WWE has issued a statement on the passing of Joe Laurinaitis, best known as Road Warrior Animal.
Laurinaitis passed away earlier today at the age of 60.
Known as The Legion of Doom during their time in WWE, Animal and Hawk performed in numerous stints with the company throughout the 1990s. The tag team would win the Tag Team Titles twice during this time. Their final match came in 2003 in a one-night appearance against Rob Van Dam and Kane. Hawk would pass away later that year.
Animal would return with the company for one year from 2005 to 2006, creating an updated version of The Road Warriors with Heidenreich joining him as a partner. They would also capture the WWE Tag Team Titles.
You can view WWE’s full statement below:
Road Warrior Animal passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that Joe Laurinaitis, known to WWE fans as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away at the age of 60.
One of the most intense Superstars to ever step into the squared circle, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Animal spent the majority of his career alongside his tag team partner, Hawk. Together, they formed what was arguably the most successful, popular and feared tandem of all time — The Road Warriors.
With their intimidating face paint, outfits covered in metal spikes and impressive array of power moves, the duo captured titles and destroyed opponents wherever they roamed. Their dominance made them so popular that the phrase “Road Warrior pop” has been used in locker rooms to describe particularly deafening reactions from the crowd ever since.
The Road Warriors thrived in multiple stints with WWE, where they were known as The Legion of Doom. The team won the World Tag Team Titles on two occasions and were eventually enshrined in the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE extends its condolences to Laurinaitis’ family, friends and fans.