We are sad to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham has passed away at 79 years old. The news broke via Ric Flair’s Twitter account.
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, real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman, started out as a bodybuilder in the 1960s and became a close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He became a pro wrestler in the late 60s and got his start in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling Promotion. He got the “Superstar” monicker while wrestling in the American Wrestling Association and he debuted in the WWF in 1975 in a tag team match where he teamed with Spiros Arion. He briefly left and returned to the WWWF in 1977 and won the WWF Heavyweight Championship.
Graham’s career took a downturn after losing the title to Bob Backlund in 1979 and shortly thereafter he would leave the territory. This was also when he was starting to deal with health issues that stemmed from the bumps he took and heavy steroid use. There were local reports about his death at the time, including an article written by Gorilla Monsoon that was never retracted.
Graham had a short stint in the WWF in 1982 and 83 with a shaved head, mustache, and a Karate gimmick that went nowhere. After another run in the AWA and NWA, Graham returned for his final run as a wrestler in the WWF in 1986 but by that time, his failing health had taken a toll on him and he eventually worked full-time as a commentator before being phased out in late 1988.
After leaving the company, Graham became very outspoken about the dangers of steroid use and he called on Vince McMahon to clean up the wrestling business. Graham appeared on talk shows in the early 90s where he talked about how prevalent drug use was in the WWF. Graham’s statements came during the McMahon steroid scandal and there was a rift between both sides that lasted for many years until both sides were able to work things out for Graham to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Graham has been open about his various health issues and things got progressively worse in the last decade or so. His wife Valerie noted on Facebook that he had lost a lot of weight in recent months and ultimately the decision was made to take him off life support.
Graham will be known as one of the biggest names in the history of professional wrestling and also among the most influential wrestlers ever. Names like Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, Jesse Ventura, Ric Flair, and others have stated that they were heavily influenced by Graham’s look and persona.
We are sad to hear about his passing and we send condolences to his friends and family.
