Travis Orndorff, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndroff, one of the legitimately toughest men to ever enter professional wrestling and one of Hulk Hogan's greatest foes, announced that this father passed away today at 71 years old.
"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."
Orndorff is is most well known for his run in the World Wrestling Federation had a long running career that spanned many different territories, including NWA Tri State and Mid-South wrestling, where I JUST posted this on my site yesterday. Where he came to the ring dressed as "Mr. Wrestling 2" and attacked Ernie Ladd, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqfAwx4tIms&list=PLCBQY5S2PJkKCMGvtqPsLshJqRPrNSiXI&index=6
He also wrestled in Georgia Championship Wrestling, where he feuded with Buzz Sawyer (Those matches can be found on YouTube and are well worth watching). Memphis where he feuded with jerry Lawler, Southeast Championship Wrestling where he teamed with Dick Slater. In Mid-South he was a North American champion and he also did a stint in New Japan Pro Wrestling as well.
After his run in the WWF he was semi retired due to an arm injury he left untreated for a long time, but in May of 1990 Paul made his return to wrestling by going to work for WCW. He was there from may until August. he then popped up as a main featured attraction for Herb Abrams's UWF. He feuded wirth Dr. Death Steve Williams, as wells as reigniting a feud with Bob Orton jr.
He also made appearances in the AWF (American Wrestling federation) as well as the National Wrestling League before arriving in Smokey MNountain Wrestling in 1992. he feuded with many there including Ronnie Garvin that included a very publicized "piledriver" match which was won by Garvin. Orndorff was "fired" from the SMW after piledriving a referee in frustration. He then returned to WCW soon after that.
After his WCW run which included working behind the scenes, he had made different appearances and on May 3, 2017, Orndorff had his first match since 2000. The event was a CWE (Canadian Wrestling's Elite) held in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Where he won in a six-man tag team match at age 67.
He held many championships and had a legitimate tough guy reputation, especially after having a well publicized locker room fight with Vader in WCW. He was a true talent and will be missed by many.
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