Joseph Laurinaitis, better known by his ring name, Road Warrior Animal, has died at the age of 60.
At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60. The family is planning to release a statement later today. At this time we ask for you to keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. #OhWhatARush
— RoadWarriorAnimal (@RWAnimal) September 23, 2020
Laurinaitis was half of the legendary tag team The Road Warriors (also known as the Legion of Doom), boasting a career spanning four decades and crossing continents. Along with tag team partner Michael Hegstrand (Road Warrior Hawk), the duo captured many major wrestling tag team championships in the United States and Japan.
Hegstrand died of a heart attack in 2003 at the age of 46.
Laurinaitis' brother John acted as both behind-the-scenes executive for WWE as well as on-screen persona for the sports entertainment company in the 2000s, forging his own in-ring career well before that. Animal's son James was a three-time collegiate All American and played in the NFL as a member of the Rams and Saints between 2009 and 2016.
Sporting News profiled the father-son duo in July 2011.
Animal would later tag with Jon Heidenreich as part of the New Road Warriors in the mid-2000s, capturing the WWE Tag Team Championships once. As a singles star, Animal would rebrand himself as "The Road Warrior" before WWE released him in 2006. Laurinaitis would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
The wrestling world mourned the death of Animal on Wednesday:
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Road Warrior Animal. The Legion of Doom carved a revolutionary tag team legacy that will never be forgotten.#RIPAnimal #ohwhatarush pic.twitter.com/peHczkr3VC
— OVW Wrestling (@ovwrestling) September 23, 2020
I’ve often been asked ...
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) September 23, 2020
“Who is the greatest Tag Team of All Time?”
The answer has always been the same.
Rest in Power brother. 💪🏽
My sincere condolences to family, friends and fans of Animal all around the world. #RIPAnimal pic.twitter.com/hQ2Av7xw1X
Thank you @BenAxelrod for reminding me of the time Road Warrior Animal introduced the Buckeyes, including his son, James Laurinaitis aka “Lil Animal” #RIPAnimal pic.twitter.com/uLxVGJjQOE
— Jessi Davin (@jessithebuckeye) September 23, 2020
Saddened to hear of Road Warrior Animal's passing. An iconic force as the sport emerged in its popularity on a worldwide level. Growing up, LOD hooked me on pro wrestling for life. I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of working with Joe at WWE. A good brother. #RIPAnimal
— Court Bauer (@courtbauer) September 23, 2020
I’m in shock....So grateful for the time I got to spend with you. RIP #RIPAnimal
— #nZo (FKA Enzo Amore) (@real1) September 23, 2020
Road Warrior Animal was an icon. A towering figure. The Legion of Doom forever shaped tag wrestling. Despite this legendary status, he was always a humble & gracious person to work with and he had a true passion for this business. #RIPAnimal
— WWE Creative Humor (@WWECreative_ish) September 23, 2020
I'm stunned......so sad to hear of the passing of Road Warrior Animal. My thoughts go out to his family. Rest in Peace Animal.#RIPAnimal
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) September 23, 2020
Without you, the road would not have been paved. #RIPAnimal #OhWhatARush pic.twitter.com/otsdFYerAG
— Dax FTR (@DaxHarwood) September 23, 2020
