18 May 2023 , 10:53
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Former wrestling favourite "Superstar" Billy Graham has died, his longtime pal and fellow wrestler Ric Flair has revealed in a touching tribute.
The legend passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 following months of ill health. The star had been on life support and had to battle a number of infections as well as organ failure and diabetes.
His ailments led to him requiring emergency surgery earlier this month and on Monday his wife Valerie posted on his Facebook that doctors had wanted to bring him off life support.
She said at the time that she had refused the request, but pal Rick, nicknamed The Nature Boy, tweeted the sad news of his death on Wednesday.
He wrote: "The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left US. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE on My Career!"
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As news broke, tributes quickly poured in from all angles of the wrestling community.
Superstar Billy Graham in action against Dusty Rhodes (George Napolitano / SplashNews.com)
Superstar Billy Graham was a fans' favourite in the ring (George Napolitano / SplashNews.com)The Iron Sheik posted a number of updates, firstly penning: "SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM. ONE OF MY FIRST TEACHERS OF THE HEAT. THE REAL LEGEND BUBBA. HE LOVE ME I LOVE HIM. TOGETHER WE HIT THE GYM AND SHOCK THE EARTH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BROTHER. RIP"
He shared the news alongside a selection of snaps of Superstar before following it up with a video of the pair in conversation.
He captioned the upload: "THE SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM MY BROTHER FOR LIFE. HE WAS THE CHAMPION AND MOST OVER MAN IN THE BUSINESS. HE ALWAYS SHOW ME THE RESPECT. I LOVE HIM I MISS HIM FOREVER."
Wrestling promoter Paul Heyman also wrote: "Before Billy Graham, performers in WWWF / WWF/ WWE were known as professional wrestlers. After Billy Graham left his mark, Vincent Kennedy McMahon decided everyone would be a WWE Superstar.
Ric Flair paid tribute to his pal (Getty Images)"A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!"
Billy, who was also a pal of Arnold Schwarzenegger, was a three-time former world champion professional wrestler for the company which went on to become the WWE.
He retired from action inside the ring in 1987 following injuries and health issues, but moved into a commentary role. He was later inducted into the business' Hall of Fame in 2004.
Billy is survived by his wife and two children.