Wrestleview is sad to learn WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Billy Graham (real name Eldridge Wayne Coleman) has passed away, at age 79.
The news first broke on Ric Flair’s Twitter and was also mentioned during Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
Graham had been in failing health for decades. Within the last few days he was placed on life support and had been hospitalized for several months. Earlier this month, he had dealt with an infection and organ failure that required emergency surgery.
Coleman was born on June 7, 1943. He got into bodybuilding in the early 1960s. He then made his way into professional wrestling, training with the legendary Stu Hart in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1969. He would make his debut in Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in 1970.
Graham spent two years for the National Wrestling Alliance in San Francisco. He then had a three-year stint in the American Wrestling Association. He took the in-ring name of Billy Graham based on the last name of his friend and professional wrestler Dr. Jerry Graham. In 1972, he took on the nickname of “Superstar” from the popular Jesus Christ Superstar rock opera.
Graham made his World Wide Wrestling Federation debut in 1975. He then ended Bruno Sammartino’s near decade run for Bruno Sammartino as WWWF World Champion in April 1977. He held the championship until February 1978, losing it to Bob Backlund.
Graham spent most of his professional wrestling career in WWE. He make several returns to the NWA and AWA. He retired at 44 years old in November 1987 due a hip replacement and bad ankles.
It was no secret that Graham had his issues with Vince McMahon, partially due to McMahon promising him a job for life, but only being released in 1990. He was also very vocal on TV appearances about McMahon and Hogan’s claims regarding steroids during the jury trial that involved Dr. George Zahorian. Graham did admit to taking steroids for two decades, which greatly affected his health and quality of life.
He was named to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, inducted by Paul “Triple H” Levesque.
Coleman (Graham) leaves leaves behind his only wife, Valerie, with whom he has been married since 1979 and two children.
Wrestleview sends its condolences to the family and friends of Superstar Billy Graham during this difficult and sad time.
Bio Source: F4WOnline