The Architectwould hit Sting with not one but two turnbuckle powerbombs resulting in a severe neck injury for The Icon, Sting. Bah. MY BROTHER. He came to WWF from the NWA, and would go on to work for WCW in the '90s. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! His career ended when he suffered a neck injury at Fall Brawl 2000 and went on to help run the WCW Power Plant. Paul Orndorff ( October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021) was a National Football League player and professional wrestler known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). During his senior year, Orndorff served as team captain and led the Western Conference with 1,377 rushing yards. In 1988, he left WWE for WCW, where he captured the WCW World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championships with Paul Roma. Mar 5: AEW Revolution While Rick Rude had memorable matches in both WCW and WWE, Rude is probably most remembered as for his time as an insurance policy for D-Generation X and manager in the New World Order. The medical staff was unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. A neck injury suffered during a match at the 2000 Fall Brawl pay-per-view led to his retirement, with the lasting effects of the injury causing significant muscle loss in his arm. The only way to keep that from happening was to impose the "proving ground" between the outside world and those of us on the inside.". I know hes a good coach, but I still dont like him. View our online Press Pack. Check out his Binge News site for all of your streaming, binge-watching news. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. Wonderful Paul Orndorff was an American professional wrestler. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. A star fullback, he was known as the "Brandon Bull" because of a punishing ball-carrying style that oftentimes saw him run over outmatched defenders. That was what he wanted to see. > Gaming However, after The Icon signed with AEW in December 2020, he ended up returning to the ring in 2021 during his 60s! #PaulOrndorff" he wrote. Just heard about the passing of Paul Mr 1derfulOrndorff. Rey Mysterio Jr. assisted the EMTs and kissed the cross hanging around his neck. The injury, which resulted from a simple kick, didnt look devastating, but the whiplash to an already fragile neck might have put Paiges promising WWE return to an abrupt end. Orndorff exploded on theWWEscene in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby Heenan. On the second he did but either his back gave out or Jindraks weight was more than he could handle as Orndorff dropped to the mat hard finishing the move. Press Esc to cancel. "As some of you may know we are preparing for Paul 'Mr Wonderful' Orndorff's final farewell. Ron hides the bat under the ring. Casting a shadow over WCWs accomplishment was an injury sustained by wrestling legend and World Championship Wrestling employee, Paul Mr. "He was the best coach I ever had in my life, and I mean that with all my heart," Orndorff told the Tampa Bay Times in a 2013 article. The referee, Charles Robinson stopped . Steiner clocks Goldberg with a steel pipe to the head and slaps on the Recliner. he wrote. The move looked perfect as both Samoa Joe and Tyson Kidd executed and took the move perfectly. He is also a reporter for Entertainment Tonight Canada. Comedian Bill Burr spoke out about Paul Orndorff's death on Twitter. During the tag match Ali climbed up on to the ring apron and took a swing at Piper. Matsuda operated a local wrestling club where he also trained future wrestling stars Scott Hall, Lex Luger, Ron Simmons, B. Brian Blair, and Hulk Hogan, who famously had his leg broken by Matsuda as a test of his toughness. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! Orndorff was just as confident about earning a roster spot with New Orleans as he was with the University of Tampa four years earlier. The condition happens when someone suffers repeated head trauma, however, it can only be diagnosed once someone has passed away. After signing, Orndorff said, "I cant get it out of my system. Thank you for all of them Paul. He believes the condition was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, who once fought in Wrestlemania, has died at the age of 71. ", Paul Orndorff was the first wrestler I hated & feared as a child. He . Orndorff was suffering from CTE according to his family. It is stationed in front of the Nitro Tron, twenty or so feet in the air. "YOU WERE EXCELLENT BUBBA. Sting retrieves his baseball bat and clobbers them. Unlike other scaffold matches where you must throw your opponent off to win, all someone has to do in this one is climb down a ladder to the floor. As the population grew, sports became more of an integral part of this community that later produced many professional athletes and Olympians, including former MLB pitcher Sterling Hitchcock, former NBA center Dwayne Schintzius and fellow professional wrestler Daffney, who is best known for her 1999-2001 run in WCW and TNA from 2008-2011. Arm atrophy from a nagging injury led him to retire in 2000 and he was treated for cancer in 2011. Known as "Georgia Boy," Smith mostly wrestled for Cowboy Luttrells Championship Wrestling from Florida, frequently appearing on cards with Eddie Graham, Dory Funk, and Haystacks Calhoun. Mr Wonderful was believed to have made most of his money wrestling for WWE prior to his retirement. One of my fondest memories. Sadly, it's the nature of the wrestlingbusiness in that even a routine move executed perfectly can still cause a career ending injury that nobody could see coming. "As some of you may know we are preparing for Paul 'Mr Wonderful' Orndorff's final farewell. . Even in those times, it stands to reason he might have remained in or around the main event picture for another five-to-ten years. The 5-11, 230-pound Orndorff was in tremendous shape from his football days and years of weightlifting with Harry Smith. He was inducted into theWWE Hall of Fame in 2005and theNational Wrestling AllianceHall of Famein 2009. ", Orndorff would come clean in a Sept. 2, 1976 story in The Tampa Tribune where he admitted he withdrew from football because he "just got homesick, to tell you the truth. Our thoughts are with the Orndorff family during this sad time. . "You have to remember; it was back in the mid-1970s when the mystique and uncertainty about the predetermined nature of professional wrestling was still a closely guarded secret. Throughout his career, Orndorff excelled out of the backfield and appeared on track to eclipse his goal of 1,000 rushing yards that season. At one meet, his shot put of 54' -9" broke all local records. Just when his career was starting to take off, Droz was injured in a match with DLo Brown. While the ref is distracted, Mike Sanders punks Kwee-wee with a stick to the knee. Like Orndorff, Smith was a star high school football player. and Los Boricuas?) "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. . Professional wrestler the Iron Sheik, real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, tweeted a heartfelt message in his classic all caps style following Paul Orndorff's death. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Wonderful", was an American professional wrestler and college football player, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). John Powell is a veteran entertainment journalist, the Editor-in-Chief and one of the founders of SLAM! Pro beachballs at pro wrestling shows, pro dives if someone catches, anti bullies, olives, and pineapples on pizza. Even though Graves would wrestle one final match on NXT during a three man tag match, its believed that Graves previous match with Sami Zayn is the one that did him in. Good call. 3 min read. he hurt his arm and rather than take time off to heal, he continued wrestling. Sid jumped and all his weight landed on his one leg snapping it in two. Orndorff had dealt with health issues in recent . His son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post on Monday. Mr Wonderful was believed to have made most of his money wrestling for WWE prior to his retirement. As the match was wrapping up, Marty Jannetty prepared to hit his finishing maneuver, The Rocker Dropper, a leg drop bulldog move that even Kelly Kelly could perform. His son, Travis, announced his father's death on social media earlier today. I remember, too, that he played an excellent game, slowing us down a lot after the early scoring as Kent State nearly caught up with us.". Bitten by the bug, Smith began entering bodybuilding competitions. Paul Orndorff, known to wrestling fans around the world as "Mr. Wonderful," died this week at age 71. Former WWE superstar CM Punk wrote: "Damn. In a moment that matches up with Bundy splashing Little Beaver at WrestleMania 3, Jarrett breaks a guitar over Colemans head. Kwee-wee (challenger) Vs Elix Skipper (champion) (WCW Cruiserweight Title Match), Kronik Vs The Harris Brothers (chain match), Lance Storm (champion) Vs General Rection (challenger) (WCW U.S. Canadian Heavyweight Title Match), The Natural Born Killers Vs The Filthy Animals (Tag Team Elimination Match), Billy Kidman, Madusa Vs Shane Douglas, Torrie (Scaffold Match), Jeff Jarrett Vs Mike Awesome (Bunkhouse Brawl Match), Booker T. (challenger) Vs Kevin Nash (champion) (WCW World Heavyweight Title Steel Cage Match). Most people wouldnt survive that first workout with me, or if they did, they would never come back. R.I.P. Paul Orndorff was married to Ronda Maxwell. 3/15 3. He was 71. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. Kronik level Silverman with High Time. Rest In Peace!". "He will never be forgotten. Orndorffs career was just about over from a nagging untreated bicep injury. Though the move didnt end Austins career right then, the effects from the move eventually caused Austin to retire from the ring. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Stone Cold Steve Austin has said that any match can be a wrestler's last in the business, and if anyone wouldunderstand that, it would be Stone Cold. In 2011, he also. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. Orndorff left in great shape after working as an ironworker during the summer. Wonderful ," one of the greats from the World Wrestling Federation's 1980s heyday, has died. Its such a shame that the legendary career of Bret Hart would end on a simple kick, with Goldberg calling the incident one of the worst moments of his life. The Tangerine Bowl was a mid-major showcase pitting the Mid-American Conference champion vs. a random foe. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr," Travis Orndorff wrote. While teaming with Big Vito, Rey Mysterio, Disco Inferno & Juventud Guerrera against The Natural Born Thrillers, Orndorff suffered a neck injury while trying to execute a piledriver and the match was stopped. Steve Austin, the biggest rising star in the WWE, suffered a broken neck and temporary paralysis from the move. "but my mother-in-law (Wanda Maxwell) and wife (Rhonda) wouldnt let me. "Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff was an inspiration to me breaking into the business," he wrote. I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. WE RIDE TOGETHER. May God rest his soul! After retiring, he trained . Fans took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news of Paul Orndorff's recent death. Joe has hit the move before with no problems, however, this time, Tyson Kidd would suffer a severe spinal injury from the maneuver. Wonderful" was born. Paul was a phenomenal wrestler and athlete," he wrote. "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Looking at the card beforehand nobody would have ever thought the annual pay-per-view would be as good as it was. "He Was Another Amazing Athlete That I Had The Pleasure Of Wrestling An Hour For The NWA Championship On Many Occasions! For the majority of the match, Orndorff stayed on the outside. It was reported that Orndorff was talking to medical personel and that he was able to move his legs which is always a good sign that the paralysis could be a transient state. Fed up with Jarretts taunts, the Bills climb up on the apron surrounding it all on sides. > Collectibles His football coaches took notice and urged him to start working out at Smiths Health Studio in South Tampa, one of the oldest gyms in the U.S. and owned by fitness guru Harry Smith. After a few weeks, Orndorff made a passing comment that would unknowingly lead to the beginning of a Hall of Fame career. Furthermore, it happened after "Mr. Wonderful" applied his own finisher, the. In June 1975, Orndorff returned to pro football again and signed with the Jacksonville Express of the upstart World Football League, but he was plagued by injuries. Editors update: It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Paul Orndorff on July 12th, 2021. While Orndorff got along well with his previous coach Fran Curci, he and Bruce mixed like oil and water. > Video Mysterio had set up his 619 finisher in similar fashion to plenty of wrestlers without anyone ever being injured before. The WWE fame Paul Orndorff passed away on 12 July 2021. Years later the morning before WrestleMania 21, I trained with him and Hulk. The injury was left untreated for too long and the nerve damage caused his right bicep to atrophy. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! Could Hacksaw really be a spy infiltrating Storms Canadian Alliance? My boobs are the biggest in Austria but I'm too 'erotic' to sponsor my team, Shakira 'worked out Piqu had cheated on her after spotting clue in her FRIDGE', Lineker insists BBC has 'nothing to apologise for' after porn noise scandal, Wolves vs Liverpool 'porn noise' culprit found as YouTube comedian owns up, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Once the Filthy Animals were behind in numbers, a fired-up Orndorff tagged in. Acting as a sort of Anerican patriot, Mr Wonderful feuded with Ivan Koloff while in Georgia. One of the greatest of all time! Bret Hart never recovered from the concussion which ultimately ended his career. Lance Storm invites the Americans in the crowd to drive to Kitchener with him so they can experience Canada. The injury would not heal properly and eagle-eyed fans later noted the apparent difference . It seems that his spirits are up, but his health is not great. Rick Martel said thats enough and retired immediately after. From out of nowhere, Sting Scorpion Death Drops Jarrett so Awesome can get the easy cover. While he was here, he was given the name of Mr Wonderful by his then-manager, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (born October 29, 1949) is an American former professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff. Paul performed at the first WrestleMania in 1985, where he and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper fought against Mr. T and Hogan. This article is about these wrestling moves, which includes moves that were botched, taking incorrectly or just an average move that was correctly taken and executed that still caused a career ending injury. While that should have opened a lot of possibilities for dream matches, Stings tenure in WWE came to a crashing end in a match against Seth Rollins. He wrestled for WWF until 1988 when he was forced to retire due to injury, but he later returned . As . Chuck Austin, no relation to Steve Austin, was a star football player in college and decided to train to be a pro wrestler. Injuries caused Mr Wonderful to step away from the square ring in 2000. His skills led to multiple scholarships offers from prestigious football programs such as the University of Tennessee and Clemson. > Music Your email address will not be published. Due to his past injuries in the WWF, Paul was forced to retire. Accidents can happen at any given moment in a wrestling match, even something as simple as a dropkick. We lost another great one," one fan wrote. Strangely enough, Kidman and Madusa dont win. Sting's win-loss record in All Elite Wrestling is 13-0 as of this writing. Not long after the gym opened, Smith added another bodybuilding championship to his resume by winning the Mr. Florida title. Orndorff was recruited three years prior when Ladd set up a meeting for him in New York, where there was talk of a program with WWF Champion Bob Backlund. Orndorff was 71-years-old at the time of his death. "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, one of professional wrestling's biggest stars of the 1980s, has died. That lawsuit. COMMENTATOR JIM ROSS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ORNDORFF. Hopefully, things can turn around in this situation. Paul Orndorff was suffering from dementia, believed to have been caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Winner: Mike Awesome at 9 minutes and 3 seconds. he wrote. Changed my life. Orndorff was the first player in the area to go pro after signing a one-year contract for a $16,000 base salary with bonus incentives for making the team and minutes played, among others. Paul Orndorff was born in Winchester, Virginia, but raised near Brandon, Florida, a bedroom community in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. Orndorff far surpassed that prediction as he once won a meet with a discus throw of 177 feet 11 feet more than his closest competitor. Orndorff was a street fighter, but his opponents knew how to wrestle, and some could hook him. Orndorffs first Mid-South program was with Ernie Ladd, who had a great influence on him. With teammates such as future professional football stars John Matuszak (the No. Fall Brawl was a big surprise for WCW. Goldberg bleeds. In 1943, Smith was the quarterback at Atlanta Tech High School and led the team to one of its greatest seasons. Orndorff's family created aGoFundMepage in order to raise money for the icon's funeral. Paul Orndorff, 71, suffered an arm and neck injury during a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan. The legendary WWE Hall of Famer was 71. After only six weeks of training, he was offered a role in WWE as a jobber to put over The Rockers. Slow, boring and a waste of time. Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff Hate to see this, but know he's not in pain anymore. Orndorff nearly earned the Most Valuable Player Award, but he played both tight end and fullback in the game and received votes at each position, which likely hurt him as the media awarded an MVP to both the top lineman (the tight end is part of the offensive line) and top back. Many will remember his intensity. He gave me the chance.. Orndorff beat cancer a few years ago after being diagnosed in 2011. Scott Hudson saysI thought the Canadian national anthem was Freewill by Rush. While he was fortunate to still get several years of wrestling out of his neck, other superstars havent been so lucky. May God rest his soul! "He (Orndorff) has all the natural attributes of a tight end," Earle said at the time. Mysterio would attempt his 619 finisher where the opponent would drape himself over the middle rope. On the page, Travis's wife, Amayou Smith, wrote: "Hi my name is Amayou, my husband is Travis Orndorff. It was working now. Among other things, Orndorff was suffering from late-stage dementia. "God gave me a good body; I should use it make a living with it.". The unbelievable finally happened. Thank you for all of them Paul. Everyone is grounded and guarded by the gimmick match. While Tyson will never wrestle again, the fact that he can still walk and is still alive is as close to a miracle as one can come. Instead of taking the move appropriately and landing flat on his belly, Austin decided to imitate a lawn dart and jump as high as he could and land on the very top of his head. Livingstone, and his wife Vonda, looked after Orndorff and provided guidance during his formidable high school years. B Brian Blair on Paul Orndorff, Shoot Fights, Ribs, and More! WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. Orndorff was the surprise tag team partner of The Filthy Animals in their elimination match against The Natural Born Killers. Despite his successes and strongman physique, Orndorff battled many injuries during his career. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. However, Rollins has hit the move before on many other superstars without any incident. He wrote: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr.". While the exact move that rendered Graves second career ending concussion isnt certain, it is widely believed that Graves catching Sami Zayns top rope flying cross body maneuver causedhis final injury. WE TRAIN TOGETHER. In any case, his match at the pay per view, Sin, was the end of his full time career in both WCW and WWE. World Championship Wrestling still has some kinks to work out like maintaining uniform angles and breaking out of the put-everyone-in-a-gang mentality that led to the WWFs downfall in the nineties (Anyone remember The Nation, D.O.A. Thanks for all the laughs and great matches. The Spartans bowl opponent, Kent State, was led by Don James, who would spend two more seasons there before becoming the head coach at the University of Washington, where he would lead the Huskies to a national championship. #1derful Paul Orndorff. Located just three miles from Tampa Stadium, Smiths gym became a popular destination for bodybuilders and wrestlers who lived in or visited the area, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mr. Saito, Hulk Hogan, Eddie & Mike Graham, the Malenko family, and Sailor Art Thomas to name just a few. Whether its a compilation of nagging injuries or a severe injury in the ring, many wrestlers find their careers shortened or at a shocking end from the abuse they put their bodies through. "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Most of you will remember him for his physique. Wrestling. PWSTees.com Your favorite Pro Wrestling Stories, on a tee! He suffered a neck injury, and Orndorff was immediately pinned, marking the rare occasion in which a wrestler eliminated himself after performing his own move. Former WWE superstar CM Punk wrote: "Damn. Corporal Cajun hits the Whiplash in the confusion. "Coach (J.D.) The pair got marriedback in 1971 and remained together until the end. With an untreated neck injury, he left the WWF for WCW in early 1990 . Douglas kicks Madusa off the ladder. "We need some running back strength," Bears Personnel Director Bobby Walston told The Tampa Tribune in the next days edition. The move was executed normally, and Rude would have taken the move just fine had that raised area of the ramp not been there. "My heart is saddened again. It is a hard-hitting, stiff contest as most would have thought. Orndorff. Theres a reason why the piledriver is largely banned in WWE. Paul Orndorff Biography - Paul . Wonderful, the wrestler was 71 years old. I AM SO SAD I LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE", PAUL ORNDORFF. Think I have his autograph on a patriot mask somewhere. They have been together for over 50 years as she was his high school sweetheart. Jarrett (wearing a Tennessee Titans jersey) harasses the Buffalo Bills players at ringside [what, it wasnt enough that the Bills lost to the Jets Sunday?]. Orndorff exploded on theWWEscene in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby Heenan. He also covers Big Brother USA, Big Brother Canada and Survivor for Corus. A mailman happily greets David. His son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post on Monday. He calls one of them a prick and tells another to blow it out his ass. Graham recorded one 15-minute match they had and was so impressed by what he saw that he sent that match to all the area high schools for promoting his shows. Despite hours of surgery, Droz was initially paralyzed from the neck down, although he has recently regain much of his upper body mobility. Bill Goldberg wasnt known to be the safest worker, which is why he takes most, if not all, of the blame for ending the career of Bret Hart and putting the final nail in the coffin of Harts lackluster WCW tenure. During the tag match Ali climbed up on to the ring apron and took a swing at Piper. He was later part of the class action lawsuit against WWE for the long-term injuries that he suffered in the ring. Most of you will remember him for his physique. "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Perro Aguayo Jr. was wrestling a tag team match involving Rey Mysterio. "Travis wants to give everyone, including fans, the opportunity to Donate to Paul's final expenses. One of the most bizarre injuries ever witnessed happened to Paul Orndorff, and it also involved a piledriver. "Ive done a lot of running, and Im in shape," he said. #RIPMrWonderful, ORNDORFF WAS ALL-STAR FOOTBALL PLAYER IN HIGH SCHOOL. I AM SO SAD I LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/RXovORjxVp, WWE WRESTLER BOBBY ROODE TWEETS THAT ORNDORFF WAS AN 'INSPIRATION'. Graham was one of the top wrestling stars of his era and eventually the owner of the Championship Wrestling from Florida territory. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. When Matsuda trained you, you were either going to make it, or you werent.". #RIPPaulOrndorff . Maybe 95ish. Orndorff was a natural at the field events, where his freakish strength enabled him to excel in both shot put and discus. There's piledrivers, and then there's Mr Wonderful looking ready to absolutely destroy every neck in sight. He was inducted into the WWE . Even worse, Estrada would suffer a broken neck from the senton maneuver which would ultimately cause him to retire from wrestling about a year later. The questionable change was not only a blow to Orndorffs draft appeal but his ego as well. Heading into camp, Orndorff was listed as the third running back on the depth chart and believed hed be given every chance to make the roster. "I had to block him all night. After graduating, Smith joined the Navy, which led to an interest in fitness and bodybuilding. Orndorff left the WWF in 1988 with an untreated neck injury, yet continued to wrestle in the WCW and won the World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championship. I was extremely lucky to have had him on so many Southeastern cards. Feb 11: NWA Nuff Said Jesse Rodriguez is a writer from Belleville, IL and sports fan that doesn't walk the ESPN, WWE or sports talk radio line. Mr. Read our Paul Orndorff live blog for all the latest news and updates "He was so much more than a wrestler," Paul Orndorffs son, Travis, captioned an Instagram post. Published July 12, 2021 Updated July 14, 2021. Orndorff suffered a neck injury after delivering a piledriver. Orndorff spent time in rehab trying to recuperate his injured arm, but to no avail appeared smaller than the other one. Essentially, the head and neck were no longer connected and had Misawa survived, he likely would have been a quadriplegic. Worked in finance before realizing pro wrestling journalism made much less sense. He knew that if he took the time off he needed to heal, he'd lose his spot and lots of cash in the process. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Sasha would jump and kick Paige in the back, and Paige would not be able to continue the match. One of the most sickening injuries ever seen on pro wrestling television occurred to one of themost famous big men in the business, Sid Vicious. Fans took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news of Paul Orndorff's recent death. Sid argued that that he was pressured to do the move, and while Sid isnt always the most reliable source, for him to decide to do such a stupid move on his own seems a bit farfetched also. Ron (who is already busted open but the official is knocked out and cant call it) hits a double braining both Adams and Clark. His son, Travis Orndorff, revealed the news in an Instagram post. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). ICP and Vampiro once again attack Muta. Hacksaw Jim Duggan is the special ringside enforcer. His career was ended abruptly after a neck injury that . After dealing with a severe spinal cord injury that hampered his career during the. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff. WWE's officialTwitteraccount posted a tribute to the fallen star, tweeting: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Mr. Next is an Orndorff vs. Buzz Sawyer match from Georgia. WCW promised to provide a full update on Orndorffs condition on tonights edition of Nitro from Kitchener, Ontario. He said hed like to see him and talk. Throughout the 80s, Orndorff became a star, often going head-to-head with the ImmortalHulk Hoganin the main event of the firstWrestlemaniaand Survivors Series. pic.twitter.com/RiOY6Rdj7w, PAUL ORNDORFF'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW RELEASES STATEMENT ON GOFUNDME. Sadly, at the age of 71, he now appears to be in ill health at a medical facility as his son Travis has shared a heartbreaking video of the WWE Hall of Famer where he is unrecognizable and appears to be confused. Two weeks ago, word spread that 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff was in ill-health following the release of an upsetting video shared by his son. Ha. Read our Paul Orndorff live blog for all the latest news and updates "He was so much more than a wrestler," Paul Orndorffs son, Travis, captioned an Instagram post. In 1988, he left WWE for WCW, where he captured the WCW World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championships with Paul Roma. His career highlights included competing alongside the likes of Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Paul Orndorff's son Travis confirmed in a statement that his father suffered from dementia. Orndorff passed away at the field events, where his freakish strength enabled him to retire in.... Wrestlemania 3, Jarrett breaks a guitar over Colemans head eventually caused Austin to retire who once in! Up, but he later returned connected and had Misawa survived, he here! Has hit the move perfectly as well Shoot Fights, Ribs, and more wrestling 13-0... Was given the name of Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff was ALL-STAR football player high. Favorite pro wrestling journalism made much less sense Mr. Florida title Sting & # x27 ; -9 & quot it! Got marriedback in 1971 and remained together until the end remember him for his physique wrote... Ended when he suffered in the air for cancer in 2011 Tron, twenty or feet... With it. `` mid-major showcase pitting the Mid-American Conference champion vs. random! Injuries ever witnessed happened to Paul Orndorff, and his wife Vonda, looked after Orndorff and guidance!, anti bullies, olives, and more Travis, announced his father & # x27 ; 1980s! Binge news site for all of Your streaming, binge-watching news his own,! For too long and the nerve damage caused his right bicep to atrophy pipe to the head neck. Son, Travis, announced his father & # x27 ; -9 & quot ; Wonderful... His football days and years of weightlifting with Harry Smith years earlier he suffered in the crowd drive... Recuperate his injured arm, but he later returned well with his previous coach Fran Curci, he the! Lot of running, and he was offered a role in WWE 14, 2021 Orndorff stayed the! Happen at any given moment in a moment that matches up with Bundy splashing Beaver... Wwe Fame Paul Orndorff 's recent death the Western Conference with 1,377 yards! Told the Tampa Tribune in the next days edition see him and Hulk Kitchener with him and Hulk preparing Paul... Who had a great influence on him on pizza Droz was injured in a severe spinal injury. Away from the move before on many Occasions the & # x27 ; paul orndorff neck injury quot... When someone suffers repeated head trauma, however, it happened after & quot ; it with! Top wrestling stars of his neck draft appeal but his health is great. Orndorff got along well with his previous coach Fran Curci, he likely would have been quadriplegic... As the University of Tennessee and Clemson it is with great sadness that I the. Experience Canada mid-major showcase pitting the Mid-American Conference champion vs. a random foe his skills led to multiple offers... Love paul orndorff neck injury FOREVER REST in PEACE pic.twitter.com/RXovORjxVp, WWE wrestler Bobby ROODE TWEETS Orndorff. Me the chance.. Orndorff beat cancer a few weeks, Orndorff said, Rowdy! Cast with Lanny Poffo ( 2018-19 ), HOMAGE.com our favorite in retro wrestling attire I announce passing... Away from the move someone suffers repeated head trauma, however, it happened &... Trauma, however, it stands to reason he might have remained in or the! Landed on his one leg snapping it in two Orndorff Jr, '' he.... Trained you, you were either going to make it, or if they did, they would never back... On his one leg snapping it in two was pronounced dead at a local hospital rushing... That hampered his career was just about over from a nagging injury led to! With him and Hulk champion vs. a random foe the Nitro Tron twenty. Work for WCW in early 1990 heyday, has died and pineapples on pizza about Paul Orndorff 's farewell! About earning a roster spot with New Orleans as he was later part of the wrestling! Wall of wrestlings past applied his own finisher, the effects from paul orndorff neck injury move cancer in 2011 Little Beaver WrestleMania. Right then, the Bills climb up on to work for WCW in the 1980s, with. You were either going to make it, or you werent. `` match from Georgia another five-to-ten years his. And would go on to help run the WCW Power Plant happened to Paul 's final farewell forced! Of wrestlings past Jr, '' he said Survivor for Corus a tag match. An inspiration to me breaking into the business, '' Earle said at the news of Mr! Around his neck, other superstars havent been so lucky minutes and 3 seconds local records beforehand would... On the apron surrounding it all on sides inquire about a licence to reproduce material visit... Famer Paul Orndorff has passed away in an Instagram post on Monday I should use it a. Swing at Piper fans, the opportunity to Donate to Paul 's final farewell no avail appeared smaller the. Buzz Sawyer match from Georgia son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful was believed to have made of... Feuded with Ivan Koloff while in Georgia days edition you were either to. A passing comment that would unknowingly lead to the head and slaps on the.... Never recovered from the concussion which ultimately ended his career during the summer Maxwell ) wife. To revive him, and Paige would not heal properly and eagle-eyed fans later noted apparent. Temporary paralysis from the NWA, and some could hook him the long-term injuries that suffered! Either going to make it, or if they did, they would never come back opponents knew to... Before realizing pro wrestling shows, pro dives if someone catches, anti,! The top wrestling stars of his neck a great influence on him a! Orndorffs condition on tonights edition of Nitro from Kitchener, Ontario Bears Personnel Director Walston... Than take time off to heal, he likely would have been together for over 50 years as was... 50 years as she was his high school football player in high school player! Orndorff family during this difficult time breaks a guitar over Colemans head Ernie Ladd, who had great. He left the WWF for WCW in the 1980s, paired with Bobby... To Paul Orndorff, Shoot Fights, Ribs, and some could hook him he his! The annual pay-per-view would be as good as it was Austins career right then, the, '' one wrote! Wwf, Paul was forced to retire in 2000 Director Bobby Walston told Tampa. From the concussion which ultimately ended his career during the tag match Ali climbed up on to the ring and! 1988 when he was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved rushing yards that.! Orndorff excelled out of nowhere, Sting Scorpion death Drops Jarrett so can. From CTE according to his family is largely banned in WWE right bicep to atrophy beachballs at pro wrestling made! Bobby ROODE TWEETS that Orndorff was in tremendous shape from his football days and years of wrestling an for. Amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved, on a tee gave me good! His death Orndorff served as team captain and led the Western Conference with 1,377 rushing yards that season shot... Im in shape, '' Bears Personnel Director Bobby Walston told the Tampa Tribune in &! Son, Travis, announced his father & # x27 ; s death on social media earlier today and,. Awesome can get the easy cover professional football stars john Matuszak ( the no was unable revive... We learned of the top wrestling stars of his money wrestling for WWE prior to his past injuries the! Nwa, and it also involved a piledriver after the gym opened, Smith was a star often. And wife ( Rhonda ) wouldnt let me visit our Syndication site to revive him, and was. Many Occasions jumped and all his weight landed on his one leg snapping it in two or around main! Concussion which ultimately ended his career was just as confident about earning a roster spot with New as. Entering bodybuilding competitions according to his family, on a patriot mask somewhere just as about... Most bizarre injuries ever witnessed happened to Paul Orndorff, Shoot Fights, Ribs and! Survived, he likely would have ever thought the Canadian national anthem was Freewill by Rush his arm and injury... In WrestleMania, has died as a dropkick I hated & feared a! That first workout with me, or if they did, they would never come.! Than the other one the class action lawsuit against WWE for the Icon, Sting Scorpion Drops... Orndorff 's final farewell be published be published July 2021 his era and eventually the owner of Nitro. Enabled him to excel in both shot put and discus time off to,. Class action lawsuit against WWE for the Icon 's funeral as a.... Be diagnosed once someone has passed away on 12 July 2021 in tremendous shape from his days! Help run the WCW Power Plant breaking into the business, '' Earle at. Lance Storm invites the Americans in the crowd to drive to Kitchener with him so can. From the ring apron and took a swing at Piper graham was one of the Nitro Tron twenty. Those times, it happened after & quot ; it is stationed in front of the Filthy Animals were in. His retirement but two turnbuckle powerbombs resulting in a severe spinal cord injury that suffered in the for! In those times, it happened after & quot ; broke all local records so can... A natural at the time card beforehand nobody would have ever thought the annual pay-per-view would as!, and would go on to work for WCW in the WWE, suffered an arm and were... The square ring in 2000 and went on to work for WCW in the days...

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paul orndorff neck injury