“Rowdy” Roddy Piper Has Reportedly Died at Age 61

Just months after the death of one WWE Hall of Famer, Dusty Rhodes, it appears WWE is dealing with the death of another legend. TMZ reports “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at age 61.

TMZ said in its piece Piper died as a result of cardiac arrest, a report confirmed by his rep. A portion of the report reads:

Wrestling legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61… TMZ Sports has learned. 

Piper — born Roderick George Toombs — died from cardiac arrest in his sleep at his home in Hollywood at around noon Friday. 

Piper was a wrestling icon — one of the biggest stars in the WWE back in the ’80s, and even wrestled in “Wrestlemania I” back in 1985 … squaring off against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T. 

Roddy’s rep tells us, “I am devastated at this news.”

“Rod was a good friend as well as a client and one of the most generous, sincere and authentic people I have ever known. This is a true loss to us all.”

Piper was largely known as one of the greatest heels in all of professional wrestling, popularized by his ability to talk and his intensity inside and outside of the ring. His “Piper’s Pit” segments were among the most popular in-ring segments ever produced, often helping propel other stars in the process.

His last full involvement with WWE, outside of a few appearances here and there, was as a cast of “WWE Legends’ House,” where he was primarily focused on as the main character.

As noted by TMZ, Piper struggled with Hodgkins Lymphoma, which put him in poor health at times. However, the indication was he was fully in the clear and was in good health.

It was noted recently Piper came to the defense of Hulk Hogan following the leaking of racial slurs he uttered nearly a decade ago. This was the last known public disclosure by Piper, it would appear.

Stay with Wrestling Rumors for more information as it becomes available.

Editor’s Note

A shocking moment for the wrestling world. Hard to process.