Wrestling pays tribute to ‘legend’ Rowdy Roddy Piper

WWE legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61.

“Piper became a household name because of his rivalry with Hogan, and the involvement of pop star Cyndi Lauper and her friend Captain Lou Albano, also a wrestler”.

He said that Piper was very much loved by his fans all over the world.

Our thoughts go out to Roddy’s family and friends at this time. Piper suffered a heart attack shortly before his death, says Variety, but his agent Jay Schacter confirmed in a statement that the athlete died peacefully in his sleep.

His representative told TMZ, “I am devastated at this news. He was a great wrestler, a masterful entertainer and a good friend”.

Piper was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006, but was reportedly declared cancer-free in 2014.

He was born Roderick Toombs but adopted the nom-de-wrestling “Rowdy” Roddy Piper for his career. He highlighted the first WrestleMania when he was involved in a match featured Mr. T and Hulk Hogan as well.

When he wasn’t taunting crowds or opponents in the wrestling ring, Piper took on roles in such cult classics as They Live and Hell Comes to Frogtown.

The impact “Rowdy” Roddy Piper had in the wrestling community is tremendous.

The wrestling icon was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

“We’ve shared the ring, traveled the world, maintained a friendship throughout the ups and downs of the wrestling world, and battled to see who was the better heel”, the Charlotte resident said on Facebook.

“God’s gain is our loss”.

Piper had quite a few projects in production at the time of his passing including the film The Green Fairy with Richard Grieco and Linda Blair.

In an interview with Sean Oliver of Kayfabe Commentaries, Piper recounted the year 1984 in WWF history, which includes what had happened to him and Patterson, who he said does not like him, when he was younger.

Apart from Hogan, other wrestling champs also paid tribute to the late professional wrestler online.