Rest in peace pro wrestling legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Late Thursday night at the age of 61 Piper passed away in his sleep at his home in Hollywood, California. A close friend and onetime training partner with “Judo” Gene LeBell, Piper help broker the passing of the nickname torch to current UFC bantamweight champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey.
When attending WWE shows Rousey would normally be dressed in Piper’s signature “Hot Rod” t-shirt; one of the most popular pro wrestling t-shirt deigns ever.
Rousey competes at UFC 190 tonight in Brazil and has already stated she will dedicate her fight to the late great Piper. Back in May Piper, a 2005 WWE Hall of Famer, sat down to interview Rousey on his Podcast One Piper’s Pit podcast. The hour long show cover a wide range of topics with both Piper and Rousey having a few laughs along the way.
In wrestling Piper was best known for his feuds with Jimmy Snuka, Mr. T, Hulk Hogan, and Adrian Adonis. Piper is survived by his wife Kitty and their 4 kids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SlLx8FZ_1Y
Thank you for the name…. And so much more…. Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow…. This… https://t.co/FQUqZEVh0Q
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 1, 2015
#RIPRoddyPiper Thank you for so many memories. You will always be one of my all time favorites. pic.twitter.com/IIcONTfyAk
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) July 31, 2015