The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic and influential figures, ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham. The former WWE champion and Hall of Famer passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78 after a long battle with various health issues.
A few days ago, his wife was advised by doctors to remove him from life support, and the sad day arrived on Wednesday when ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair confirmed the heartbreaking news that Superstar Billy Graham has left us.
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
Graham was a pioneer of the wrestling industry who revolutionized the sport with his colorful attire and muscular physique. He inspired generations of wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jesse Ventura, and Triple H, with his flamboyant style and microphone skills.
Graham had a storied career that spanned over two decades. He won the WWE title from Bruno Sammartino in 1977 and held it for nearly 10 months, drawing huge crowds and high ratings. He also had memorable feuds with Bob Backlund, Dusty Rhodes, Ivan Koloff, and The Iron Sheik. He retired from wrestling in 1988 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Graham was also a vocal advocate for wrestlers’ rights and welfare. He spoke out against the use of steroids and drugs in the industry and campaigned for better healthcare and pensions for retired wrestlers. He also wrote two autobiographies: ‘Superstar Billy Graham: Tangled Ropes’ and ‘Superstar Billy Graham: The Story of the Wrestler They Call ‘Superstar.”
Graham’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of wrestling fans and performers around the world. He was a true superstar who changed the game forever. Rest in peace, Superstar.”