Graham competed in the 1980 world's strongest man competition and finished seventh despite being injured in one of the events. “Superstar “Billy Graham v. Barry Hart (10/2/82) 3. Rumors began to spread that Billy Graham had died — which obviously turned out to be FALSE. After returning to America, Graham and Koloff made an unsuccessful attempt to launch their own wrestling promotion in Southern California. Graham's nearly two-year run in central California included a stint wrestling in Hawaii in February and March 1972. At one point officially the strongest man in the world "Superstar" Billy Graham is legendary in the world of wrestling memorable for his costumes and attitude as much as for his astounding physique. [1][9] Graham was also famous for his characteristic use of the word "brother" in his promos, referring to either commentators or fellow wrestlers. [23] In November 1976, on the invitation of Dusty Rhodes, Graham joined the NWA promotion in Florida, beating Rhodes for the Florida heavyweight title on November 22 at the West Palm Beach Auditorium. [42] His son Joey was born on March 18, 1975. Billy Graham was literally a super athlete: Bodybuilder, Powerlifter, World's Strongest Man finalist, and Pro-Wrestling Legend. He is an actor, known for WWF Championship Wrestling (1972), Saturday Night's Main Event (1985) and WWF Superstars (1986). [39] Abdullah did however wrestle for the WWWF in 1972. Graham eventually lost the title to Backlund on February 20, 1978. This FAQ is empty. [24], Graham returned to the WWWF in April 1977 after an agreement with promoter Vincent J. McMahon "Senior". [1] Coleman began to train intensively in 1968 at Gold's Gym in Santa Monica, where he worked out with Dave Draper, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Graham wrestled only two matches (one in Canada and one in Los Angeles) in the whole of 1981. The trial concluded with McMahon's acquittal. However, the strain on his hip as well as his ankles also deteriorating proved to be too much. It was during this stint, in the summer of 1985, that Graham bulked up further, and returned to his tie-dyed look, growing a full goatee and dyeing the mustache blond. Józef Bednarski is a Polish former professional wrestler and bodybuilder, best known by the ring name Ivan Putski. Some of his wrestling protégés include Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, and Ric Flair. [9], Graham returned to the WWF one more time in June 1986, now as a fan favorite. His confrontations with Rhodes continued after Graham had been forced to drop the belt to Backlund. "Superstar" Billy Graham is the ring name of Eldridge Wayne Coleman (born June 7, 1943, in Paradise Valley, Arizona), an American professional wrestler who rose to fame in the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the 1970s.. Sourced [] Billy Graham, Tangled Ropes: Superstar Billy Graham (2006) [] I lift barbell plates. [1] On October 3 at WWE Homecoming, Graham participated in a Legends Ceremony with 24 other WWE legends. [31] In his autobiography, Graham describes making the allegations as being "my most shameful moment, not only in the wrestling profession, but in my life". On October 8, 1979, Graham became the Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) World Champion. He finished seventh in this contest in spite of injuring himself in one of the events. Shortly after WrestleMania 35 on April 7, 2019, Graham was highly critical of WWE booking Kofi Kingston to win the WWE Championship, citing Kingston as being "too small" to be taken seriously as champion, and going as far as urging Kingston to take steroids to increase his muscle mass. Here are the movies we're most excited for in 2021. It was during his Californian period that Graham developed a new aspect of his character; before a match he would stage an arm wrestling contest, encouraging public challenges to his title of "Arm Wrestling Champion of the World".[16][17]. [45] He was re-hospitalized for a liver complication in October 2014. I eat T-bone steaks. Graham received criticism from fans due to his timing and opportunism. [1] Three days later, Graham appeared on Raw, where he encouraged Randy Orton to do something to make himself notable. [28] After his return, he attacked Backlund, destroying his championship belt. [40] Upon learning that his liver condition had worsened, Graham reached out to apologize to the McMahons, even offering to be a spokesman for Linda McMahon's campaign. [8] At age 26, he tried out for the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampeders but was traded to the Montreal Alouettes. His work in this period included occasional visits to St Louis, Missouri, where he took on NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race. Graham has since defended himself, comparing his box office drawing to Kingston's, as well as saying he only suggested Kingston consume, but not abuse of steroids, while also claiming he was glad to have been part of "the era of the big man" instead of WWE's current "era of the small man" and referred to Kingston's rise as a "comedy act". 191k members in the ObscureMedia community. Graham's last wrestling match, also against Butch Reed and at 44 years of age, actually took place on November 7, 1987, in St Louis, Missouri. [6] In between football engagements, he worked as a bouncer in various nightclubs in Phoenix, New York and Los Angeles. 1980: Billy Graham appeared on CBS’s “The World’s Strongest Man” competition. Graham's use of the word caught on, and since then countless wrestlers have also used "brother" in their own respective promos, most notably Hulk Hogan.[33]. [44] Graham had cirrhosis at the time of his transplant. [29], Graham signed up with the AWA again in October 1983, wrestling mainly in the Mid West. Billy Graham was born on September 10, 1943 in Paradise Valley, Arizona, USA as Eldridge Wayne Coleman. [1] On February 25, 2005, Graham appeared at another live event and was again interviewed by Coachman before knocking him out. During the Donahue taping Graham claimed to have witnessed WWF officials sexually abuse children. [3] Afterward, he announced that he probably only had one year left to live without another liver transplant. This stems from his background attending evangelical revival meetings, where everybody referred to each other as "brother" or "sister" (in Christ). Following his return from Japan, Graham formed a tag team with Dusty Rhodes. From 1978 he gained more weight and in 1980, at 325 lbs, he took part in the World's Strongest Man competition in Great Gorge, New Jersey. [1] WWE also released a DVD about Graham's career, titled 20 Years Too Soon: The "Superstar" Billy Graham Story. [26], Disillusioned by the loss of his belt, Graham left the WWWF in December 1978 and accepted an offer to join Paul Boesch's promotion in Houston, Texas, lending himself out for other NWA events in California and Florida as well. With Matt Anoai, John Cena, Ric Flair, Billy Graham. [4], Many wrestlers have based their looks and styles on Billy Graham. On 25 January 1978 in Miami, Florida at the Orange Bowl football stadium, Graham wrestled against then-NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race in a WWWF World Heavyweight Championship vs. NWA World Heavyweight Championship unification match which ended in a one-hour time-limit draw. Billy Graham was literally a super athlete: Bodybuilder, Powerlifter, Worlds Strongest Man finalist, and Pro-Wrestling Legend. Some examples are Ric Flair, Austin Idol, Scott Steiner, Triple H, Hulk Hogan and Jesse "The Body" Ventura. [1], Another feud Graham had as champion was with Dusty Rhodes, which culminated in a Texas Bullrope match. For most of October, Graham worked for the Mid Atlantic promotion in North Carolina, standing in for Ric Flair, who had just been injured in a plane crash.[21]. [18] One of his most memorable feuds was against McDaniel, with whom he wrestled numerous bouts with between 1973 and 1974. “Superstar “Billy Graham v. Jeff Craney (10/16/82) 4. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Billy Graham, Actor: WWWF Championship Wrestling. [3] Graham reserved a burial spot at the Green Acres cemetery in Scottsdale, Arizona, next to Eddie Guerrero. McMahon refused because of the handshake deal to make Backlund the new fan favorite champion and he did not want to go back on his word. [1] Graham parted ways with WWE in 2009. On November 8, 1979 Graham lost the belt to Jerry Lawler in Lexington, Kentucky. [6] He trained under Hart in Calgary before debuting on January 16, 1970 in a match with Dan Kroffat. [4], During his reign, he wrestled across America and in Japan (February 1978), facing challengers such as former champion Bruno Sammartino, Jack Brisco, Dusty Rhodes, Pedro Morales, Don Muraco, Mil Mascaras, Strong Kobayashi, Carlos Rocha and Riki Choshu. [1][9], In late December 1970 Graham went north to join Roy Shire's NWA San Francisco promotion, working with Pat Patterson (his tag-team partner), Ray Stevens, Cyclone Negro, and Peter Maivia. [11][12] At the peak of his wrestling career in 1977, Coleman weighed 275 lbs. As a headliner in Madison Square Garden, which was the WWF's primary arena throughout his tenure, Graham sold out 19 of 20 shows. [12] He challenged Backlund for the WWF Championship, but was unable to win the title. [30], Several months later, Graham joined WWE on a swing of nine televised events where he was interviewed by Jonathan Coachman (on December 28) before performing a skit which ended with Coachman getting knocked out. [31] By 2012, Graham was diagnosed with third-stage liver disease and cirrhosis. [9], On March 14, 2004, Graham was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2004, the night before WrestleMania XX, by then-World Heavyweight Champion Triple H, whom Graham had helped inspire to become a professional wrestler. *Interact with me on social media*. [46], American professional wrestler, american football player, bodybuilder, American Wrestling Association (1972–1975), World Wide Wrestling Federation and return to NWA (1975–1976), Return to AWA and third return to NWA (1983–1986), Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, World (Wide) Wrestling Federation / Entertainment, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Retired Pro-Wrestler 'Superstar' Billy Graham Released From Hospital". [1], In July 2010, Graham was hospitalized due to liver problems. [25][1][6] Although a defeat by Bob Backlund, who was to embody the virtuous "all-American" wrestler, had been written into Graham's current contract with the WWWF, Graham suggested another outcome to McMahon: that Ivan Koloff should turn on him, thus starting a feud that would make Graham a fan favorite. At this time he was able to bench press 605 lbs (the world record, held by his friend Pat Casey, was 616 lbs). “Superstar” Billy Graham competing in World’s Strongest Man competitons Disk 6. [6], Coleman was a shot put champion in high school. He also talks about his steroid use and how it has affected his life and work. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Graham made his in–ring debut in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) on October 25, 1975, in a tag-team match at the Boston Garden in which he and Spiros Arion defeated WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino and Dominic De Nucci. [32], Roberta Morgan's 1979 kayfabe book Main Event stated, "Although he is a rule bender, [Graham] has managed to stay very popular with the fans, probably because of his skill, strength, and colorful personality". Mr. America contest in New York City, where his 22-inch biceps won first place in the Best Developed Arms division. [1] He would also resume his feud with Ivan Putski. [22] At this time The Grand Wizard became Graham's manager. He debuted in the promotion with entirely new look: lean, with a bald head and mustache, and sporting black karate pants. [1] Rhodes himself, a long-time friend of Graham's, recalled these matches with Graham in 1978 as among the most exciting and memorable of his career. Eldridge Wayne Coleman[1] (born June 7, 1943), better known by his ring name "Superstar" Billy Graham, is an American former professional wrestler. [42] His daughter Capella was born on June 8, 1972. 10 Beef: Superstar Billy Graham With New Day. [6] He played in only a couple of games. By the following year he had regained his earlier body weight and in April 1984 he began his NWA run with Championship Wrestling from Florida, first as a member of Kevin Sullivan's Army of Darkness and later as the group's opponent after he tired of Sullivan's abuse of his valet Fallen Angel and stopped Sullivan from beating her at ringside. He gained recognition for his tenure because the WWWF Heavyweight Champion in 1977–1978. As he toured the north-central states and adjacent areas of Canada, Graham feuded with Gagne, The Crusher, The Bruiser, Wahoo McDaniel, Billy Robinson, Ken Patera and Ivan Koloff, the latter becoming his tag-team partner. After a few appearances, it was diagnosed in August that he required a hip replacement. [37], Graham went on a public awareness campaign regarding the dangers of steroids during this time, including an appearance with McMahon on The Phil Donahue Show in 1992. Five years after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Graham was released from his consultancy position in World Wrestling Entertainment. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Superstar_Billy_Graham [1] In April 1979 he embarked on his third IWA tour of Japan, where he wrestled the same men he had worked with in 1974. [10] One of Coleman's photo shoots with Schwarzenegger was featured that year in Joe Weider's Muscle Fitness magazine. Graham later stated that he wanted to retire the "Superstar" character out of frustration with Vince McMahon Sr. for not letting him become a fan favorite. A brief contract with the NWA in Houston, Texas followed from June to August 1976, after which Graham went on his second tour of Japan, this time accompanied by Ivan Koloff. [3][15] Later, while wrestling in Championship Wrestling from Florida, the name would serve both as his ring name and to make him the (kayfabe) youngest brother of Jerry and the other Graham Brothers (Eddie and Luke). [36], In the early 1990s, U.S. federal agents were investigating Dr. George Zahorian, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania physician who had been dispensing anabolic steroids and other drugs to World Wrestling Federation (WWF) wrestlers at WWF events. He was given the nicknames "The Polish Hammer" and "Polish Power". Superstar Billy Graham beat Tiger Conway Jr. May 23, 1980 Houston, TX Mark Lewin (sub for Atlas) beat Superstar Billy Graham June 22, 1980 Houston,TX Superstar Billy Graham & Hans Schoeder vs Jose Lothatio & El Gran Markus Superstar Billy Graham vs Jose Lothario in a singles match. [44], On January 17, 2013, Graham was hospitalized with double pneumonia and possible heart failure. He is a three-time world champion in major professional wrestling promotions. On October 2, 1972, Graham premiered in Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) based in Minneapolis, where he took on the moniker "Superstar". The footage of Graham's hip replacement surgery was shown on WWF TV on September 27 as a means of promoting his comeback. He changed his ring name to Billy Graham, as a tribute to the famous evangelist of the same name. He is most remembered for revolutionizing the interview and physique aspects of the professional wrestling industry, and for his charismatic performance style. At one point officially the strongest man in the world "Superstar" Billy Graham is legendary in the world of wrestling memorable for his costumes and attitude as much as for his astounding physique. [9][12] He left the promotion in April 1983. [14] After wrestling briefly under his real name, Coleman traveled back to the United States in May, wrestling for a few months with Dr. Jerry Graham, Brick Darrow, Rick Cahill and Ron Pritchard in Arizona before he and Jerry Graham joined the National Wrestling Alliance's Los Angeles promotion (run by Mike LeBell) as a tag team the following August. The nickname Superstar came in 1972 based from the rock opera that was really huge at the time, Jesus Christ Superstar. A relaxed place to share and discuss lesser known media: silent films, vintage exploitation flicks … [31], In November 2015, Graham announced that he had signed a legends contract (a long-term deal to make infrequent, non-wrestling appearances) in a Facebook post. [5] His father was from Mississippi, and his mother, who claimed Cherokee ancestry, was from Arkansas. Use the HTML below. Coleman began to train intensively in 1968 at Gold's Gym in Santa Monica, where he worked out with Dave Draper, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger. [43] Joey was born with double pneumonia and an enlarged heart, which was later surgically corrected. [5] Graham wrote an apology to McMahon but received no response until his 2002 liver transplant.[31]. His lawsuit was unsuccessful, partly because he had been using steroids for a decade preceding his WWF debut. [31], In July 2015, Graham sent a letter to Vince McMahon requesting to take the position of Dusty Rhodes, who had recently died, at NXT. [12], Graham returned to the now renamed World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in September 1982. This guy was so far ahead. [27] His following NWA engagements in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Texas became fewer and rarer until he stopped wrestling in April 1980. WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham pinned U.S. Heavyweight Champion Bobo Brazil July 17, 1977 New Haven, CT WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham won by COR over Chief Jay Strongbow July 18, 1977 Uniondale, Long Island, NY WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham DDQ'd Chief Jay Strongbow to a draw July 19, 1977 Tampa, FL Born: September 10, 1943 "I am the greatest - the man with the power!" This led to WWF owner Vince McMahon Jr., who admitted to being a steroid user himself, being put on trial on charges of steroid distribution in 1994. I think those early World’s Strongest Man competitions were far more entertaining even though all most all of the contestants were American. From November 1984 Graham joined Jim Crockett Promotions (Mid-Atlantic Wrestling) in North Carolina, working for Paul Jones in his feud against Jimmy Valiant. Graham spoke out against Linda McMahon during her 2010 Senate campaign, claiming that she was distancing herself from the racy programming that she profited from while acting as CEO for WWE. [31] Recalling the lawsuit on a 2003 episode of WWE Confidential, he attributed the litigation to his bitterness and claimed that he was an innovator of steroid use in the organization. [31] On March 31, 2011, The Phoenix New Times reported that Graham's doctor, Hector Rodriguez-Luna, acknowledged that Graham's advanced fibrosis may be early cirrhosis and that he could live for two more years if he took Interferon—a drug to help slow his hepatitis C—and stayed in shape. [34][35] His autobiography, Tangled Ropes, was released by WWE on January 10, 2006. He feuded with Antonio Inoki during this Japanese run. At this time he was able to bench press 605 lbs (the world record, held by his friend Pat Casey, was 616 lbs). I'm sweeter than a German chocolate cake. In September and October 1974 Graham took leave from the AWA to join the International Wrestling Alliance's "Super Wide Series" tour of Japan, where he fought such local stars as Mighty Inoue, Animal Hamaguchi and Rusher Kimura. Billy Graham was an American institution for almost six decades, counseling presidents, world leaders, Hollywood stars, the queen of England, gangsters and the common man alike. [6] He also dabbled in amateur and professional boxing, participating in the 1959 Golden Gloves. He spent some time competing in Japan in 1982, where he added some martial arts techniques to his repertoire. 277 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003, This page was last edited on 30 April 2021, at 18:36. The 500 pounds club also includes Road Warriors Hawk and Animal, along with amateur wrestler and UFC fighter Ron Waterman. During this time Graham personally sued Zahorian and the WWF, claiming that they had forced him to take steroids to maintain his position in the company. Graham has two children from a previous marriage to Madelyn Miluso. William Scott Goldberg is an American professional wrestler, actor, and former football … Graham defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship on April 30, 1977, in Baltimore, Maryland. [1] Graham later sold his WWE Hall of Fame ring to purchase anti-rejection medications to help treat his liver transplant. [5] Coleman was attracted to weight lifting in the fifth grade. 1. Eldridge Wayne Coleman (born June 7, 1943) is an American retired professional wrestler currently signed to WWE under a Legends Contract. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. He sold his Hall of Fame ring on eBay to help pay for medical bills and requested that he be entirely removed from the Hall of Fame after Abdullah the Butcher was inducted. Superstar Billy Graham.com Record Book Debut. In 1961 Coleman was the winner of the West Coast division of the Mr. Teenage America bodybuilding contest (Frank Zane winning in the East Coast division), and his photo appeared soon after in Bob Hoffman's Strength and Fitness magazine. He returned in mid-1987 and worked a heavy schedule from mid July to late October, feuding with Harley Race and Butch Reed. [19] It was during the feud with McDaniel that Superstar also teamed with Koloff to take on McDaniel and The Crusher in tag team matches. Superstar Billy Graham who recently won the WWWF Title gives probably the greatest promo/interview in the history of MSG to date! Over the next year, in between bouts of surgery, Graham worked for the WWF as a commentator. Lars Hedlund from Sweden finished second after finishing second the previous year, and Geoff Capes from the United Kingdom finished third.. The influential fighter here looks back on his life touching on his early work with the NWA and WWWF and discussing his infamous feuds. [9] After tearing his Achilles tendon, he decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling.[6]. [13], In 1969, Coleman was encouraged by professional wrestler Bob Lueck to train with Stu Hart for the latter's Stampede Wrestling promotion. In 1961 Coleman was the winner of the West Coast division of the Mr. Teenage America bodybuilding contest (Frank Zane winning in the East Coast division), and his photo appeared soon after in Bob Hoffman's Strength and Fitness magazine. In 1991 Dr. Zahorian was convicted under the U.S. federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 which prohibited the prescription of steroids for non-therapeutic purposes. Coleman was born into a working class family in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 7, 1943. [38] McMahon claimed the abuse had never taken place, and Graham later admitted that he made up the allegations, hoping to extort "hush money" out of the WWF. [1] On December 6 of the same year Coleman hosted the U.S. Invitational Powerlifting Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. ... Not everything he has had to say has been positive, but outspoken heel Sami Zayn got some glowing praise from The World’s Strongest Man recently. At one point officially the strongest man in the world "Superstar" Billy Graham is legendary in the world of wrestling memorable for his costumes and attitude as much as for his astounding ... View production, box office, & company info, 20 Years Too Soon: Superstar Billy Graham. Billy Graham made a few scattered appearances in Memphis to face Jerry Lawler in matches. Putski is a former WWF World Tag Team Champion with Tito Santana. As an award-winning bodybuilder, he was a training partner and close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Whether you watch weekly or want to join in for the big finish, get ready for these big Spring TV and streaming finales. Wrestler and World's Strongest Man competitor "Superstar" Billy Graham and, as witnessed by one of my friends on TV, French Canadian 300-pound wrestler PCO got it at 585 lbs. [41], As stated in his autobiography Tangled Ropes, Graham and his wife Valerie, whom he married in 1978, were never able to have children. 20 Years Too Soon: Superstar Billy Graham “Superstar” Billy Graham v. Victor Mercado (9/25/82) 2. As a wrestler he weight-trained continually, and in 1975 prepared for the World Bodybuilding Guild's Pro. Directed by Kevin Dunn. He gained recognition for his tenure as the WWWF Heavyweight Champion in 1977–1978. [1] Graham held the title for nine and a half months. The 1980 World's Strongest Man was the fourth edition of World's Strongest Man and was won by Bill Kazmaier from the United States. "WWE legend selling his Hall of Fame ring on eBay", "Superstar Billy Graham Made It Big in Wrestling – Now the Steroids That Got Him There May Be Killing Him", "Superstar Billy Graham returns to the WWE with Legends Contract", http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/booker-t-billy-graham-kofi-steroids/#.XLAILjBKjIU, "Full WWE Confidential Results – 9/13/03 – Superstar Billy Graham Part II", "Tv Guests Say Boy Molested At Pro-wrestling", "Superstar Graham would spit on Jericho's grave, wants out of WWE HOF", "Retired wrestler Superstar Graham seeking job with WWE", "Superstar Billy Graham undergoes surgery to fix bleeding", Superstar Billy Graham.com Hawaii State Title win, "NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship history", "NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) history", "IWA World Heavyweight Championship history", "Pro wrestling history (01/18): Ivan Koloff defeats Bruno Sammartino for WWWF title", "WWE World Heavyweight Championship - Superstar Billy Graham", "The Slammy Awards Professional Wrestlers Spoof The Oscars And Emmys", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Superstar_Billy_Graham&oldid=1020732139, Players of American football from Arizona, Professional wrestling managers and valets, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Ranked No. Abdullah did however wrestle for the WWF as a tribute to the WWWF in 1972 based from the opera. 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