As a fan of professional wrestling in the 1980s, it was impossible not to know who Paul Orndorff was as he put on some of the best matches while teaming with Hulk Hogan and later feuding with him.
To this day, I insist that he touched down first in his WWF World Heavyweight Championship Steel Cage match against Hulk Hogan on Saturday Night’s Main Event.
It’s because of those memories and his time in WCW that he was one of my all time favorites, and it hurts to share the news that he passed away today at the age of 71.
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff has passed away.
His son Travis Orndorff made a post on Instagram announcing the news:
"And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved." pic.twitter.com/pM7zUxwV8u
— Voices of Wrestling (@voiceswrestling) July 12, 2021
Announcement
The announcement came in the last hour from his son, Travis Orndorff, via Instagram.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. . He is better known as “Mr. #1derful” Paul Orndorff. 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. He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. I love you Daddy.
“A donation page is available in my bio for funeral expenses. Any close friends whom would like to speak at his funeral, please message me on Instagram Travis_Orndorff.” – Travis Orndorff.
Our hearts go out to Travis and his family during this difficult time.
@awrestlinghistorian had a touching personal tribute to him on his page, along with the following quote from Mr. Wonderful.
“The bottom line is that I did really good. Let’s face it, you wrestle both guys like that 8-10 minutes a piece that is going to wear you out, but I never gave up. Hiro Matsuda invited me back the next day. They invited me back between 6-8 months. Hiro Matsuda and Bob Backlund trained me and put me through Hell.
“Finally, I got my first match, but they never told me anything other than what they told me the first day. I take it very seriously. My passion for this business for 25 years was up here. I had a passion for it. I loved it. I trained and respected it, and I did everything that I could to help this business, and to help me.” – Paul Orndorff, WrestlingInc interview 2009
Thank you for all of the memories, Mr. Wonderful.
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