WWE legend ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin pays tribute to Hall of Fame superstar Billy Graham after his death at age 79: ‘He influenced a lot of people…he was all about the showmanship of it’
- Graham passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79 after battling “a host of health issues.”
- He became influential for many of the most popular wrestlers, such as Ric Flair
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‘Stone Cold’ Steven Austin is just the latest popular ring name to pay his respects to ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham after the WWE Hall of Famer passed away on May 17.
Austin, who has the most WWE Royal Rumble wins (three), recalled the huge impact Graham had on wrestling and the way it inspired him to become one of the best in the sport.
“I’ve been following his career very closely,” said the 58-year-old TMZ. “He started getting so entertaining with his promos that the audience started to like him, which is what happened to me.
‘He was great. He was all about the showmanship and physique, and he had a different vibe and a great promo.
“He influenced a lot of people.”
‘Stone Cold’ Steven Austin talked about the effect ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham had on his career
Graham passed away on Wednesday after battling “a host of health issues” in recent months
Graham died on Wednesday at the age of 79 after battling a “myriad of health issues” during his life support.
The 1977-1978 WWWF heavyweight champion was hospitalized for several months with “a host of very serious health problems” and, he said, had been in ICU for many weeks. a GoFundMe page set up to help him and his family.
He suffered from acute renal failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes and hearing loss. Graham was also hospitalized in January with an infection in his ears that spread to his ear bones and skull.
The wrestler’s wife, Valerie, previously shared an update on Graham’s health on his official Facebook page on May 15, two days before his death, revealing that she had initially refused to take his life.
Graham had an impressive bodybuilding career before becoming a WWE Hall of Famer
Austin (L) has the most WWE Royal Rumble wins (three). Pictured at WrestleMania X8
“Please urgent prayers needed for my husband,” she wrote. “The doctors wanted to take him off the ventilator tonight. I refused.
“He is a fighter and his will is strong, even if his body is not. God is our hope.’
Prior to his pursuit of a career outside of wrestling, Graham – born Eldridge Wayne Coleman – tried out for the Canadian Football League, but rose to fame for an impressive bodybuilding career.
Starting in 1969, he made a name for himself in the ring, before signing with several promotions and making his debut six years later with the WWE – then known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation.
Graham’s in-arena look became influential for many of the most popular wrestlers of the era – including Austin Idol, Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, who paid tribute to “Superstar” after learning of his death.