Heartbreaking last photo of ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham shows WWE Hall-of-Famer ‘in fight of his life’ before tragic death
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WEEKS before his tragic death, a heartbreaking photo of “Superstar” Billy Graham along with his son revealed that the former champion was in “the fight of his life.”
Graham – real name, Eldridge Wayne Coleman – had been in the hospital since January after being diagnosed with an ear and skull infection, his family said.
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A photo of the former World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) Champion giving a thumbs up while in a hospital bed was shared by his son, Joe.
Joe stated that the photo was taken on April 25, 2023, and that it had been four months since his father had been home.
“He has either been at the rehab center, or in the hospital,” said Joe.
“Due to ongoing issues from his lack of appetite, he has now lost 80 pounds and subsequently continues to struggle with extreme weakness.”
Joe also shared that his father had struggled with kidney issues and was on dialysis along with heart and lung concerns, bed sores, and depression.
Because of Graham’s constant medical care, Joe explained that the family was struggling financially to cover the costs, also revealing that Graham and his wife, Valerie, contracted Covid-19 a few months prior.
“And unfortunately In Valerie’s case she continues to struggle with what is now Long Covid and as a result, she has had to extend her LOA, consequently this has left them with absolutely no income,” he wrote.
“The emotional strain of not being able to visit her husband, due to Covid, along with the deep concern over his health as well as their financial difficulties is heart-wrenching and very stressful for them both.
“Anyone who could find it in their heart to donate any amount, would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Please help, and pray for the superstar to recover, and get back home where he belongs. God Bless you all, thank you. He is in the fight of his life.”
A GoFundMe page was shared with a $50,000 goal that has reached more than $21,000 at the time of writing.
SUPERSTAR GONE
On Wednesday, Graham’s family confirmed that he died after being taken off life support at the age of 79 with his wife and daughter beside him.
Sixteen-time world champion Ric Fair tweeted that Graham had “left us.”
“THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career!” Flair wrote.
Following the news of Graham’s death, fans and fellow wrestlers shared tributes to the star’s career.
Two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee, X-Pac shared a photo of a much-younger Graham.
“This is the version of Superstar Billy Graham I got to see in FL,” he wrote. “He would come out to Kung Fu Fighting & I loved it! RIP to the most copied man ever in Pro Wrestling.”
Fellow hall of fame, The Iron Sheik shared a photo of him and Graham on Twitter, writing: “SUPERSTAR BILLY GRAHAM. ONE OF MY FIRST TEACHERS OF THE HEAT. THE REAL LEGEND BUBBA. HE LOVE ME I LOVE HIM. TOGETHER WE HIT THE GYM AND SHOCK THE EARTH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BROTHER. RIP.”
WORLD CHAMPION
“Superstar” Billy Graham started out as a bodybuilder, winning competitions as a teenager before training under iconic wrestler and trainer, Stu Hart.
He appeared in Hart’s promotion, Stampede Wrestling on January 16, 1970, in a match against Dan Kroffat.
At first, he performed under his real name but soon adopted the name Billy Graham – modeled after the famous evangelist of the same name.
Over time, he crafted his flamboyant persona which he became known for, becoming a fan favorite with his entertaining interviews.
Graham made his in-ring debut for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in October 1975 in a tag-team match with Spiros Arion.
Together, the duo defeated then-WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino and Dominic De Nucci.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated named him the Most Hated Wrestler of 1973, before giving him Match of the Year accolades for his bouts with Sammartino and Bob Backlund.
His career served as an inspiration to several wrestlers, many who he trained including Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Scott Steiner, and Jesse Ventura.
In 2004, Graham was inducted into the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame by Ventura.
He is survived by his wife, Valerie, whom he married in 1978.
Graham also had two children from a previous marriage, daughter Capella and son Joey, whose godfather was wrestler, Dusty Rhodes.
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