Skip To Content

    Twitter Reacts To The Death Of Wrestling Icon "Rowdy" Roddy Piper

    The 61-year-old WWE Hall of Famer, who performed in the main event of the first ever WrestleMania, has died.

    On Friday, WWE Hall of Famer "Rowdy" Roddy Piper — real name Roderick George Toombs — died at the age of 61.

    Piper had a successful career throughout the '70s and early '80s, performing for the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) territories, the Mid-Atlantic territories, and Georgia Championship Wrestling.

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    In 1985, he wrestled in the main event for first-ever WrestleMania for WWE, squaring off against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.

    In 2005, Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. He is recognized as one of the top 50 villains in WWE history.

    Piper is survived by his wife Kitty and their four kids.

    Piper's son Colt Toombs sent out this tweet:

    My father @R_Roddy_Piper was a great man and my best friend I will miss him forever and will alway try to be the man he raised me to be

    Many from the pro wrestling community have reacted to the news on Twitter:

    Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE... (1/2)

    ...beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. (2/2)

    Saddened about the passing of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. He was truly a legend and icon, and will never be forgotten... #ThankYouRoddy #RIP

    #RIPRoddyPiper Thank you for so many memories. You will always be one of my all time favorites.

    One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy.

    I am shocked and saddened to hear of Roddy Piper's passing. He was one of a kind and one of the all time greats. #prowrestling

    RIP @R_Roddy_Piper You will be missed my friend. Much Love! @antmaurizio

    Landed at home & heard of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was always wonderful to me & I will miss him greatly! My condolences to his family.

    One of the most mesmerizing and inspiring people I ever met in wrestling… RIP Mr. Piper. And thank you for this…

    Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper. He was a one of a kind. Our family had so… https://t.co/8fE0fuxwIv

    Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Wrestlemania rival #RoddyPiper. One of the greatest who… https://t.co/WkGjYehXim

    I STAND BEHIND THE RODDY PIPER WHEN WE BOTH MAKE IT TO HALL OF FAME. FOREVER HE MY BROTHER.

    Rest well Hot Rod, you truly lived larger than life.

    No way. Not @R_Roddy_Piper :((( RIP. Two greats have left us. Terrible few months. Legend. 💔💔

    So saddened to hear of the passing of @R_Roddy_Piper.... Such a talent. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family...

    So long Piper.