Pro wrestling icon 'Superstar' Billy Graham has died at the age of 79.
One of the most influential performers in the history of the business, Graham - real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman - had been dealing with multiple health issues in recent weeks.
His wife Valerie took to social media earlier in the week to give an update Graham's ongoing health battle, revealing the former WWWF Heavyweight Champion had been placed on life support.
Graham was one of pro wrestling's first larger than life characters, influencing the likes of Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.
The former bodybuilder rose to prominence in the 1970s, working for the AWA, WWWF and NWA. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Ric Flair leads tributes for Superstar Billy Graham
WWE released a statement on Wednesday night, while tributes began to flow from the likes of Flair and Paul Heyman among on social media.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham has passed away. We extend our condolences to Graham’s family, friends, and fans.https://t.co/Qpykpjv616
— WWE (@WWE) May 18, 2023
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
So Sad To Hear About Billy Graham’s Health!! Make No Mistake- Talk About The Influence He Made On ME And So Many Others! Hulk, Dusty Etc! You’re Beautiful. Bonnie Dyed My Hair In 1972!! Stay Strong My Mentor! FYI- You And Dusty Rhodes Were My Heroes! You Made Me! pic.twitter.com/aGfuvYc2GS
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 16, 2023
Before Billy Graham, performers in WWWF / WWF/ WWE were known as professional wrestlers. After Billy Graham left his mark, Vincent Kennedy McMahon decided everyone would be a WWE Superstar. A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour! pic.twitter.com/bwL6UQ3c3h
— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) May 18, 2023
SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM. ONE OF MY FIRST TEACHERS OF THE HEAT. THE REAL LEGEND BUBBA. HE LOVE ME I LOVE HIM. TOGETHER WE HIT THE GYM AND SHOCK THE EARTH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BROTHER. RIP pic.twitter.com/0UEIy2HNgt
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) May 18, 2023
I am so sad. My entire life, and tons of others from Flair to Hogan to Jesse to tons you wouldn't know and tons you would changed because of him. Valerie, I just wish you the best, you're a saint and more people than you know are aware of it. https://t.co/xr48yzf20G
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) May 18, 2023
RIP Superstar Billy Graham
— David LaGreca (@davidlagreca1) May 18, 2023
One of the most influential wrestlers of all time pic.twitter.com/OW8QRXikmm
#RIP SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM 😢
— SANTOS ESCOBAR💀🇲🇽 (@EscobarWWE) May 18, 2023
This is the version of Superstar Billy Graham I got to see in FL. He would come out to Kung Fu Fighting & I loved it! RIP to the most copied man ever in Pro Wrestling. pic.twitter.com/hLzoWaXDiD
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) May 18, 2023
RIP Superstar Billy Graham. Your influence on our industry will be felt forever. Literally forever. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. Fans and wrestlers alike. Godspeed sir. pic.twitter.com/XNVm0jdUZL
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) May 18, 2023
RIP Superstar.
— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) May 18, 2023
Quite possibly the biggest game-changer of all time. Because of Billy Graham, we got Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, not to mention countless others who made fortunes borrowing from this man. Say his name and remember him.
"Superstar" Billy Graham. 1943-2023 pic.twitter.com/7ZVqs4muo3
46 years ago, Superstar Billy Graham won the WWWF Championship from Bruno Sammartino. RIP. pic.twitter.com/IXjrharlZa
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) May 18, 2023
Superstar Billy Graham career highlights
Graham defeated the legendary Bruno Sammartino in 1977 to become the WWWF Heavyweight Champion, ending a five-year reign.
After a stellar career, Graham was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Triple H back in 2004.
