Many people aren’t fans of pro wrestling. But people can’t deny the impact on society many pro wrestlers have garnered over the years. To some they are just entertainers, to others they are also big influences on their lives. Yesterday, the tragic news broke that we lost one of those influences, as wrestling and pop culture icon “Rowdy” Roddy Piper passed away at his home in Hollywood. Piper, 61, reportedly died of cardiac arrest in his sleep on Thursday night and was found on Friday. Piper had various health issues over the years, but was said to be cancer free at the time of his death. I’d like to take a moment to talk about Piper’s impact on pop culture and also his impact on my life as a wrestling fan.
Piper’s Pit
I’ve been watching pro wrestling since I was three years old, I have memories of pro wrestling to this day from my childhood. One of those memories is a segment on television called Piper’s Pit. Now, I wasn’t alive for the more infamous Piper’s Pit segments, such as his historic segment with Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. But at WrestleMania V, Piper had held a Piper’s Pit segment with celebrity Morton Downey, Jr. that has stuck with me ever since. Piper had been off of television for a bit and his return at WrestleMania V was huge. Piper being the great heel that he was, took a fire extinguisher and doused the celebrity who was smoking a cigarette. It wasn’t a match, but the way that Piper came off to me as a child was just awesome. He was the actual “bad boy”, a firecracker of a character, and you never knew what you would see out of him.
Heel Tactics
WrestleMania VI…Piper pushed the envelope in a now infamous promo before his match with “Bad News” Brown. We all know there has always been cultural issues regarding race. So what better way to gain some “heat” from the crowd than to insult the bi-racial Brown? And that’s what Piper did. Piper came to the ring with half of his face and body painted black and proceeded to goad “Bad News” Brown. The match ended up being a double countout, but that segment will forever be engraved in every wrestling fan’s memory.
Feud with Goldust
THIS! Of all the things “Rowdy” Roddy Piper ever did, this is by far my favorite. Now, for those who aren’t familiar with Goldust let me give you the backstory. Goldust is a character played by Dustin Rhodes(son of wrestling legend Dusty Rhodes) the Goldust character is the most unique and radical character the WWE has ever seen. How unique and radical? Well let’s put it this way, in this feud Goldust out heeled Piper it what was probably some of the most memorable television in history.
In 1996, Piper was named as “interim WWF President”. As “president”, Piper had become the object of desire and affection for the bizarre Goldust. Piper eventually had enough of Goldust making advances and stalking him and claimed he would “make a man” out of Goldust at WrestleMania XII leading to one of the greatest gimmick matches of all time “the Hollywood Backlot Brawl”. The match itself began in an alley behind Arrowhead Pond, and things escalated very quickly as Goldust jumped into an all gold Cadillac and ran Piper over. Goldust then “escaped” onto the California highway. Piper got into a white Ford Bronco, and the entertainment became “gold” from this point on(Im not sorry for the bad pun). Whenever the cameras cut to aerial footage, the “chase” looked identical to the O. J. Simpson chase from two years earlier. Vince McMahon who was on commentary joked that “This footage looks awfully familiar” and the chase continued back to the arena. Piper stripped Goldust in the ring and he retreated to end the match. This was the match that made Goldust a staple in the WWE for years to come and we all have Piper to thank for it.
They Live
Back in the 80s there was a little sci-fi movie that came out entitled “They Live”. Just about every B movie fan has seen it. Piper had an extremely memorable role in this movie as a character named John Nada. In the film, Piper’s character discovers aliens are disguised as humans and are influencing society with subliminal messages and starts kicking some extraterrestrial ass. Now, as a cult icon, Piper is remembered for this role and for the quote “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass. And I’m all out of bubble gum.” And don’t forget the fantastically hilarious fight scene between Piper and Keith David over those sunglasses. Piper went on to appear in over forty more films.
Influence
As I stated earlier, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper influenced many people. From UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey to countless others, including myself. Below are some of the thoughts and condolences from the people Piper has influenced.
Bret Hart – “I can’t find the words to describe the sorrow in my heart upon learning the news of my dear friend, Roddy Piper, passing away. He was my closest friend in the business, a man that schooled me and guided me throughout my career. In fact, if it wasn’t for Roddy Piper reaching out to help me, I’m sure I would’ve been a mere footnote in wrestling. He was always there for me. He was family to me, a brother who loved me and was there for me through my darkest days. He was the only wrestler to come visit me when I suffered a stroke in 2002. He totally made me at Wrestlemania 8 in our classic match. Passing a torch that many from that era couldn’t conceive of doing. We always called each other “cuz” because we were so close. I loved you Roddy, and I’ll miss you and your laugh for the rest of my days. I’m stunned and the hole in my heart will widen as it sinks in that I lost a brother of such great worth. What a tragic loss to all that knew him.”
Ric Flair – “We’ve shared the ring, traveled the world, maintained a friendship throughout the ups and downs of the wrestling world, and battled to see who was the better heel. It’s almost impossible to express my grief. My condolences to his children and to his wife Kitty. I’ll miss you Roddy. The world will never be as Rowdy without you.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – RIP legend. I first met this wrestling icon when I was 12yrs old when he was wrestling my pops the WWE. For weeks and weeks after that meeting I would have my mom set up a video camera in the kitchen as I would “become” Hot Rod and mimmic and emulate his every word, style, swag, heat, cool cockiness and all delivered with his classic smile (and my awful 12yr old afro).He was a huge influence on me as a kid and an even bigger one when I became The Rock in the WWE. Thank you Roddy for all the talks, all the stories (especially the crazy ones about my grandfather and grandmother?) all the advice and most importantly.. all the memories of you entertaining us fans. You’re missed my friend. Heaven just got a lil’ rowdier… Rest in love ~ DJ #JustWhenTheyThinkTheyHaveAllTheAnswers #HotRodChangesTheQuestions
Cyndi Lauper – “I am so sad to tweet that my friend Roddy Piper passed away last night. He was really such a sweet man. My heart is with his family.”
Tommy Dreamer – “My High school senior quote Just when they think they have all the answers, I change the questions. @R_Roddy_Piper we all loved you.”
Sgt. Slaughter – “Heartbroken & numb @ news of Roddy Piper. One of my best friends. Many memories. Prayers & love to his family @ this time. RIP Hot Rod.”
Joey Styles – “Growing up, I was such a huge “Rowdy” Roddy Piper fan that I dressed up as Hot Rod for several Halloweens…kilt and all.”
Jesse Ventura – “Sad to hear about Roddy Piper.He once worked 91 nights w/out a day off.WWE wouldn’t be what it is today w/out him.Wonderful athlete & friend”
Triple H – “Saddened about the passing of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. He was truly a legend and icon, and will never be forgotten… #ThankYouRoddy #RIP”
Justin Roberts – “RIP Hot Rod. “Old School IS cool” and he was a huge part of the era that got me hooked on wrestling. His commentary, his matches, his promos-everything he did was special..He was still my Halloween costume just a few years ago. A ridiculously talented & entertaining performer and quality human being on top of it. My thoughts are with the Toombs family.”
Vince McMahon – “WWE is deeply saddened that Roderick Toombs, aka “Rowdy” Roddy Piper – WWE Hall of Famer and Intercontinental Champion – passed away at the age of 61. WWE extends its sincerest condolences to the Toombs’ family, friends and fans. “Roddy Piper was one of the most entertaining, controversial and bombastic performers ever in WWE, beloved by millions of fans around the world,” said WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”
The Iron Sheik – “RODDY PIPER. I LOVE YOU FOREVER. GOD BLESS YOU BUBBA”
Xavier Woods – “You were always good to me, and I’ll always remember the joy on your face when you told me how much fun you had acting. Thank You #RIPRoddy”
John Cena – “One of the true greats of all time. My heart goes out to his family and the fans he entertained over the years. RIP Rowdy.”
Edge – “Grew up a fan(still have my Hot Rod shirt), became a colleague, and most importantly, became a friend. Bagpipes are playing #RIPHotRod”
Chris Jericho – “Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and Wrestlemania rival #RoddyPiper. One of the greatest who ever lived, but more importantly a legit sweet family man with a good heart. God bless you Rod….See you on the other side. #RIPHotRod”
Ronda Rousey – “We found out last night on the way back from the weigh-ins. I actually got a chance to sit down and talk to him for a couple of hours before this fight. I didn’t have time for anything and I was like ‘I have to go see Roddy, I have to go to Piper’s pit’ and we talked for hours, I even told him, I promised him I’m going to do the name proud, I’m going to beat this chick. I told him that and I hope him and my dad had a good time watching it together.”
