Pro wrestling legend Billy Graham has sadly passed away at the age of 79.
As reported by TMZ Sports, the sports entertainment pioneer's family revealed that he died on Wednesday (May 17) after being taken off life support. His wife and daughter were by his side.
WWE penned an emotional tribute to Graham - whose full name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman - on their website, writing: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Superstar' Billy Graham has passed away.
"A former WWE Champion, Graham’s flashy fashion style, over-the-top interviews, and bodybuilder physique created the archetype for a generation of Superstars that followed in his footsteps," they added.
According to the renowned wrestler's GoFundMe - which was published before his death - he was hospitalized in January with an infection in his ears that spread to his ear bones and skull.
He had been in the ICU for many weeks and reportedly battled a number of other health issues, including acute kidney failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and hearing loss.
Earlier this week, his wife Valerie revealed on Facebook that he was on life support and asked for "urgent prayers" for her husband.
"The doctors wanted to remove him from life support tonight, I refused. He’s a fighter and his will is strong even if his body isn’t. God is our hope," she added.
Graham is a three-time former world champion professional wrestler, including a 1977-78 title run in the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation) - the promotion that eventually became WWE.
As well as his work in WWF, the star made a name for himself in the American Wrestling Association and even struck up a bodybuilding friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, having helped influence the careers of superstars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Ric Flair, Jesse Ventura, and Scott Steiner.
In addition to this, Graham was also famously known for using the word "brother" in his promos, something that eventually become a staple print in Hogan's entire wrestling career.
The veteran Flair was among those paying tribute to the late icon. He wrote: "The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left Us. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career!"
WWE manager Paul Heyman also reflected on the late star's impressive career, writing: "Before Billy Graham, performers in WWWF / WWF/ WWE were known as professional wrestlers. After Billy Graham left his mark, Vincent Kennedy McMahon decided everyone would be a WWE Superstar. A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!"
Sean 'X-Pac' Waltman shared a throwback snap of Graham and tweeted: "This is the version of Superstar Billy Graham I got to see in FL. He would come out to Kung Fu Fighting & I loved it! RIP to the most copied man ever in Pro Wrestling."
Our thoughts are with Graham's family and friends at this time.
