WWE legend ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham has reportedly passed away after his health deteriorated rapidly over the past week.
Graham. 79, was battling a “myriad of very serious health issues” that had him in hospital for almost five months and resulted in him recently being put on life support.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Graham is one of the greatest professional wrestlers from the 1970s as well as the 1980s and paved the way for the sport’s future stars.
News of his passing was posted by fellow WWE legend Ric Flair on social media before it was confirmed by TMZ.
“The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left Us. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career,” Flair wrote.
Fan tributes quickly began to flood social media as hearts broke around the world after learning of the news.
Wrestler Joey Romano wrote: “He was the man who broke me into the business I’m devastated.”
Family and friends were said to be by his side when he passed away.
The health of the 79-year-old, whose real name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman, got so bad doctors recommended pulling the plug.
His wife Valerie refused.
She also asked his fans for “urgent prayers” amid his deteriorating health.
Valerie issued the following update on Facebook: “Please urgent prayers needed for my husband.
“The doctors wanted to remove him from life support tonight [Monday]. I refused.
“He’s a fighter and his will is strong even if his body isn’t. God is our hope.”
Graham has been dealing with several health problems, including an ear infection spreading to his skull, congestive heart failure, diabetes and COVID-19.
The former WWE Champion has been in ICU for many weeks and Valerie recently revealed that the situation has become “horribly difficult”.
She previously added that the WWE Hall of Famer has gone completely deaf and has lost five stone.
Graham started out as a bodybuilder during the 1960s and trained with Hollywood megastar and fellow WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger, with whom he appeared on various front covers.
The NWA great stood out during the territory days and mentored various legends, such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura.
– with Kostas Liano, The Sun