Roderick George Toombs, known to professional wrestling fans as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper died of cardiac arrest in his sleep Thursday and was discovered today, according to TMZ.
He was 61 years old.
WWE CEO and Chairman Vince McMahon said the following in a story on the company website:
Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved my millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
Piper built up a following wherever he worked, but most notably in World Wrestling Entertainment, where his feud with Hulk Hogan made him one of the most hated “heels” in wrestling history.
Piper was born on April 17th, 1954 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He faced adversity in his formative years but along the way learned how to play the bagpipes.
Making his pro wrestling debut at age 15, and appeared at one point or another in every major North American territory.
He helped usher in the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era with Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Cyndi Lauper and Wendi Richter, which gave birth to the original Wrestlemania main event.
UFC womens bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey credits Piper as one of her heroes, even using the “Rowdy” moniker in her own nickname.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.
Thank you for the name…. And so much more…. Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow…. This… https://t.co/FQUqZEVh0Q
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 1, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper. Man, that dog collar match with Greg Valentine was something.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) July 31, 2015
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
— Steve Austin (@steveaustinBSR) July 31, 2015
RIP Rowdy Roddy Piper. You were the best wrestling villain in history! @RondaRousey @Benaskren @SBNLukeThomas #WWE pic.twitter.com/p6az5RdKFV
— Sophia Helwani (@SophiaHelwani) July 31, 2015
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.
— Shawn Michaels (@ShawnMichaels) July 31, 2015
My High school senior quote Just when they think they have all the answers, I change the questions. @R_Roddy_Piper we all loved you.
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) July 31, 2015
Saddened about the passing of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. He was truly a legend and icon, and will never be forgotten… #ThankYouRoddy #RIP
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/EBischoff/status/627253695017660416
https://twitter.com/cherrrybomb/status/627259309903204352
RIP Rowdy #RoddyPiper. In tribute, here's the famous Piper's Pit where Jimmy Snuka is attacked with a coconut. http://t.co/cMWvAT1sOC
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) July 31, 2015
RIP @R_Roddy_Piper You will be missed my friend. Much Love! @antmaurizio pic.twitter.com/YU50ALMLFE
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) July 31, 2015
I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of Rowdy Roddy Piper today. A great person w/a sweet soul gone… https://t.co/RqS8BsVUga
— Torrie Wilson (@Torrie11) July 31, 2015
The very first story I worked on at HBO was about wrestler's premature deaths in 2003. Piper was a huge part of it: http://t.co/PYkHwq22PI
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 31, 2015
Just when you think heaven is calming down. In walks these two. #RipPiper #ChidhoodFavorite pic.twitter.com/OeNK73FBKT
— James Storm (@JamesStormBrand) July 31, 2015
Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE… (1/2)
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015
…beloved by millions of fans around the world. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. (2/2)
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) July 31, 2015
#RIPRoddyPiper Thank you for so many memories. You will always be one of my all time favorites. pic.twitter.com/IIcONTfyAk
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) July 31, 2015
