Rest in Peace, Rowdy: Fans React to Roddy Piper’s Passing

Pro-wrestling and WWE legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper passed away last Friday due to cardiac arrest in his sleep. He was 61.

Born Roderick George Toombs, Roddy Piper is without a doubt one of the greatest stars the world of professional wrestling has ever seen. He was the perennial bad guy to Hulk Hogan during the Rock N’ Wrestling era in the 1980s. He headlined the first ever Wrestlemania, teaming up with “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff against Hulk Hogan and Mister T. He took on Mister T again in a boxing match in Wrestlemania 2, losing via disqualification after bodyslamming Mr. T. His Piper’s Pit interview segments were unforgettable and always fun to watch (if somehow you weren’t enraged by the pro-wrestler’s antics).

He was the lovable ass-kicker in John Carpenter’s cult classic They Live.

He’s the top ranked villain in WWE’s Top 50 Villains in Wrestling History. He’s a WWE Hall of Famer and deservedly so. He personified legend in and out of the ring, in every sense of the word.

Roddy’s death will be felt by fans for a long time to come. Friends, family and fans took to social media to express their grief:

8. Chris Jericho

Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Wrestlemania rival #RoddyPiper. One of the greatest who ever lived, but more importantly a legit sweet family man with a good heart. God bless you Rod….See you on the other side. #RIPHotRod

A photo posted by Chris Jericho (@chrisjerichofozzy) on Jul 31, 2015 at 3:43pm PDT

7. John Cena

One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy.

— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 31, 2015

6. Ric Flair

I’ll miss you @R_Roddy_Piper. The world will never be as Rowdy without you. #RIPRoddyPiper — Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) August 1, 2015

The Nature Boy also added these words to his former rival and tag team partner: “We’ve shared the ring, traveled the world, maintained a friendship throughout the ups and downs of the wrestling world, and battled to see who was the better heel. It’s almost impossible to express my grief. My condolences to his children and to his wife Kitty. I’ll miss you Roddy. The world will never be as Rowdy without you.”  

5. Ronda Rousey

 

Thank you for the name…. And so much more…. Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow…. This one’s for you Roddy….

 

A photo posted by rondarousey (@rondarousey) on Jul 31, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

Ronda Rousey used the “Rowdy” nickname as a tribute to Piper, and even called the wrestler to ask for permission to use it. Piper gave Rousey his blessing, and Rowdy Ronda hasn’t stopped kicking ass ever since.

4. The Rock

RIP legend. I first met this wrestling icon when I was 12yrs old when he was wrestling my pops the WWE. For weeks and weeks after that meeting I would have my mom set up a video camera in the kitchen as I would “become” Hot Rod and mimmic and emulate his every word, style, swag, heat, cool cockiness and all delivered with his classic smile (and my awful 12yr old afro).He was a huge influence on me as a kid and an even bigger one when I became The Rock in the WWE. Thank you Roddy for all the talks, all the stories (especially the crazy ones about my grandfather and grandmother) all the advice and most importantly.. all the memories of you entertaining us fans. You’re missed my friend. Heaven just got a lil’ rowdier… Rest in love ~ DJ #JustWhenTheyThinkTheyHaveAllTheAnswers #HotRodChangesTheQuestions A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Jul 31, 2015 at 4:36pm PDT

3. RIP to Two of the Greats

“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes also passed away earlier this year due to complications from an injury. Pro-wrestling wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for these two.

2. Still Kicking Ass

He’s forever chewing (and running out of) bubblegum and kicking ass.

1. The Big Ring in the Sky

Let’s take the time to think and thank all the greats who have entertained us through these years. Thank them for all the times they made us laugh and cry. For all the times they helped us believe in this otherwise make-believe world. For helping us believe in ourselves. For the times they put a smile on our faces, for making us feel larger than life. May these legends rest in peace.

Thank you, Roddy.