Wrestler Roddy Piper passes away at 61

Just a month after losing wrestling icon Dusty Rhodes, we’re sad to report that “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died.

Famous industry heel “Hot Rod” passes away from natural causes.

His memorable feud with Hulk Hogan headlined an MTV broadcast called “The War to Settle the Score” in 1985, and he also attracted mainstream attention for his boxing match against Hollywood star Mr T at WrestleMania II a year later.

The WWE legend whose real name was Roderick George Toombs died of cardiac arrest in his sleep after an off and on battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma at his home in Los Angeles Thursday (July 30). He was named one of the WWE’s top 50 villains, as well.

Bill Olive/Getty Images Former professional wrestlers Ric Flair watches from outside the ring as WWE Superstar Chris Jericho gets pummeled on the ropes by Piper in 2009. He was inducted in the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2005.

TMZ adds that Piper is survived by his wife Kitty and their four kids. Piper, who was also a noted podcast host, was known for his many acting roles, – from John Carpenter’s They Live to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to Cold Case.