WWE legend, King Kong Bundy, Is Dead

Professional wrestler King Kong Bundy, who rose to fame in the 1980s when he battled Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match, has died at the age of 61.

News of the death of the wrestler, whose real name was Christopher Pallies, was shared on Facebook by his long-time friend David Herro.

Mr Herro wrote: “Today we lost a legend and a man I consider family. Rest in peace Chris. We love you.”

Authorities have not yet revealed the cause of the famous wrestler’s death.

The wrestling industry and fans have shared their memories of the wrestler, calling him a “hero” and an “icon”.

In a statement published on its website, WWE said it was “saddened to learn that WWE legend King Kong Bundy has passed away”.

The company called the wrestler “one of the greatest and most eye-catching big men to lace up a set of boots” and offered its “condolences to Bundy’s family, friends and fans”.

The King Kong Bundy character was developed by Mr Pallies on the New Jersey wrestling scene, where he capitalised on his immense size.

According to his official WWE profile, he weighed more then 458lbs (208kg), and was known as the “walking condominium”.

He made his WWE debut in 1981, where he quickly developed his signature move ‘the five count’. Audiences would delight as he demanded the referee count to five, rather than the customary three as he pinned his opponent to the mat.

Bundy quickly rose through the ranks and achieved international fame as a rival to Hulk Hogan in the mid-1980s.

Mr Hogan expressed his sadness at the death of his former-rival, saying he was “overwhelmed” by the news.

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