Former WWE Intercontinental Champion and Hall of Famer, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has passed away today in his home in Hollywood, California at the age of 61. He suffered a cardiac arrest and died in his sleep, TMZ has confirmed.
Roddy was one of the biggest names in the history of professional wrestling and headlined the inaugural WrestleMania event, teaming up with Paul Orndorff to face Hulk Hogan and Mr. T. He would cross paths with Mr. T a year later when the two butted heads in a boxing match at WrestleMania 2.
Arguably his most popular match was against Bret Hart at WrestleMania VIII when he won the WWE Intercontinental Title. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
Roddy was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006 but successfully beat the disease, announcing he was cancer-free just last year.
Piper is survived by his wife Kitty and his children Anastacia Shea, Ariel Teal, Falon Danika and Colton Baird.
Tributes from Piper’s former colleagues have begun flooding in.
All of us at TWM would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
Thank you, Hot Rod.
“Just when you think you have all the answers. I change the questions!”
– Roddy Piper
I’m stunned! 1st Dusty now Roddy I’m incredibly bummed! He was one my favorite people on our planet GOD BLESS HOT ROD pic.twitter.com/Q7FsmO8D4G
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) July 31, 2015
Just heard my friend and a huge influence on me Hot Rod-Roddy Piper has passed away. Rest well friend, you will be missed. #lifeWellLived — John Layfield (@JCLayfield) July 31, 2015
#RIP #RoddyPiper ……..damn sure one of the good guys. Gonna miss ya buddy ?
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) July 31, 2015
Feel so sad hearing Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away. Always brought a smile 2 my face when I saw him #ClassAct #RIP pic.twitter.com/EPOtHUQBHy — Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) July 31, 2015
He was a friend and a mentor! HotRod, you will be missed. #RIPRoddyPiper
— GOLDUST (@Goldust) July 31, 2015
Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper.A good friend to me.No one sent chills up my spine like him when… — William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2015
Grew up a fan(still have my Hot Rod shirt), became a colleague, and most importantly, became a friend. Bagpipes are playing #RIPHotRod
— Adam (Edge) Copeland (@EdgeRatedR) July 31, 2015
We extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of Rowdy Roddy Piper. http://t.co/AH75ZR5ZLS pic.twitter.com/MqmSKpHMNH
— ROH Wrestling (@ringofhonor) July 31, 2015
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