Professional wrestling has lost another legend as Paul Orndorff has passed away.
Known to fans as “Mr. Wonderful,” Paul Orndorff is best known for his work in WWE and WCW. Orndorff was 71 at the time of his passing; his son, Travis, announced the unfortunate news on Monday with a post on his Instagram account:
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. . He is better known as “Mr. #1derful” Paul Orndorff. Most of you will remember him for his physique. Many will remember his intensity. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. I love you Daddy.
A donation page is available in my bio for funeral expenses. Any close friends whom would like to speak at his funeral, please message me on Instagram Travis_Orndorff.
-Travis Orndorff
#RIPMr#1derful
Orndorff was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2005. He was given the name “Mr. Wonderful” by the late Roddy Piper and was one of Hulk Hogan’s first challengers for the WWF Championship after “Hulkamania” was born. Orndorff and Hogan would feud with each other throughout his WWE tenure, including teaming with Piper against Mr. T and Hulk Hogan in the main event the inaugural WrestleMania event in 1985.
In addition to his work in WWE, Orndorff also had various stints in WCW between 1990-95. He won the WCW World Television Championship once, and also reigned as NWA/WCW World Tag Team Champions on three separate occasions.
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