By Geno McGahee
The sad news came in that legendary pro-wrestler, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has died at the age of 61. In the 1980s, Piper was the top heel for the WWF (WWE), having great feuds with Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Mr. T and Hulk Hogan. He was a great part of the “Rock and Wrestling Connection” and was essential in the popularity of the company at that time. He was the man that the fans loved to hate.
Piper would turn face and have a memorable feud with “Adorable” Adrian Adonis before leaving wrestling and going into film. Piper would star in a wrestling film “BODY SLAM”, a sci-fi B movie “HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN” before finding cinematic gold with the John Carpenter horror classic “THEY LIVE.”
A return to wrestling proved successful and he proved his versatility by playing any role that was needed at the time. He did commentary, management, good guy and bad guy. He adapted to every role and he came up in wrestling when it was nearly impossible. Due to his toughness and imagination, he became a superstar and easily one of the biggest names in the history of the game.
Main events in both WWF (WWE) and WCW attracted the fans and even in his advanced years, his returns were always met with respect from the viewing audience. They don’t make them like Piper anymore.
Scared Stiff says goodbye to “Hot Rod” Roddy Piper. R.I.P.
