Superstar Billy Graham Has Passed Away

[MichaelWinicki]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ot...illy-graham-has-passed-away-at-79/ar-AA1bkzyI

Most professional wrestlers "copiers" rather than "trend setters".

Superstar Billy Graham was a trend setter.

Between the colorful ring attire, the physique and the mic skills he was the template for many wrestlers that came after him.

In a lot of ways he was underrated.

He held the WWWF title belt for the longest period of time a "heel" wrestler had up to that point in time–And he was so good at what he did that, that he was getting cheered as a "heel" champion.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Sad news. I read he wasn't doing well the last few days so this isn't a big surprise. Really loved watching him. Was always a big fan even in his heel run. I agree he was underrated. And he was ahead of his time. A true legend. I think it's cool Ric made the announcement.

RIP Billy.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

One of the greats, his poor body had been through so much lately. RIP.

 

[Plankton]

You know that a guy had a great look and gimmick when he was liberally copied by many wrestlers over time. Without Graham, there's no Hogan or Ventura. One of the all time great heels. RIP.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

This interview from back in 1975, as Superstar Billy Graham was just entering the then WWWF, paints the complete picture of why this guy was so great and revolutionary in the business...



Just a fantastic interview and laid the groundwork for great mic-work for... Well ever since then.

But Billy's mic-work was unrehearsed with no script. That makes it even more remarkable.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

One of the greats, his poor body had been through so much lately. RIP.

And really he started having physical issues around 1980 I guess.

He was always bitter about not being able to stay WWWF Champion, but I don't think his body would have held up.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

One other think about SBG...

Most have forgotten that he participated in the "Superbowl of Wrestling" in Tampa, FL in 1978, in a very rare title vs title match with then NWA Champion Harley Race.

And with many things SBG related–It was revolutionary at the time.

 

[gtb1943]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ot...illy-graham-has-passed-away-at-79/ar-AA1bkzyI

Most professional wrestlers "copiers" rather than "trend setters".

Superstar Billy Graham was a trend setter.

Between the colorful ring attire, the physique and the mic skills he was the template for many wrestlers that came after him.

In a lot of ways he was underrated.

He held the WWWF title belt for the longest period of time a "heel" wrestler had up to that point in time–And he was so good at what he did that, that he was getting cheered as a "heel" champion.

Old enough to remember when he first started out in the Midwest in the early 70's. wow do I feel old.

 

[SMASHMOUTH9473]

This interview from back in 1975, as Superstar Billy Graham was just entering the then WWWF, paints the complete picture of why this guy was so great and revolutionary in the business...



Just a fantastic interview and laid the groundwork for great mic-work for... Well ever since then.

But Billy's mic-work was unrehearsed with no script. That makes it even more remarkable.

If one closed their eyes and just listened to the interview they would think Dusty Rhodes was talking !!

 

[Duane]

There is no Hulk Hogan or Jesse "The Body" Ventura without Superstar. And so many other guys copied parts of his look and promo. He was one of the very few people that you can call a true innovator and legend.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

There is no Hulk Hogan or Jesse "The Body" Ventura without Superstar. And so many other guys copied parts of his look and promo. He was one of the very few people that you can call a true innovator and legend.

And he admits in his later "shoot" interviews that he wasn't a good wrestler inside the ring... On par with Hogan and Ventura, but he managed to sell-out Madison Square Garden month after month.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

If one closed their eyes and just listened to the interview they would think Dusty Rhodes was talking !!

Graham didn't have to "jump a babyface" or anything like that to generate "heat".

That first TV interview locked it in.

People wanted to pay to see his butt kicked.

But over time, more and more enjoyed his schtick and paid to see him.

 

[timb2]

You know that a guy had a great look and gimmick when he was liberally copied by many wrestlers over time. Without Graham, there's no Hogan or Ventura. One of the all time great heels. RIP.

Also Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner

 

[Stash]

There is no Hulk Hogan or Jesse "The Body" Ventura without Superstar. And so many other guys copied parts of his look and promo. He was one of the very few people that you can call a true innovator and legend.

Nope. He was definitely the first. He took the business from the barrel-chested brawlers, to the bodybuilder behemoth. McMahon Jr said he would have stuck with Graham as Champion if he had been in charge rather than his father. But senior had an agreement in place to make Bob Backlund the Champion.

 

[darthseinfeld]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ot...illy-graham-has-passed-away-at-79/ar-AA1bkzyI

Most professional wrestlers "copiers" rather than "trend setters".

Superstar Billy Graham was a trend setter.

Between the colorful ring attire, the physique and the mic skills he was the template for many wrestlers that came after him.

In a lot of ways he was underrated.

He held the WWWF title belt for the longest period of time a "heel" wrestler had up to that point in time–And he was so good at what he did that, that he was getting cheered as a "heel" champion.

SBG was maybe 5 years or so before my time. Never watched him at his height, but his influence was very apparent

 

[darthseinfeld]

Nope. He was definitely the first. He took the business from the barrel-chested brawlers, to the bodybuilder behemoth. McMahon Jr said he would have stuck with Graham as Champion if he had been in charge rather than his father. But senior had an agreement in place to make Bob Backlund the Champion.

I remember when they tried bring Backlund back yearsssssss later as a heel lol

 

[Stash]

I remember when they tried bring Backlund back yearsssssss later as a heel lol

That was wild. He was a raving lunatic at that point. But that man was TOUGH!