Bodybuilder-turned-wrestling world champion was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. “Superstar” Billy Graham has died at 79. The WWE Hall of Famer is recognized as one of the most influential wrestlers in the industry, especially over the likes of Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
It was revealed earlier this week that Billy had been in intensive care in hospital for several weeks following health complications.
A Go Fund Me page was created to help with the medical bills, detailing that he suffered from “many serious health issues: a major infection in his ear and skull that required six months of intravenous IVs, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hearing loss from the infection. decrease, and the list goes on”.
Born Eldridge Wayne Coleman in Arizona, Billy first became a bodybuilder, winning the West Coast Division of Mr. Teenage America in 1961. He can bench press an incredible 605 pounds, just 11 pounds shy of Pat Casey’s world record.
Graham soon befriended fellow bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, with both men having photo shoots featuring Joe Weider’s muscle and fitness.
He adopted the name Billy Graham – after the famous preacher – when he became a professional wrestler in the early 1970s, training under Stu Hart for Stampede Wrestling.
Graham added “Superstar” to his name when he joined the AWA in 1972 and quickly became one of the most influential and beloved wrestlers of the era.
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On April 30, 1977, Graham defeated Bruno Sammartino for the then WWWF Heavyweight Championship.
He held the title for over nine months, eventually losing to Bob Backlund, but his run included defenses by the likes of Dusty Rhodes, Gorilla Monsoon and “High Chief” Peter Maivia.
Graham retired from in-ring action in 1987 but remained in the business as a manager and commentator and – despite ups and downs with the McMahon family – he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 by Triple H.
