Superstar Billy Graham, one of the most influential and charismatic performers in the history of professional wrestling, died on Wednesday at the age of 79. He had been battling multiple health issues for years and was hospitalized for over four months before his death.
Graham, whose real name was Eldridge Wayne Coleman, was a former WWE champion who revolutionized the on-screen characters of wrestlers with his flashy fashion style, over-the-top interviews, and bodybuilder physique. He created the archetype for a generation of superstars that followed in his footsteps, such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura.
In this article, we will pay tribute to the legacy of Superstar Billy Graham and look back at his remarkable career and impact on the wrestling industry.
From Bodybuilding to Wrestling
Graham was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1943 and grew up in a poor family. He was interested in sports and bodybuilding from a young age and competed in several contests. He also had a brief stint in the Canadian Football League as a defensive tackle for the Montreal Alouettes.
He was introduced to professional wrestling by legendary promoter Stu Hart, who trained him in Calgary, Alberta. He made his debut in 1970 and soon adopted the ring name “Superstar” Billy Graham, inspired by the evangelist of the same name.
He worked for various promotions across North America, such as the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF). He developed his charismatic persona and became known for his colorful outfits, dyed hair and beard, and catchphrases like “The man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!”
The WWWF/WWF/WWE Champion
Graham joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), later renamed World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and now WWE, in 1975. He was managed by “The Grand Wizard” Ernie Roth and quickly rose to the main event scene.
He challenged Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship several times but failed to win the title. He finally achieved his goal on April 30, 1977, when he defeated Sammartino at Baltimore’s Civic Center after nearly 20 minutes of action.
Graham became the first villain to hold the WWWF title and also the first to win it with a muscular physique. He defended his title against challengers like Dusty Rhodes, Ivan Putski, Mil Mascaras, and Bob Backlund. He also feuded with legends like Andre The Giant, Pedro Morales, and Don Muraco.
He held the title for nearly 10 months before losing it to Backlund on February 20, 1978, at Madison Square Garden. He left the WWWF shortly after and returned to other promotions like AWA and NWA.
He came back to WWF in 1982 as a fan favorite and adopted a new look inspired by martial artist Bruce Lee. He had a brief feud with The Iron Sheik but soon left again due to health problems.
He made another comeback in 1986 as a heel again and aligned himself with “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart. He had a rivalry with Hulk Hogan over the WWF Championship but failed to regain the title. He also faced newcomers like Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase.
He retired from active wrestling in 1988 after suffering a hip injury. He then became a commentator for WWF until 1990.
The WWE Hall of Famer
Graham was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 by Triple H, who praised him as one of his idols and mentors. Graham thanked his fans and peers for their support and said he was honored to be part of the wrestling family.
He also received other accolades throughout his career, such as being ranked No. 277 on Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s list of the top 500 wrestlers of all time in 2003 and being named one of WWE’s top 50 villains in history in 2012.
He remained involved with WWE as an ambassador and occasional guest star. He appeared on shows like Raw, SmackDown, and Legends House. He also participated in documentaries and interviews about his life and career.
The Health Issues
Graham had a long history of drug abuse that affected his health severely. He admitted that he used steroids for most of his career to enhance his physique and performance. He also used other substances like cocaine, painkillers, and alcohol.
He suffered from various ailments such as hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, heart problems, and pneumonia. He underwent a liver transplant in 2002 but continued to have complications.
He was hospitalized several times over the years and often asked for prayers from his fans on social media. He also advocated for more awareness and regulation of drug use in wrestling.
He died on May 18, 2023, at a hospital in Phoenix. His wife Valerie announced his death on Facebook and said he passed away peacefully with her by his side.
The Tributes
The wrestling world mourned the loss of Superstar Billy Graham and paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms. Many wrestlers expressed their gratitude for his influence on their careers and praised him as a pioneer and legend.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon said Graham was “one of sports entertainment’s most innovative performers” who “captivated audiences around the world”. WWE President Nick Khan said Graham was “a trailblazer who inspired generations”.
WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, Edge, and Booker T shared their memories of working with or watching Graham. Current WWE stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Big E, and Drew McIntyre also honored him as an icon.
Other wrestling personalities like Paul Heyman, Eric Bischoff, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Jim Cornette, and Dave Meltzer also paid their respects to Graham. Fans also expressed their condolences and appreciation for Graham’s legacy.
The Conclusion
Superstar Billy Graham was one of the most influential wrestlers ever who changed the face of sports entertainment with his charisma, style, and physique. He was a champion, a hall of fame, and a superstar in every sense of the word. He will be missed by many but never forgotten.
