UPDATE 6: The wrestling industry’s reaction to Roddy Piper’s death continues with some more posts from Steve Austin, Triple H, Jesse Ventura, Kurt Angle and more:
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
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
RIP Roddy Piper. THE most Rowdy of characters, of all time. He was very good to me… Condolences to his family. #RIPRoddy
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) July 31, 2015
Sad to hear about Roddy Piper.He once worked 91 nights w/out a day off.WWE wouldn't be what it is today w/out him.Wonderful athlete & friend
— Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura) 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
Just when you think heaven is calming down. In walks these two. #RipPiper #ChidhoodFavorite pic.twitter.com/OeNK73FBKT
— James Storm (@JamesStormBrand) July 31, 2015
The original rebel. One of my greatest inspirations. Thank you for your guidance. RIP Piper. pic.twitter.com/lzGT8m0vCJ
— A.J. Brooks (@WWEAJLee) July 31, 2015
Damn, why are the "good guys" the ones to leave too early…RIP RODDY PIPER!
— Vickie Guerrero (@VickieGuerrero) July 31, 2015
R.I.P. My dear friend Roddy Piper. He called me last night at 9 and left a message. I will miss you and always love you Roddy #HotRod
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) July 31, 2015
Word spreading like wildfire here in Charlotte of the sudden death of @R_Roddy_Piper of an apparent heart attack in California. #RIPHOTROD
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) July 31, 2015
I'm inducting Jim Crockett, Sr tonight into @NWALegends Hall of Heroes w/ a heavy heart. #RIPRoddyPiper my friend. Thoughts w/ his family.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) July 31, 2015
I'm stunned! 1st Dusty now Roddy I'm incredibly bummed! He was one my favorite people on our planet GOD BLESS HOT ROD pic.twitter.com/Q7FsmO8D4G
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) July 31, 2015
My father @R_Roddy_Piper was a great man and my best friend I will miss him forever and will alway try to be the man he raised me to be
— Colt Toombs (@ColtToombs) July 31, 2015
Just heard about the Hot Rod. All I can say is damn. Another one gone. He was always so cool with me. We had some great talks. RIPower
— MVP (@The305MVP) July 31, 2015
Completely devastated right now, as is everyone. We've lost two of the greatest of all time in a matter of weeks. 1st Dream & now Roddy.
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) July 31, 2015
He was legendary, not just as a wrestler, but as a human being. #RIPRowdyRoddyPiper @R_Roddy_Piper
— Lisa Marie Varon (@REALLiSAMARiE) July 31, 2015
No way. Not @R_Roddy_Piper :((( RIP. Two greats have left us. Terrible few months. Legend. pic.twitter.com/Fjy04N6JUg
— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) July 31, 2015
Just heard and it has temporarily stopped my fun at NWAfanfest. RIP Roddy Piper. Now that was a legend. https://t.co/bGfBMvlOq2
— Rob Van Dam (@TherealRVD) July 31, 2015
Sad day another legend gone to soon. #RIPHotRod
@WWE pic.twitter.com/IjPvas1pzr
— Baron Corbin (@BaronCorbinWWE) July 31, 2015
Spent much of my childhood, in my room watching Piper on Coliseum Video. This one hurts. RIP.
— The Young Bucks (@MattJackson13) July 31, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper im at a loss for words ... He was always a class act and gentleman when I had the privilege of working with him #Legend
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) July 31, 2015
Grew up a fan(still have my Hot Rod shirt), became a colleague, and most importantly, became a friend. Bagpipes are playing #RIPHotRod
— Adam (Edge) Copeland (@EdgeRatedR) July 31, 2015
Roddy Piper dead at the age of 61. Damn. Loved that guy. One of the best talkers of all time.
— Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) July 31, 2015
JUST HEARD THAT HOT ROD RODDY PIPER PASSED AWAY TODAY. WOW. STUNNED. LOVED THE GUY...RIP HOT ROD. @WWE http://t.co/venV9vBdvL
— Zeb Colter (@WWEZeb) July 31, 2015
Just found out about #RowdyPiper. What a shock. I'm at a loss for words. Let's watch They Live tonight. #RIPHotRod pic.twitter.com/gk7xoE2GRc
— Melina (@RealMelina) July 31, 2015
One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 31, 2015
He was a friend and a mentor! HotRod, you will be missed. #RIPRoddyPiper
— GOLDUST (@Goldust) July 31, 2015
Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of Roddy Piper.A good friend to me.No one sent chills up my spine like him when...
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper. A legend and inspired so many of the Superstars & Divas you see today. #HotRod #RowdyBeforeRowdyWasCool
— Christian (@Christian4Peeps) August 1, 2015
One of the few times I got to talk with Roddy, too few by far! Rest in Peace, Roddy Piper, & thank you! pic.twitter.com/eBHvpxepgz
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) July 31, 2015
Without Dragons,you don't need Dragon Slayers.Roddy Piper was the best Dragon The Wrestling ever saw.And with a smile,the best Dragon Slayer
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 1, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of @R_Roddy_Piper. I admired Roddy so much as a wrestler - and even more as a man #RIPRoddy
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 1, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper. Piper stood tall in my book. Piper sent my daughter Felicia flowers years ago. 1987 Felicia was fighting for her...
— George Steele (@georgesteele) August 1, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper. Piper stood tall in my book. Piper sent my daughter Felicia flowers years ago. 1987... http://t.co/BY18On5JTk
— George Steele (@georgesteele) August 1, 2015
In the early beginning of "Piper's Pit" this was the song they played ....Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart https://t.co/8l3PnTzsju
— Brian Heffron (@BlueMeanieBWO) August 1, 2015
Sad to hear about Roddy Piper. Probably my all time favorite promo guy. #HotRod #RIPRoddy
— Sami Zayn (@iLikeSamiZayn) August 1, 2015
The greatest hero is no hero at all, without a villain to conquer. Thanks for everything Hot Rod.
— MVP (@The305MVP) August 1, 2015
He said "This is YOUR time kid. SHINE!" I said "I'd shine a lot brighter walking with a legend." He smiled & slapped my cheek like a don.
— MVP (@The305MVP) August 1, 2015
his music hit.My deepest condolences to Colt and his family.x
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2015
You were always good to me, and I'll always remember the joy on your face when you told me how much fun you had acting. Thank You #RIPRoddy
— Xavier Woods (@XavierWoodsPhD) July 31, 2015
Feel so sad hearing Rowdy Roddy Piper has passed away. Always brought a smile 2 my face when I saw him #ClassAct #RIP pic.twitter.com/EPOtHUQBHy
— Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) July 31, 2015
Without a doubt the greatest villain of my childhood. He will be missed! #RoddyPiper #wwe #RIPRoddyPiper https://t.co/9aJ2OuVomA
— AXL ROTTEN (@AxlRottenECW) August 1, 2015
A pleasure and a privilege to have known this man. He put a huge smile on my face. Rest well Roddy.
Love,
Edy pic.twitter.com/7x13aZAREr
— Eden (@RealEdenWWE) August 1, 2015
RIP legend. I first met this wrestling icon when I was 12yrs old when he was wrestling my pops the… https://t.co/fHoLoKQ47f
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 1, 2015
RIP Roddy Piper. A legend and inspired so many of the Superstars & Divas you see today. #HotRod #RowdyBeforeRowdyWasCool
— Christian (@Christian4Peeps) August 1, 2015
UPDATE 5: The wrestling industry is reacting to the sudden death today of Roddy Piper at the age of 61. Hulk Hogan spoke with TMZ Sports, saying, “I will forever miss him….He was my best friend. He is a legend.”
He added, “God’s gain is our loss. May his family in this time of need, find peace. Much love forever, HH.”
Others have taken to Twitter to react; a sampling is below:
RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 31, 2015
Just heard my friend and a huge influence on me Hot Rod-Roddy Piper has passed away. Rest well friend, you will be missed. #lifeWellLived
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) July 31, 2015
RIP to Roddy Piper. Prayers to his family and loved ones.
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) July 31, 2015
My main man. Always had my back. RIP #RoddyPiper pic.twitter.com/hlwY8BCVrj
— Virgil (@TheRealVirgil) July 31, 2015
UPDATE 4: Hulk Hogan tells TMZ Sports ... he's devastated over the news of his friend Roddy Piper -- saying, "I will forever miss him."
"He was my best friend. He is a legend."
Hogan adds, "God's gain is our loss. May his family in this time of need, find peace. Much love forever, HH."
Hogan and Piper were the two of the biggest stars in wrestling back in the '80s -- and famously did battle at Wrestlemania I in 1985.
But outside the ring, they were tight -- and remained friends for decades.
The Iron Sheik has also issued a statement ... saying, "Roddy Piper. I love you forever. God bless you bubba."
UPDATE 3: WWE has provided a company statement, as well as one by Vince McMahon, to us about Roddy Piper’s passing today:
WWE is deeply saddened that Roderick Toombs, aka “Rowdy” Roddy Piper — WWE Hall of Famer and Intercontinental Champion — passed away today at the age of 61.
WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Toombs’ family, friends and fans.
“Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
The statement is also posted on WWE.com.
UPDATE x 2: TMZ has more news on Roddy Piper’s death, revealing that the WWE legend passed away in his sleep due to a heart attack. Piper’s agent told the site, “I am devastated at this news. Rod was a good friend as well as a client and one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all.”
In addition, Piper’s family issued a statement, saying, “Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our father and beloved husband, Roderick Toombs aka Rowdy Roddy Piper.”
UPDATE: The following is from TMZ.com:
Wrestling legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61... TMZ Sports has learned.
Piper -- born Roderick George Toombs -- died from cardiac arrest in his sleep at his home in Hollywood at around noon Friday.
Piper was a wrestling icon -- one of the biggest stars in the WWE back in the '80s, and even wrestled in "Wrestlemania I" back in 1985 ... squaring off against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.
Roddy's rep tells us, "I am devastated at this news. Rod was a good friend as well as a client and one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all."
Piper had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2006, but last November he said he was cancer free. A family source tells us he was "cancer free" at the time of his death.
A family member tells us, "Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our father and beloved husband, Roderick Toombs aka Rowdy Roddy Piper."
Roddy was admitted into the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2005 and was one of the top 50 villains in the history of the WWE .
Piper had a long relationship with WWE -- last wrestling back in 2008 ... but appeared on various WWE shows up until 2014.
Roddy is survived by his wife Kitty and their 4 kids -- including 3 daughters and son Colton who's pursuing a career in professional wrestling.
The death is especially shocking considering we just spoke to him on Friday and asked his opinion about the Hulk Hogan scandal.
ORIGINAL: Roddy Piper has passed away. TMZ reports that Piper died at a home in Hollywood from natural causes. He had been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006, but had said he was cancer-free as recently as November.
Piper, of course, is a pivotal figure in WWE history and wrestling in general. Beginning his career in 1969 at the age of fifteen, Piper spent his early days in the business working for the American Wrestling Association and the NWA. He spent time in the Pacific Northwest territory and Georgia Championship Wrestling before signing with the WWE in 1983, where he became one of the company’s biggest heels. His feud with Hulk Hogan is likely his most memorable; he also had runs in WCW and TNA as well. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
On behalf of everyone here on the website, we send our condolences to the family, fans and friends of Mr. Piper. He will most definitely be missed.
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