The wrestling legend was 79 years old – Deadline

Pro struggle Legend “Superstar” Billy Graham died Wednesday at the age of 79. He was not given any cause, but he had been battling ill-health for some time and had been hospitalized in the ICU on life support.

Graham, real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman, was a former three-time world champion in professional wrestling, including a 1977-78 title run in the WWWF, which eventually became the WWE. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.

His wife, Valerie, posted Monday morning on Graham’s Facebook account that she had refused to take him off life support.

“He superstar billy graham Just Left US,” his wrestling colleague Ric Flair tweeted. “THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE on my career!”

“SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM. ONE OF MY EARLY HEAT MASTERS,” Iron Shiek tweeted. “THE TRUE LEGEND BUBBA. HE LOVES ME I LOVE HIM. TOGETHER WE GET TO THE GYM AND SHOCK THE EARTH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BROTHER. RIP.”

Graham got into professional wrestling in the late 1960s. He wrestled until 1987, when injuries and health problems ended his career. He became a television commentator after leaving the ring.

Graham won the WWWF Championship from Bruno Samartino in April 1977, but lost it to Bob Backlund in February 1978.

Graham was considered an influence on notable wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Scott Steiner, and Ric Flair, among others.

His wife and two children survive him.