By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
“Superstar” Billy Graham (Wayne Coleman) died on Wednesday at age 79. Graham had been hospitalized due to kidney failure and other ailments. Graham’s wife Valarie wrote on social media that she declined a doctor’s suggestion to remove him from life support on Sunday night.
Powell’s POV: Graham is one of the most influential wrestlers in the history of the business. Everything from his physique to his promo style inspired countless pro wrestlers, including fellow icons such as Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, Dusty Rhodes, and Ric Flair. Graham had a memorable run as the WWWF Champion and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. He had a number of public disputes with the McMahon family over the years, but he ultimately signed a legends deal with WWE. My condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Superstar Graham.
The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left Us 🙏🏻 THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career! pic.twitter.com/YH0eT2NM4p
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 18, 2023
He was the earliest WWE Champion still alive (Buddy Rogers, Bruno Sammartino, Ivan Koloff, Pedro Morales, and Stan Stasiak have all passed away already), Bob Backlund is now the earliest champ still alive.
In addition to what the article mentioned with him inspiring so many others (including Triple H and Scott Steiner), he also helped make history with stuff like his brutal matches against Dusty Rhodes as the WWWF Champion.