35 Facts About Roddy Piper's Death

Roddy Piper, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, captivated audiences with his charisma and in-ring prowess. His untimely death on July 31, 2015, left fans and fellow wrestlers mourning the loss of an icon. Here are 35 facts about Roddy Piper's life, career, and death.

Early Life and Career

Piper's journey to wrestling stardom began in Canada, where he faced numerous challenges.

1. Roddy Piper was born Roderick George Toombs on April 17, 1954, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
2. Piper's childhood was marked by frequent moves and a tumultuous home life. His father, a police officer who worked for the railroad, was often absent, leading to a strained relationship.
3. At the age of six, Piper found solace in learning to play the bagpipes. This skill would later become an integral part of his wrestling persona.
4. Piper began his professional wrestling career at just 15 years old. He competed in a match against Larry "The Axe" Henning in Winnipeg, losing in just 10 seconds.
5. During his teenage years, Piper lived in a youth hostel. A priest offered him $25 to compete in a professional wrestling match, marking the beginning of his wrestling career.

Rise to Fame

Piper's early career was filled with memorable feuds and rivalries that helped establish his reputation.

6. Piper earned his first wrestling name as "Roddy the Piper" due to his use of the bagpipes.
7. His early wrestling career was marked by well-publicized feuds with notable wrestlers like "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka. The Snuka feud gained notoriety when Piper cracked a coconut over Snuka's head during a TV segment called "Piper's Pit".
8. One of Piper's most iconic feuds was with Hulk Hogan. This rivalry helped cement his status as a top villain in the WWF (now WWE).
9. In 2005, Piper was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his contributions to professional wrestling.

Personal Life and Health Issues

Despite his success in the ring, Piper faced numerous personal and health challenges.

10. Piper had four children with his wife, Kitty. His children often spoke about the difficulty of having a father who was on the road for most months of the year.
11. Piper struggled with high blood pressure throughout his life. This condition ultimately contributed to his death.
12. In 2006, Piper was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He successfully beat the cancer.
13. In a 2003 HBO special, Piper eerily predicted that he wouldn't make it to age 65 due to his poor health. This prediction was tragically proven correct when he passed away at 61.

Final Days and Cause of Death

Piper's last days were marked by a noticeable decline in health, leading to his untimely death.

14. In the days leading up to his death, Piper appeared on "The Rich Eisen Show". He struggled to collect his thoughts and stay focused, a stark contrast to his usual self.
15. Piper died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot in one of his lungs. This was a result of his long-standing hypertension.
16. Before his death, Piper left a voicemail for his longtime friend Hulk Hogan. He said that he was "just walking with Jesus."
17. News of Piper's death broke minutes before the Hall of Heroes dinner at the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Legends FanFest. The event was attended by about 600 current and former wrestling personalities and fans, who held a ten-bell salute in his honor.

Legacy and Tributes

Piper's impact on wrestling and his legacy continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow wrestlers.

18. WWE CEO Vince McMahon paid tribute to Piper. He called Piper "one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE."
19. Film director John Carpenter also paid his respects. He called Piper a "great wrestler, a masterful entertainer and a good friend."
20. Piper's legacy as the ultimate wrestling villain continues to live on. His influence can be seen in wrestlers like Ronda Rousey, who adopted the "Rowdy" moniker for her WWE debut in 2018.
21. Piper was cremated and his ashes laid to rest at Crescent Grove Cemetery in Tigard, Oregon. His family and fans continue to honor his memory through various tributes and celebrations of his life and career.

Family and Influence

Piper's family and his influence on future generations of wrestlers highlight his enduring impact.

22. Piper's daughter, Ariel Teal Toombs, feels an obligation to carry on her father's legacy. She has written a biography about him, titled "Rowdy: The Roddy Piper Story."
23. Ariel Toombs described her father as a "very street-smart person." His street smarts helped him succeed in the wrestling world despite his lack of formal education.
24. Piper's convincing performance as a villain led to multiple attempts on his life. Despite these threats, he continued to thrive in the wrestling world.
25. The MTV special "The War to Settle the Score" showcased Piper's feud with Hulk Hogan. This event was a significant moment in wrestling history.

Unique Traits and High-Risk Lifestyle

Piper's unique traits and high-risk lifestyle added to his legendary status.

26. Piper often referred to the bagpipes as his entire life. He used them as a way to escape when he didn't have any place to go.
27. Piper led a high-risk lifestyle, which included being stabbed three times, being down in an airplane, and dating the Bearded Lady. He also claimed to have been in 30 car crashes, none of which were his fault, although he later admitted that they probably were.
28. In addition to predicting his own death, Piper made other prophetic statements. He once said, "Just when they think they got the answers, I change the questions."
29. Piper used wrestling and boxing as ways to get out his pent-up anger and aggression. These stress-relieving techniques helped him channel his emotions into his career.

Memorable Moments and Health Struggles

Piper's career was filled with memorable moments, but his health struggles were a constant battle.

30. Piper's first match against Larry "The Axe" Hennig was the shortest match ever at the Winnipeg Arena. It lasted only 10 seconds.
31. Piper's segment on WWF television called "Piper's Pit" became infamous for its confrontational nature. The segment often featured Piper cracking a coconut over his opponents' heads.
32. Piper's high blood pressure was a persistent health issue throughout his life. Despite his efforts to manage it, his hypertension ultimately contributed to his death.
33. In 2006, Piper was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma but successfully beat the cancer. This experience likely made him more aware of his health and the risks associated with his lifestyle.
34. Piper's final performance on "The Rich Eisen Show" was a poignant reminder of his declining health. His struggles to collect his thoughts and stay focused were a stark contrast to his usual self.
35. Piper's influence on pro wrestling is immeasurable. He helped shape the golden age of the 1980s and inspired future generations of wrestlers.

Roddy Piper's Enduring Legacy

Roddy Piper's life was a wild ride filled with highs and lows. From his tough childhood to becoming a wrestling legend, Piper's story is one of grit and determination. His death on July 31, 2015, at 61, was a shock to fans worldwide. Piper's health struggles, including high blood pressure and a battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, ultimately led to his passing from a heart attack caused by a blood clot in his lung.

Despite his untimely death, Piper's influence on professional wrestling remains strong. His iconic feuds, memorable moments on "Piper's Pit," and larger-than-life persona continue to inspire wrestlers and entertain fans. Piper's legacy lives on through his children, who have followed in his footsteps, and through the countless tributes from the wrestling community. Roddy Piper will always be remembered as one of wrestling's greatest villains and a true icon.