Paul Orndoff, known to wrestling fans as "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, has passed away at age 71.
His son, Travis Orndorff made the announcement on Instagram.
Travis wrote, "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."
Fans can donate to the GoFundMe by clicking here.
Orndorff made his wrestling debut in 1976 and wrestled for both WCW and WWE along with the NWA, Mid-South, and more. He headlined the first WrestleMania, teaming with Roddy Piper against Mr. T and Hulk Hogan.
Orndorff suffered a neck injury at WCW Fall Brawl 2000, which ended his career. He helped run the WCW Power Plant after retiring and did wrestle one more time in 2017, competing in a six-man tag team match at CWE 8th Anniversary Show Tour.
He is a former NWA National Heavyweight Champion, WCW World Tag Team Champion, WCW World Television Champion, Mid-South Tag Team Champion, and NWA World Tag Team Champion.
He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and made a couple of WWE TV appearances in 2014, first at WrestleMania XXX and against during Hulk Hogan's birthday celebration on WWE Raw in August.
In May 2021, Travis informed fans that his father was suffering from dementia as a result of CTE. Orndorff was part of the concussion lawsuit against WWE.
Fightful would like to extend its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Paul Orndorff.
