“Superstar” Billy Graham set the blueprint for a professional wrestling stardom.
Graham—whose birth name was Eldridge Wayne Coleman—died Wednesday of organ failure and infections. His spirit will live on in pro wrestling, where he will forever remain a trailblazer.
An innovative approach helped Graham lay the foundation for the modern-day industry. His success was attained through chiseled looks and an abundance of charisma. He was among the first six men to win the WWE—then WWWF—championship. Though the inaugural champ, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, was captivating, no one before Graham possessed the rare mix of larger-than-life features that made him so distinguishable. He played the role of a villain, but he spoke in sound clips and memorable catchphrases, both of which have become beloved trademarks of pro wrestling.
