The sports world was hit with some unfortunate news on Wednesday night regarding former WWE icon Eldridge Wayne Coleman, better known as Superstar Billy Graham.
Graham has been dealing with some severe health issues that found him on life support. He reportedly lost around 45 pounds recently as a result of a significant infection in his ears and skull, congestive heart failure, and diabetes,
WWE legend Ric Flair took to social media Wednesday night to offer a tragic update on his health. He revealed that Graham has unfortunately passed away at the age of 79 after being taken off life support.
“The Superstar Billy Graham just left us,” Flair tweeted. “Thank you for all your influence on my career!”
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
Many took to social media to offer their condolences and relive their memories of the late legend.
RIP Superstar Billy Graham
One of the most influential wrestlers of all time pic.twitter.com/OW8QRXikmm— Dave LaGreca (@davidlagreca1) May 18, 2023
Prayers for one of the greatest heels/entertainers and most influential wrestlers of all time…Superstar Billy Graham 🙏🏽💪🏽
ps…just listen to that crowd.
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) May 16, 2023
Here is a 20 year old Paul Heyman interviewing Superstar Billy Graham on an NWF TV show in 1986….
A very rare clip….. pic.twitter.com/NbEZzIvWhg
— Kris Zellner (@KrisZellner) May 18, 2023
Your favorite wrestler probably stole everything from Billy Graham. RIP Superstar.
pic.twitter.com/ruAOLVxj9r— Gary 🦆🦆 (@DeuceMcHenry) May 18, 2023
RIP Superstar Billy Graham pic.twitter.com/BezKjpTx5b
— Anthony 'Don Tony' DeBlasi (@DonTonyD) May 18, 2023
RIP Superstar Billy Graham.
Imitated but never duplicated. pic.twitter.com/1ov8CYliNj
— Howdy Price🤘🤠/Dino Winwood 🩷💛💙🇵🇸 (@HowdyPriceDW) May 18, 2023
This unfortunately was the expected outcome with the numerous health issues Graham was dealing with. His wife asked for prayers earlier this week when reports emerged that doctors wanted to take him off life support.
Graham rose to wrestling stardom after a career in bodybuilding alongside close friend Arnold Schwarzenegger. During his time in the then WWF, he was a three-time world champion. He was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
On top of these amazing accolades, he is noted by most wrestling fans to have played a big role in mentoring a number of wrestling stars including Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan among many others.
It is a crushing loss for the world of wrestling, but his impact on the business is certainly felt years after his career was over.
