rowdy-roddy-piper

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper, RIP

Rowdy Roddy Piper

Sad news from the world of wrestling — WWE star “Rowdy” Roddy Piper died in his sleep on Thursday night from cardiac arrest. From ESPN:

“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 and CEO Vince McMahon. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

Roddy Piper was added to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. John Shearer/WireImage for BWR Public Relations
Piper, born Roderick Toombs, joined WWE in 1984. He teamed with Paul Orndorff on March 31, 1985, to take on Hulk Hogan and Mr. T at Madison Square Garden in Wrestlemania’s first main event.

Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, Piper was well-known for his microphone skills and often hosted the Piper’s Pit segment during WWE shows. He is the second Hall of Famer to die this summer following the June death of Dusty Rhodes.

In addition to pro wrestling, Piper also acted, most notably in John Carpenter’s great 1988 darkly comic, highly subversive thriller They Live. You can watch Piper’s “I came here to chew bubblegum” and famously epic fight scene with Keith David below.

Roddy, you will be missed. Rest in peace.