Former World Wrestling Federation superstar Paul Orndorff — better known to fans as “Mr. Wonderful” — has died following “recent health struggles,” his son has announced. He was 71 years old.
Orndorff along with Junkyard Dog and Ted DiBiase are reasons many folks that grew up in the Mid-South were wrestling fans. His son, Travis, wrote:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Junior,” his son, Travis Orndorff, wrote Monday on Instagram. “Most of you will remember him for his physique. Many will remember his intensity. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart.”
“As much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it.”
Orndorff, who had a successful beginning in Mid-South Wrestling, made his WWF debut in 1984 and found himself wrestling Hulk Hogan for the championship less than a month later. He went on to appear in the very first Wrestlemania in 1985. He left the WWF in 1988 and went on to wrestle for the WCW before retiring.
