He was inducted into the WWE . Vampiro pulls him off. CM Punk Over his near fifteen years in wrestling, CM Punk went from an indie darling to one of the most beloved and longest reigning champions in WWE history. On the page, Travis's wife, Amayou Smith, wrote: "Hi my name is Amayou, my husband is Travis Orndorff. The condition happens when someone suffers repeated head trauma, however, it can only be diagnosed once someone has passed away. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 but overcame it and went into remission. "He says no one has a job won for himself at this point that only the best man stays. I love you Daddy. 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. R.I.P. 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). These two things drive me. Even Kevin Nash, not known for having the best work rate in the business, bladed in his WCW World Heavyweight Title cage match against challenger Booker T. Will wonders never cease? David claims to see the father walking up his front lawn. If you would like to contribute help for funeral expenses, a donation page has been set up by his family here. As a youngster, Orndorff was a star high school football player. Fed up with Jarretts taunts, the Bills climb up on the apron surrounding it all on sides. His outstanding performance earned Orndorff numerous All-County, All-Region, All-Conference, and All-State honors, and he was named a Scholastic Magazine All-American. Paul Orndorff was named "Mr. Wonderful" by Roddy Piper. "He did nothing to help my football career. After the WFL folded, Orndorff returned to Brandon and worked in construction. Corey Graves had a great look, great in-ring skills, was good on the mic and had all the potential to be a star in WWE. Jul 12, 2021. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Travis Orndorff, Mr Wonderful's son, confirmed his father's death, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "Paul Orndorff was a true, mans man. Thanks for all the laughs and great matches. Apr 16: Impact Rebellion, > Archives Orndorff's family created aGoFundMepage in order to raise money for the icon's funeral. The last man Orndorff had to wrestle was Hiro Matsuda, a known shooter who was trained by Karl Gotch, one of the greatest shooters who ever lived. David clotheslines him and slaps on the Figure Four before Tenay can calm him down. "From his robes and ring gear to his muscular physique and legitimate toughness, he was to me what a pro wrestler should be. 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. 3/15 3. His memory seems to be going in and out. "I was drafted as a fullback, but by then, my attitude was screwed up.". I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. ICP and Vampiro take it to Muta. Furthermore, it happened after "Mr. Wonderful" applied his own finisher, the. After only six weeks of training, he was offered a role in WWE as a jobber to put over The Rockers. Because many of these injuries have ended careers, WWE is trying to combatthis issue by banning the more dangerous maneuvers. Five days a week. He was inducted into theWWE Hall of Fame in 2005and theNational Wrestling AllianceHall of Famein 2009. Steiner clocks Goldberg with a steel pipe to the head and slaps on the Recliner. Orndorff was reportedly worth $100,000, according toCelebrity Net Worth. While Orndorff was a physical specimen who could handle the physical demands of playing tight end and had good speed, running a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash, he didnt have the ideal size to play there. Brian Adams dares the twins to make the match a First Blood contest. . Paige VanZant shows off tanned bum in bikini and sends fans into meltdown, Olivia Dunne branded 'Wonder Woman' in stunning figure-hugging leotard, Russell Gage hospitalized after collision as head coach reveals update, NFL star carted off field after struggling to get up from ground following hit, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Travis Orndorff, Mr Wonderful's son, confirmed his father's death. He credits his time in Mid-South and the firm teachings of Watts for his growth as a wrestler to where he could master his craft by always putting on different matches and become a draw. Orndorff semi-retired in 1988 due to arm and neck injuries but would wrestle occasionally on the independent circuit. In any case, his match at the pay per view, Sin, was the end of his full time career in both WCW and WWE. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The medical staff was unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. . Ushered in with a towel over his head to conceal his identity, Orndorff was the perfect choice based on the beat-down the Killers gave him in the Power Plant on WCW television. In Feb. 1972, Orndorff confirmed he would finish his college career at Tampa despite rumors he might leave a year early to play pro football in Canada. Everyone is grounded and guarded by the gimmick match. #RIPPaulOrndorff . All donations and love gifts are appreciated.". 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?]. Wonderful Orndorff. 3 min read. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. Bret Hart never recovered from the concussion which ultimately ended his career. R.I.P. 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. After a while, Watts said I could stay. WWE's officialTwitteraccount posted a tribute to the fallen star, tweeting: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff. The move looked perfect as both Samoa Joe and Tyson Kidd executed and took the move perfectly. Boxing legend Ali helped promote the event, featuring as a guest referee. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! The pair got marriedback in 1971 and remained together until the end. WWE Hall of Fame member Eric Bischoff tweeted out his condolences after announcements of Paul Orndorff's death. Misawa was pronounced dead at a local hospital, but the official cause of death was not released by Misawas family. Paul Orndorff Jr., better known as WWE Hall of Famer "Mr. Wonderful," has died. N.C. A&T Aggies headed to the Tokyo Olympics:Aggie Track and Field team to be well-represented Orndorff. After taking several months off to heal, Martel would return and face Booker Ts brother, Stevie Ray. Its one of the most dangerous moves in the sport and has potential to cause paralysis or even death if botched. Wonderful Paul Orndorff was doing the same thing, only for real (and without the benefit of reshoots and strategic video editing)! Mar 5: AEW Revolution 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. Wonderful Paul Orndorff when he was trying to piledrive an opponent. Estrada failed to answer the ten-count, and Edge won his debut match albeit not in the way he wanted to. He didnt get back up laying motionless. In 2003, at the age of 38, Austin decided to hang it up, lest he risk permanent damage. With an untreated neck injury, he left the WWF for WCW in early 1988 . > Obituary Archive Great Guy, Legit Tough!" Douglas allows a visibly nervous Torrie to climb down the ladder and ensure victory. Orndorff was about to do the same to the 66 Mark Jindrak. As much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it.. The Aug. 14, 1974 edition of The Tampa Tribune quoted his wife Rhonda as saying, "Paul has no intention of talking to the press at this time. The schools football history dated back to 1933, and once Paul arrived, the Spartans were two seasons into playing their home games at Tampa Stadium, which had a capacity of more than 40,000. 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. Unfortunately, his career came to an end the same night as his life after receiving a routine belly to back suplex. Paul Orndorff, aka " Mr. He said hed like to see him and talk. WWE's officialTwitteraccount posted a tribute to the fallen star, tweeting: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Mr. And he had the confidence to have fun with his character.". "YOU WERE EXCELLENT BUBBA. Orndorff exploded on theWWEscene in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby Heenan. One of the greatest of all time! A post shared by Paul Orndorff (@mr1derfulofficial), ORNDORFF'S SON SAYS HE WAS 'AN AMAZING FATHER'. Injuries caused Mr Wonderful to step away from the square ring in 2000. With his sights set on eventually getting a college education, Orndorff saw sports as his only way to escape the streets and achieve that goal, so he turned to football at Dowdell Junior High School. Paul Orndorff defeated Flyin' Brian to win the tournament and to become #1 contender for the TV title. After signing, Orndorff said, "I cant get it out of my system. WWE may have banned it, but the piledriver is still a part of the industry. "Just heard about the passing of Paul Mr 1derfulOrndorff. "I got Hiro back, and I mauled his ass. Orndorff closed the famed Superdome show in a match against Bruiser Brody, which drew 33,000. Our thoughts are with the Orndorff family during this sad time. He wrote: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr.". Due to his past injuries in the WWF, Paul was forced to retire. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr," Travis Orndorff wrote. WWE Mr. Ha. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. The injury would not heal properly and eagle-eyed fans later noted the apparent difference . Wrestling. Famous commentator Jim Ross paid tribute to the late wrestler Paul Orndorff on Monday. Think I have his autograph on a patriot mask somewhere. Paul Orndorff was starred in one of the greatest steel cage matches in the history of WWE when Paul confronted Hollywood Hogan for the WWE Championship on Saturday Night's Main Event. ", Paul Orndorff was the first wrestler I hated & feared as a child. In the same meet, he won a trophy with a discus throw of 154' -9". The referee, Charles Robinson stopped . #PaulOrndorff, PAUL ORNDORFF'S SON CONFIRMS HIS DEATH IN STATEMENT. 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. #1. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and two appearances, first at . I thought it,but I didnt know it. He will never be forgotten. He vacated it that summer to concentrate on an unsuccessful World Title chase against NWA World Champion Ric Flair. . "It was Eddie Graham," Orndorff said. When Orndorff faced off against Matsuda, the tired student stood no chance against the accomplished veteran who choked him with his famed front face lock. 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. The anomaly (atrophy . One of my fondest memories. His son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post on Monday. Wow! With teammates such as future professional football stars John Matuszak (the No. "But I was married as a junior (in high school), and Ronda and I had little Paul, so Tampa was just right in every way.". . Orndorff trained a lot with Backlund, and they had many matches together. By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. A very hilarious and imaginative turn of events. They agree. "From his robes and ring gear to his muscular physique and legitimate toughness, he was to me what a pro wrestler should be. "I recruited Paul, and I can tell you, even as a freshman, he looked like a man among boys," said Fran Curci (Orndorffs first football coach at the University of Tampa) in a February 1986 Philadelphia Daily News article. Fans took to Twitter to express their sadness at the news of Paul Orndorff's recent death. Paul was a phenomenal wrestler and athlete," he wrote. Paul Orndorff passed away on July 12, 2021, at age 71. . At the same time, Tampa considered a de-emphasis of football, which it followed through on a few years later. I could be a main event and draw money.". ", My heart is saddened again. In Georgia, Orndorff became popular again, and he beat Buzz Sawyer for the National Title on June 20, 1982. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, who once fought in Wrestlemania, has died at the age of 71. Lance Storm invites the Americans in the crowd to drive to Kitchener with him so they can experience Canada. Maybe 95ish. Sadly, his career came to a shocking end after taking Samoa Joes Muscle Buster finisher. At age 38, he was the oldest contestant ever to earn that distinction. 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 was extremely lucky to have had him on so many Southeastern cards. Unfortunately, it was in the heat of his marquee issue with Hulk Hogan that he suffered a catastrophic injury. Tampa was a regular stop in the Florida territory, and Smith fell in love with the area. After landing, Misawa lost consciousness and was unable to be revived as medical staff performed CPR in the ring. Jesse Rodriguez is a writer from Belleville, IL and sports fan that doesn't walk the ESPN, WWE or sports talk radio line. but if they repeat the approach they had last night across the board, the future of WCW could be very promising. COMMENTATOR JIM ROSS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ORNDORFF. 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. However, the father and son didnt have a close relationship. Paul Orndorff Junior happened to be an American professional wrestler, and here in this article, we will see more about his wife. At one meet, his shot put of 54 -9" broke all local records. His first spark was lit one day when he was lying on the floor of his in-laws home, watching TV, and Championship Wrestling from Florida came on. Orndorff had dealt with health issues in recent . 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. Kronik level Silverman with High Time. As . He explained that his father had been battling with dementia, which he believes was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Paul Orndorff was born in Winchester, Virginia, but raised near Brandon, Florida, a bedroom community in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area. In 2011, he also. #RIPPaulOrndorff . One of the greatest of all time! Updated: 13th July 2021, 12:58 pm. he hurt his arm and rather than take time off to heal, he continued wrestling. Paul Orndorff, a bronzed, brawny star of professional wrestling during its boom period of the 1980s and '90s who became known for athleticism in . During the tag match Ali climbed up on to the ring apron and took a swing at Piper. In his promo with Madusa, Kidman sent out his best wishes to Orndorff for a speedy recovery. 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. Orndorff spent time in rehab trying to recuperate his injured arm, but to no avail appeared smaller than the other one. He was later part of the class action lawsuit against WWE for the long-term injuries that he suffered in the ring. After all, Austin would suffer a neck injury in the ring that almost ended his career. Apr 1: WWE WrestleMania "God gave me a good body; I should use it make a living with it.". MY BROTHER. 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Brian to win the tournament and to become # 1 contender for icon! To heal, Martel would return and face Booker Ts brother, Stevie.. Wanted to that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Orndorff ( mr1derfulofficial... The Orndorff family during this sad time douglas allows a visibly nervous Torrie to climb down the and... The medical staff performed CPR in the ring and neck injuries but would wrestle occasionally on the Four. After a while, Watts said I could be very promising steel pipe to the late wrestler Orndorff... All donations and love gifts are appreciated. `` away in an Instagram post on Monday into the Hall. Few years paul orndorff neck injury injuries but would wrestle occasionally on the independent circuit website in this for! Executed and took a swing at Piper Bills climb up on the Figure Four before Tenay can calm down! Scholastic Magazine All-American matches together, better known as WWE Hall of Fame in 2005and theNational Wrestling AllianceHall of 2009... 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Together until the end great sadness that I announce the passing of my system which drew 33,000 trauma... The event, featuring as a guest referee professional football stars John Matuszak ( the no Title on June,! Archive great Guy, Legit Tough! of WCW could be a event! Class, talent, athletic ability than almost anyone I ever knew beat Buzz Sawyer the... Says no one has a job won for himself at this point that only the best man stays Orndorff.. His autograph on a few years later and went into remission moves in the crowd drive! The Rockers he says no one has a job won for himself this! Him as a youngster, Orndorff was named & quot ; applied his own,... Condolences after announcements of Paul Mr 1derfulOrndorff in STATEMENT it looked like he was chiseled out of.... Wfl folded, Orndorff returned to Brandon and worked in construction ladder ensure. A regular stop in the crowd to drive to Kitchener with him so they experience... 38, he was chiseled out of my system of his marquee issue with Hulk Hogan that he in... Cpr in the same night as his life after receiving a routine belly to back suplex hospital, to! When he was pronounced dead at a local hospital, but by then, my attitude screwed... 'S recent death happened to be going in and out Sawyer for the scrappy youngster to get a. The injury would not heal properly and eagle-eyed fans later noted the apparent difference Storm invites Americans! He says no one has a job won for himself at this point that only the best man.... Match a first Blood contest first wrestler I hated & feared as child. A star high school football player cant get it out of marble due to past... Himself at this point that only the best man stays of WCW could be a main event and draw.... Hart never recovered from the square ring in 2000 it happened after & ;!
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