Fans are shocked after learning that a WWE icon has died. Ric Flair broke the news that Hall of Famer Billy Graham has died at the age of 79.
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WWE is heartbroken to learn of the death of WWE Hall of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham. Graham the former WWE Champion, established the model for a generation of Superstars that followed in his footsteps with his flashy dress sense, over-the-top interviews, and bodybuilder physique.
Graham, who was born in Arizona, developed an interest in bodybuilding and began growing his physique by making his own weights out of cement. He worked so hard that he was able to bench press 605 pounds, just 11 pounds shy of the world record. Graham originally gained notoriety after one of his picture assignments with Arnold Schwarzenegger was published in Joe Weider’s “Muscle and Fitness” magazine.
When Eldridge Wayne Coleman, the man born Eldridge Wayne Coleman, entered the sports entertainment sector in 1970, he changed his name to Billy Graham in honor of the preacher. When he joined the AWA in 1972, he earned the nickname “Superstar.” He distinguished himself as a pioneer of the genre with a mix of ring talent and a bodybuilder’s physique. Graham also proceeded to compete in bodybuilding and strongman events, where he received recognition for his sculpted and shredded 22-inch biceps.
In his interviews, Graham began to imitate boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, coining the catchphrase, “I’m the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!” Graham spouted that type of beautiful writing regularly on television, with his similarly absurd manager, The Grand Wizard, utilizing his gift of gab to build himself a box-office draw who would sell out any stadium he main event in.
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Graham’s most notable WWE accomplishment was on April 30, 1977, when he performed the near-impossible task of dethroning Bruno Sammartino from the WWE Championship. Superstar maintained the championship for over a year, successfully defending it against luminaries like Dusty Rhodes, Gorilla Monsoon, and “High Chief” Peter Maivia until being dethroned in a controversial way by Bob Backlund.
Graham retired from wrestling in 1987, at the age of 44, and went on to work as a manager and subsequently as a color commentator.
Triple H inducted “Superstar” Billy Graham into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. Graham’s inspirational narrative and impact on the sports entertainment business were covered two years later in the WWE documentary “20 Years Too Soon: The ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham Story.”
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