WWE rocked by death of King Kong Bundy aged 61
Former wrestling star King Kong Bundy has died aged 61.
The heartbreaking news was announced by his friend David Herro.
“Today we lost a Legend and a man I consider family. Rest in Peace Chris. We love you. Thank you for believing in me,” he wrote.
Today we lost a Legend of a performer and someone that I considered family. @RealKKBundy Rest In Peace my friend. Thank you for believing in me. #KingKongBundy pic.twitter.com/b53l4xjhGi
— David Herro (@DavidHerro) March 5, 2019
Bundy, or Chris Pallies, made his WWF debut in the early 1980s and rose to stardom with a storyline against Hulk Hogan.
That led to his most famous match, a world heavyweight title fight against Hogan at WrestleMania 2 in 1986.
Bundy was also known for his role on popular TV comedy Married with Children, whose main family was named after his wrestling character.
Wrestling legend Mick Foley led the tributes on social media:
Hate to hear about the passing of King Kong Bundy. He was so cool to me when I walked in that @WWE dressing room as an absolute nobody in 1986.
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) March 5, 2019
RIP my friend. Thanks for your humor and kindness. #KingKongBundy pic.twitter.com/MdzLtvyy6S
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) March 5, 2019
Wow. King Kong Bundy was soooo good and ahead of his time. He was a machine and he never ran out of gas. @WWEBigE stole his 5 count in NXT too. #RIP
— All Might Big Rus (@RusevBUL) March 5, 2019
The pro wrestling community has lost another member of the brotherhood with the passing of King Kong Bundy. The big man was a tailor-made monster heel who was imposing and intimidating. RIP Chris.
— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) March 5, 2019
Damn.
RIP King Kong Bundy.
I was barely 19 when I wrestled him. pic.twitter.com/0u8EXVpxiq— Colt Cabana (@ColtCabana) March 5, 2019
R.I.P. King Kong Bundy…another great wrestling talent gone too soon. He will be missed, but he's in good company now, like in this match… https://t.co/rhqsDS5qAD
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) March 5, 2019