Entertainment
WWE honours Paul Orndorff on Raw after Hall of Famer’s death aged 71
The wrestling world has been paying tribute to the late legend (Photo: WWE)
WWE paid tribute to Paul Ornforff on Monday Night Raw after his death aged 71.
Hours before the show, which had been pre-taped, the Hall of Famer’s son Travis revealed the heart-breaking news he had died, and the wrestling world has been in mourning.
Despite this week’s red brand show already being ready to air, the company honoured the late legend with a graphic in his memory.
WWE has also shared his Hall of Fame induction video, while other promotions – and many stars past and present – have been paying their respects on social media.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) tweeted: ‘AEW joins the wrestling world in mourning the passing of a true legend, “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.’
IMPACT Wrestling added: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of pro wrestling legend “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. We offer our sincere condolences to his friends and family.’
And the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) wrote: ‘The NWA sends it condolences to the friends & family of the legendary Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff. We’ll forever be grateful for the memories and admire the legacy he leaves us with.’
Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has hailed Orndorff’s ‘intensity and believability’.
He tweeted: ‘I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of Paul Orndorff. As a fan, I loved watching him. As a wrestler, I loved working with him.
‘He brought intensity and believability to every match and promo. Truly one of the all-time greats. #RIPPaulOrndorff (sic)’
And Triple H said: ‘A #WrestleMania main eventer, @WWE Hall of Famer, and one of the industry’s best bad guys. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this difficult time.’
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While Edge, who faces Roman Reigns for the Universal Title at Money In The Bank on Sunday (July 18), recalled watching Orndorff battle Hulk Hogan at 1986’s The Big Event in front of over 74,000 fans in Toronto.
He wrote: ‘Paul Orndorff was the first wrestler I hated & feared as a child. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. Changed my life.
‘Years later the morning before WrestleMania 21, I trained with him and Hulk. I was a little kid again. One of my fondest memories. Thank you for all of them Paul.’
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