Concurrent with his Hollywood career, Piper made numerous comebacks to the WWF, WCW, TNA, and the re-named WWE. Although he was Canadian, Piper played up on his supposed Scottish heritage by often wearing kilts outside of the ring and playing the bagpipes.
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Piper inspired UFC fighter Ronda Rousey to take the “Rowdy” nickname.
Apart from Hogan, other wrestling champs also paid tribute to the late professional wrestler online.
“Thank you for the name….”
In 1984 he joined Vince Mcmahon ” s World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), coming in as a heel character and initially fronting his own interview segment, “Piper’s Pit”.
The Hall of Fame wrestler was a frequent guest at comic conventions around the country where he was very popular with fans and fellow guests.
“Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our father and beloved husband, Roderick Toombs aka Rowdy Roddy Piper. #ThankYouRoddy #RIP”. The two squared off in the first WrestleMania in 1985 and in a television special that year, “The War to Settle the Score“, on MTV. Although Piper was never a World Champion, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest villains in wrestling history. “A brawl at the end of that fight led to the first WrestleMania“.
Piper went on to star in a slew of movies and TV series, including several projects that are now in post-production. “Bless You My Brother”, Mr. T tweeted.
Piper also starred in the 1988 John Carpenter cult classic sci-fi film “They Live“.
He originated the movie’s most famous line, in which he warns his adversaries: “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass”.
Upon hearing the news of Roddy’s death, his good friend Hulk revealed how much he’ll miss the wrestling legend.
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Today the World Wrestling Entertainment announced “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has passed away.
