LEGENDARY former wrestler Bobby Duncum Sr. has died on the age of 81.
Duncum was a part of a notable era of athletes who transitioned from skilled soccer to wrestling.
The unhappy information was confirmed on Wednesday by the Cauliflower Alley membership.
In a heartfelt assertion, the membership stated: “Our heartfelt condolences to the household, pals, and followers of the legendary Bobby Duncum, who has handed away on the age of 81.
“Bobby’s distinctive voice, toughness, dedication, and contributions to the game left an enduring mark on skilled wrestling. Relaxation in peace.”
In a tribute posted on the WWE web site, the corporate wrote: “One of the crucial feared villains of the territories, the rugged cowboy from Austin, Texas, was as robust as they got here.
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“WWE extends its condolences to Duncum Sr.’s household, pals and followers.”
Ex-wrestler John “Bradshaw” Layfield revealed in a put up to social media that he had learn Duncum’s eulogy at his funeral.
He stated: “Bobby Jr and I had been roommates once we began, I did his eulogy when he sadly handed.
“Only a nice household. Mr Duncum was all the time so form, only a good man to be around-he had this aura about him, was cool to be in his presence. RIP”
Born in 1944, Duncum was a standout athlete and former American soccer participant.
He performed as a sort out at West Texas A&M – a program recognized for producing future wrestlers.
Duncum was later drafted by St. Louis Cardinals within the 1967 NFL Draft.
Nevertheless, his professional soccer profession was solely temporary, showing in simply 4 video games.
Even earlier than the draft, Duncum had begun coaching as an expert wrestler.
He was educated by future NWA champion Dory Funk Jr and had his first official wrestling match in late 1966.
By 1969, he dedicated to wrestling full-time.
He competed throughout main U.S. territories, together with Florida and Georgia.
His profession quickly expanded internationally, touring Japan with All Japan Professional Wrestling in 1973.
Duncum debuted at Madison Sq. Backyard in 1974, defeating Haystacks Calhoun.
That led to high-profile matches with Bruno Sammartino.
His most sustained success got here within the AWA, the place he joined The Heenan Household and received the AWA Tag Staff Titles with Blackjack Lanza.
He continued to wrestle into the Nineteen Eighties, dealing with legends similar to Bob Backlund, Andre the Large, Antonio Inoki, and Hulk Hogan.
Duncum later wrestled below the masked persona “The Mummy” in Southwest Championship Wrestling
His legacy prolonged to his son – Bobby Duncum Jr. – who adopted him into wrestling.
Sadly, he tragically died of a drug overdose in 2000 on the age of 34.
Bobby Duncum Sr. leaves behind a robust legacy in wrestling historical past.
