Just as the WWE was celebrating the success of their Old School Raw, they faced the loss of one of the favorite characters from that era, William Moody aka Paul Bearer.
The World Wrestling Entertainment annouced Moody's passing yesterday. "WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of William Moody, aka Paul Bearer." "Moody made his WWE debut in 1991 as the manager of the Undertaker and went on to become a memorable part of WWE over the course of the next 20 years. Our deepest condolences go out to Moody's family, friends and fans."
News of his death spread quickly with fans and wrestlers filling social media with tributes and condolences to the man best known as manager of WWE's Undertaker and Kane. As Paul Bearer, Moody was best known for managing the Undertaker. Staying true to his name, he would come to the ring dressed as an evil mortician and carrying a golden urn. In an industry where it's nature is often dog-eat-dog in and out of the ring, wrestlers quickly tweeted about Moody's kindness and generosity.
Hulk Hogan: "Very sad about Paul Bearer, he was a great person and one of the original boys, he was what made werstling great much love much respect HH"
Triple H: "Rest in peace, Paul Bearer. You will never be forgotten. There will never be another. #PaulBearer"
Shawn Michaels: "I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Bearer. Our prayers go out to him and his family. God Bless!!"
Michael Cole: "So sad. We lost a great person and a wonderful man today. Rest in peace paul bearer. God bless his family and Godspeed."
Dusty Rhodes: "R.I.P Paul, always a Pro. And a real kind man, may your family be strong, and you be with God"
AJ Lee: "#RIPPaulBearer When I first met Paul Bearer I completely marked out and he was kind enough to humor me. So sweet & humble. Such a legend."
Details of his death are unknown, however TMZ has reported that "he reportedly suffered from serious health problems over the past decade...including morbid obesity and gallbladder issues."