This just in.
Pro-Wrestling pioneer and hall of fame legend, "Superstar" Billy Graham has died on May 17, 2023. He was 79 years old, shy of being 80 in June. Real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman, Graham, originally started his career as a bodybuilder and was close friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger, was best known known for his runs in the AWA, NWA, and most importantly, WWWF, later WWF and into WWE until his retirement in 1988 due to multiple injuries. In his wrestling career, Graham was known for his oozing charisma, his large, physical physique, and his style when being interviewed, which was revolutionary at the time. Even though I didn't see his matches, but I do know that if it wasn't for him, there wouldn't be other wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jesse Ventura, and even Scott Steiner himself, who based his Big Poppa Pump persona after Graham himself.
Did you know that Graham's influence wasn't just in wrestling, but in boxing? Hear me out when I explain what I am talking about. You see, there are two gaming characters that were based on Graham himself, and those characters in question are Super Macho Man and Soda Popinski from Mike Tyson's Punch-Out. Super Macho Man, despite having the same name as Macho Man Randy Savage, has the same arrogant charisma and large physique as the Superstar himself. As Soda Popinski (originally called Vodka Drukenski), during his second run in the WWF, Graham shaved his head bald and had mustache, just like Popinski himself, but without drinking too much soda pop. Graham died due to multiple sicknesses, which started in January with an ear and skull infection, which followed by problems with his kidneys, lungs and heart.
In short, "Superstar" Billy Graham had one heck of a career and has changed the landscape of wrestling forever. Thanks for all the memories, Superstar. Be at peace, to the man of the hour, the man with the power and is too sweet to be sour. Godspeed.
(TAPS plays)
Eldridge Wayne Coleman aka "Superstar" Billy Graham
June 7th, 1943 - May 17th, 2023
This has been a Retro Rebellion Special Report.
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