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Legendary WWE star Roddy Piper dies

The 61-year-old - who headlined the first-ever WWE Wrestlemania 30 years ago - suffered a heart attack in his sleep

Legendary WWE star Roddy Piper dies

Legendary wrestling star “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61.

The WWE Hall of Famer suffered a heart attack in his sleep on Thursday and his body was discovered yesterday.

Piper - real name Roderick Toombs - won more than 30 titles in his career, including the WWE Intercontinental Championship and in March 1985 he headlined the first-ever WWE WrestleMania when he and Paul Orndorff fought Hulk Hogan and Mr T.

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Outside the ring he became a colour commentator and his Piper’s Pit section became a highlight of WWE programming since 1995. He also hosted a very popular podcast of the same name.

Even though he wore a kilt and feigned being Scottish, popular bad guy Piper was born and bred in Canada.

Roddy Piper gives Chris Jericho a hard time during WrestleMania 25 in April 2009
Roddy Piper gives Chris Jericho a hard time during WrestleMania 25 in April 2009

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon led the tributes to the star, saying: “Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

John Cena, wrestling’s biggest contemporary name, added: “One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy.”

Piper successfully battled cancer in 2006 and is survived by his wife Kitty and their four children.

His death is the latest in a recent line of wrestling legends from the last 30 years, Dusty Rhodes having died last month aged 69.