Paul Orndorff's son Travis announced the news of his father's deathwith a heartbreaking Instagram post. Ric Flair, a retired professional wrestler, took toTwitterafter learning of Paul Orndorff's passing. "I got Hiro back, and I mauled his ass. All comments are welcome. "I owe everything to Eddie Graham for giving me a chance and Hiro Matsuda," Orndorff said. WWE Hall of Fame member Eric Bischoff tweeted out his condolences after announcements of Paul Orndorff's death. 12807771. The injury was left untreated for too long and the nerve damage caused his right bicep to atrophy. His highest honor was winning the Huerta Award, which recognized the best Class AA athlete in Hillsborough County. During the tag match Ali climbed up on to the ring apron and took a swing at Piper. His son Travis made the announcement Monday on Instagram, where. Well, we saw him retire later in 2000 because of arm atrophy from his nagging . Vince Russo and Midajah hit Goldberg with a bat and a steel pipe. Bruce moved Orndorff to tight end despite his leading the team in rushing at the time (79 rushes, 358 yards). The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! ", Paul Orndorff was the first wrestler I hated & feared as a child. Orndorff left the WWF in 1988 with an untreated neck injury, yet continued to wrestle in the WCW and won the World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Still, its kept short. "Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff was an inspiration to me breaking into the business," he wrote. That lawsuit has later dismissed in 2018. May God rest his soul! "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr," Travis Orndorff wrote. "Hes an excellent blocker, has good hands, and runs well once he catches the ball.". Canadian wrestler Edge, real name Adam Copeland, tweeted out a tribute to Paul Orndorff. I love you, Daddy," he concluded the tribute. From there, Orndorff went to Memphis for eight months and then St. Louis for another eight months before moving on to Charlotte and Mid-Atlantic, where he teamed with Jimmy Snuka for nearly a year. "And I feel the same way about the Saints going into Saints camp. "I felt like hanging it up a couple of times," Orndorff said. The legendary WWE Hall of Famer was 71. His career highlights included competing alongside the likes of other wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Paul Orndorff will have a public funeral, according to Wrestling Inc. Accidents can happen at any given moment in a wrestling match, even something as simple as a dropkick. In April 2016, Paul Orndorff was honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club, and he noted how much he cared about professional wrestling: ", THE IRON SHEIK TWEETS AFTER 'BROTHER' ORNDORFF'S DEATH. Despite the uncertainty about the position change, Orndorff looked like a natural, as Tampa finished with a 10-2 record and earned a berth in the Tangerine Bowl, the first bowl game for Tampa since 1954. Mysterio would attempt his 619 finisher where the opponent would drape himself over the middle rope. ", Orndorff would come clean in a Sept. 2, 1976 story in The Tampa Tribune where he admitted he withdrew from football because he "just got homesick, to tell you the truth. Ric Flair, a retired professional wrestler, took toTwitterafter learning of Paul Orndorff's passing. Orndorff suffered a neck injury after delivering a piledriver. Paul Orndorff @Pau1Orndorff Paul Orndorff was named "Mr. Wonderful" by Roddy Piper. One of the greatest of all time! He later brought that same natural athleticism to professional wrestling, where as "Mr. One of the greatest of all time! Particularly by modern standards, that's not all that old for a top-tier wrestler. The schools football history dated back to 1933, and once Paul arrived, the Spartans were two seasons into playing their home games at Tampa Stadium, which had a capacity of more than 40,000. Thank you for all of them Paul. He was 71. ", Besides, he later said, "I had accomplished everything I wanted to do in football.". Boxing legend Ali helped promote the event, featuring as a guest referee. Paul Orndorffs path to a career in the squared circle was non-descript. Steiner clocks Goldberg with a steel pipe to the head and slaps on the Recliner. ", Orndorff attended the Chicago Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Ind., but he ended up walking out of there as well and returning home to Brandon. While Orndorff was a physical specimen who could handle the physical demands of playing tight end and had good speed, running a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash, he didnt have the ideal size to play there. His son Travis made the announcement Monday on Instagram, where. Its hard to believe a simple belly to back suplex could cause an injury much less a death, but supposedly Misawa already suffered from a cervical sprain and probably should not have been cleared to wrestle. Press Esc to cancel. Ha. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Goldberg breaks The Steiner Recliner twice. "I have decided not to pursue a pro career anymore, at least at this time," he said in a brief statement. WE RIDE TOGETHER. WE TRAIN TOGETHER. Matsuda operated a local wrestling club where he also trained future wrestling stars Scott Hall, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, B. Brian Blair, and Hulk Hogan, who famously had his leg broken by Matsuda as a test of his toughness. Estrada failed to answer the ten-count, and Edge won his debut match albeit not in the way he wanted to. For more #1derful Paul Orndorff content & to learn more about the Some Kind of #1derful with Travis Orndorff podcast, click: https://linktr.ee/PaulOrndorff. While Orndorff trained with Matsuda, he also wrestled a day or two a week in the Florida territory. "The construction business went sort of flat, and I was out of a job all of a sudden," Orndorff remembered. "Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff was an inspiration to me breaking into the business," he wrote. ", From 1969-72, Orndorff again established a reputation as a punishing runner and became the teams leading blocker as one of the core players at the University of Tampa, which already had a reputation as a Giant Killer.. . Sadly, his career came to a shocking end after taking Samoa Joes Muscle Buster finisher. Ushered in with a towel over his head to conceal his identity, Orndorff was the perfect choice based on the beat-down the Killers gave him in the Power Plant on WCW television. I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. The financially strapped league folded in October, 14 games into its 20-game second season. Normally, a cross body isnt a move that would be considered overtly dangerous, but when Sami dove off the top rope and Graves caught him, Gravesappearedto slam the back of his head into the mat. He didnt get back up laying motionless. Comedian Bill Burr spoke out about Paul Orndorff's death on Twitter. N.C. A&T Aggies headed to the Tokyo Olympics:Aggie Track and Field team to be well-represented Great tag team action as the underrated Three Count (WCWs answer to the Hardy Boyz) showcase some really innovative moves. The condition happens when someone suffers repeated head trauma, however, it can only be diagnosed once someone has passed away. Rest In Peace!". And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Orndorff was the surprise tag team partner of The Filthy Animals in their elimination match against The Natural Born Killers. Paul Orndorff ( October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021) was a National Football League player and professional wrestler known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). In 2011, he also. He will never be forgotten. He suffered a neck injury, and Orndorff was immediately pinned, marking the rare occasion in which a wrestler eliminated himself after performing his own move. But Orndorff chose to play college football at his hometown the University of Tampa and remain close to his wife and young son, according toProWrestling stories. "YOU WERE EXCELLENT BUBBA. Davids place is a mess. I AM SO SAD I LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/RXovORjxVp, WWE WRESTLER BOBBY ROODE TWEETS THAT ORNDORFF WAS AN 'INSPIRATION'. Orndorff beat cancer a few years ago after being diagnosed in 2011. Under Smiths expert guidance, Paul Orndorff built an impressive, powerful physique, a characteristic that would later define him as a wrestler. Inexplicably, Sid Vicious climbed to the middle rope and attempted a diving big boot. Some who have watched the video speculate he may have dementia, although that hasn't been confirmed. This video shows his son saying I love you, dad, while his father tries to give him salt packets as a gift. For the majority of the match, Orndorff stayed on the outside. Changed my life. "Paul was a bad ass. I was a little kid again. Casting a shadow over WCWs accomplishment was an injury sustained by wrestling legend and World Championship Wrestling employee, Paul Mr. . Located just three miles from Tampa Stadium, Smiths gym became a popular destination for bodybuilders and wrestlers who lived in or visited the area, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Saito, Hulk Hogan, Eddie & Mike Graham, the Malenko family, and Sailor Art Thomas to name just a few. Heartbreaking Video Shows Paul Orndorffs Failing Health, Mystery Hand At WWE Hell In A Cell Was Disposing Of Crash Pad Evidence, AEW Dynamite Sees Nice Viewership Increase In Final Week On Fridays, Ric Flair Apologized To Triple H After Bitter Dispute, WWE CEO Nick Khan Says Vince McMahon Is Ready To Sell The Company, Ric Flair Is Not A Fan Of Women Bleeding In Pro Wrestling Matches, Eric Bischoff Roasted Over Tone-Deaf Tweet After Jay Briscoes Passing, Nick Khan Always Expected Vince McMahons WWE Return, Bray Wyatt & JoJo Offerman Finally Pick A Wedding Date, WWE NXT Changed Funeral Segment During The Show After News Of Jay Briscoes Passing. Storm bets none of them would want to return to the U.S. after that. The pair got marriedback in 1971 and remained together until the end. Austins head wasnt protected, and he landed on the top of his head. Orndorff was just as confident about earning a roster spot with New Orleans as he was with the University of Tampa four years earlier. Canadian wrestler Edge, real name Adam Copeland, tweeted out a tribute to Paul Orndorff. ", My heart is saddened again. Orndorff's family created aGoFundMepage in order to raise money for the icon's funeral. Yes, a piledriver ended Mr. Wonderfuls career, but the career ending movedidn't come from him taking a piledriver, it came from him administering one. Orndorff had dealt with health issues in recent years, including cancer and dementia. > Sporting Connection I was extremely lucky to have had him on so many Southeastern cards. He credits his time in Mid-South and the firm teachings of Watts for his growth as a wrestler to where he could master his craft by always putting on different matches and become a draw. Jay Briscoes widow provides update on kids, NXT: The Road to Vengeance (Day) Continues, George Tahinos Jay and Mark Briscoe photo gallery, Shareholder revolt continues as WWE, McMahon face another lawsuit, Slam readers pick their best and worst of 2022, A drowsy Raw features a great main event, yet another insensitive comment from Graves, Mat Matters: We put AI bookers to work and heres what happened. pic.twitter.com/RiOY6Rdj7w, PAUL ORNDORFF'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW RELEASES STATEMENT ON GOFUNDME. Professional wrestler the Iron Sheik, real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, tweeted a heartfelt message in his classic all caps style following Paul Orndorff's death. The pair got marriedback in 1971 and remained together until the end. . You can check out the video below. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, who was known as "Mr. Wonderful," has died at the age of 71. . "I went through hell that night," Orndorff said. Paul Orndorff was suffering from dementia, believed to have been caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Douglas allows a visibly nervous Torrie to climb down the ladder and ensure victory. World Championship Wrestling still has some kinks to work out like maintaining uniform angles and breaking out of the put-everyone-in-a-gang mentality that led to the WWFs downfall in the nineties (Anyone remember The Nation, D.O.A. Corey Graves had a great look, great in-ring skills, was good on the mic and had all the potential to be a star in WWE. 13th July 2021, 12:58 pm. Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff Hate to see this, but know he's not in pain anymore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dropkick to the ropes . The move sounds ridiculous enough, but it was made even worse coming from a large guy who normallydidn't perform moves off the turnbuckle. R.I.P. > Music Mar 5: AEW Revolution Later, this game would be known as the Citrus Bowl and frequently hosted high-profile SEC, Big Ten, or ACC programs. Orndorff had been living in a medical facility while battling dementia. Pro wrestling legend Paul Orndorff died on Monday at age 71. That went on for seven months. The questionable change was not only a blow to Orndorffs draft appeal but his ego as well. Misawa was believed to have died from cardiac arrest after suffering a cervical spinal injury, and a police report verified the shattering of the C-1 and C-2 vertebrae. > Video Though he initially retired due a neck injury suffered at the Fall Brawl event in 2000, he did manage to wrestle one last match in 2017 at the age of 67. "But Paul also was one funny son-of-a-bitch. Goldberg bleeds. Sid jumped and all his weight landed on his one leg snapping it in two. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr," Travis Orndorff wrote. The cause of death was ruled as cardiac arrest due to a cervical stroke after three of his vertebrae broke resulting from the whiplash against the ropes. After the WFL folded, Orndorff returned to Brandon and worked in construction. Orndorff was selected in the 12th round (289th overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints after finishing his college career with 376 rushes for 1,671 yards. Thanks for all the laughs and great matches. Last month, he. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. . Because of that, people were always trying to infiltrate the business and then sell the truth of what we were doing and how we were doing it to the outside world. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. "We won because we had a team of crazed animals, and I was one of them," Orndorff said in the YouTube video, Paul Orndorff: A Wonderful Story. In 1988, he left WWE for WCW, where he captured the WCW World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championships with Paul Roma. He didnt grow up a fan, so becoming a wrestler wasnt on his radar as a professional goal. Smith also trained other football players, including Ordnorffs college football teammate and future NFL star, John Matuszak, WWE Hall of Famer Bob Backlund, and 3x Mr. Olympia & Mr. Universe Frank Zane. Orndorff initially retired due to a neck injury at the 'Fall Brawl' event in 2000, but he managed to wrestle one last match in 2017 at the age of 67. . I was a little kid again. Orndorff was the first player in the area to go pro after signing a one-year contract for a $16,000 base salary with bonus incentives for making the team and minutes played, among others. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. In sad news, WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Paul "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff has suffered another setback due to his failing health. The respectful crowd in Buffalo, New York, gave Orndorff a standing ovation and cheered his name to show their concern and support. Graham was one of the top wrestling stars of his era and eventually the owner of the Championship Wrestling from Florida territory. "He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. Just heard about the passing of Paul Mr 1derfulOrndorff. Despite hours of surgery, Droz was initially paralyzed from the neck down, although he has recently regain much of his upper body mobility. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Paul Orndorff joined WWE in 1983 and was given his "Mr. Wonderful". Paul Orndorff Jr., better known as WWE Hall of Famer "Mr. Wonderful," has died. Paul Orndorff, better known by his in-ring name Mr Wonderful, passed away on Monday, July 12. I started doing moves I didnt know I knew. His son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post on Monday. 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