Muhammad Ali Has Passed Away at 74

This isn’t exactly wrestling news, but there are just some moments that are too big to be ignored. Even more importantly, there are some men that are too iconic to not celebrate their life.

We are deeply saddened to report that Muhammad Ali has tragically died at the age of 74 tonight, but the impact he left on sports and the world in general are too important to be soured by death.

Ali’s contributions to professional wrestling are also important to this industry as well, and WWE acknowledged that with the following statement:

“WWE is saddened to learn that two-time world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali passed away at age 74 on June 3, 2016.

The Louisville native won six Kentucky Golden Glove Championships and the gold medal for the United States as a light heavyweight in Rome’s 1960 Summer Olympics before beginning his professional career.

Ali also made history for his historic boxer vs. wrestler match against WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki in Tokyo on June 26, 1976. The fight is regarded as a precursor to modern mixed martial arts.

In 1985, Ali made his mark in WWE history when he was one of the special guest referees for the main event of the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden. The bout featured WWE Champion Hulk Hogan and pop culture icon Mr. T against “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. During the contest, Ali climbed up onto the ring apron and took a swing at Piper.

WWE extends its condolences to Ali’s family, friends and fans.”

Editor’s Note: 

There are a lot of fantastic things to be said about this man. For me personally, Muhammad Ali was a figure who taught me the value of having a voice before I knew I had my own. He taught me that if you must throw punches, you need to be able to explain why you threw them.

The truth is influenced me to become a stronger and better person by only reading about him. That is not only the measure of a great man but the standard we all should try to live our lives trying to honor. He shook up the world, and it’s still shaking.