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"Superstar" Billy Graham
American wrestler (1943–2023) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eldridge Wayne Coleman Jr.[4] (June 7, 1943 – May 17, 2023), better known by his ring name "Superstar" Billy Graham, was an American professional wrestler. He gained recognition for his tenure as the WWF Heavyweight Champion from 1977 to 1978. He was a three-time world champion in major professional wrestling promotions. As an award-winning bodybuilder, he was a training partner and close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was most remembered for revolutionizing the interview, which resembled the interviewing style of boxer Muhammad Ali, and physique aspects of the professional wrestling industry, and for his charismatic performance style.[5]
For the American Christian evangelist, see Billy Graham. For the American professional wrestling manager, see Billy Gram.
Quick Facts Birth name, Born ...
"Superstar" Billy Graham | |
---|---|
![]() Graham as WWF World Champion, c. 1977 | |
Birth name | Eldridge Wayne Coleman Jr. |
Born | (1943-06-07)June 7, 1943 Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
Died | May 17, 2023(2023-05-17) (aged 79) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
Spouse(s) |
Valerie Coleman (m. 1979) |
Children | 2 |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | "Superstar" Billy Graham[1] Wayne Coleman[2] |
Billed height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)[1] |
Billed weight | 275 lb (125 kg)[1] |
Billed from | Paradise Valley, Arizona[1][3] |
Trained by | Stu Hart[2] |
Debut | 1970 |
Retired | 1987 |
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