubba”, WWE legend Virgil said, “My main man. Always had my back.
