The world of sports entertainment is in mourning today, as it was confirmed this morning that legendary WWE SuperstarGeorge ‘The Animal’ Steele, a.k.a.William James Myers, has passed away at the age of 79. The pro wrestler’s death was confirmed by his wife Patricia, who revealed that he passed from kidney failure last night in Florida. Thewrestling legendhad been in and out of hospice care since April.
TMZbroke the news ofGeorge ‘The Animal’ Steele’s passing last night, although wrestling promoterEric Simmsof ESS Promotions had previously shared that thelate wrestlerhad entered hospice care, asking fans to pray for him, before he ultimately passed. This morning, a number of WWE Superstars took to Twitter to pay tribute to this wrestling legend, and the WWE released a statement, confirmingGeorge ‘The Animal’ Steele’s death. Here’s the full statement below, which reveals how he went from a high school teacher to a wrestling legend.
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of FamerWilliam James Myers, known to fans asGeorge “The Animal” Steele, haspassed awayat the age of 79.Steelewas one of the wildest and most unpredictable Superstars in sports-entertainment history. Yet, despite his green tongue, hairy torso and insatiable appetite for turnbuckle pads, “The Animal” was a very well-educated man. Prior to breaking into sports-entertainment, Steele received his Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University and became a high school teacher and wrestling coach in the Detroit area. It was during his teaching stint that he began moonlighting in sports-entertainment, working in the Detroit-area promotions. Steele’s first WWE appearances took place in 1967, when he began a heated rivalry with WWE ChampionBruno Sammartino. For nearly 20 years, Steele was a reviled villain, managed by the likes of fellow WWE Hall of FamersThe Grand Wizard,“Classy” Freddie Blassie,Capt. Lou AlbanoandMr. Fuji. His classic main events againstSammartino,Pedro MoralesandBob Backlundsaw him come close to winning the WWE Championship on many occasions. In 1985, however,Steelewas embraced by the WWE Universe and changed the course of his career. AfterThe Iron SheikandNikolai Volkoffabandoned him during a match,Steelefell back under the tutelage of the then-beloved Albano. His transformation was remarkable, as one of the most hated men in the sport became one of its most loveable figures. Long after his in-ring retirement and WWE Hall of Fame induction,George “The Animal” Steele’s name still evoked terror for one generation of WWE fans and warm smiles for another. WWE extends its condolences to Steele’s family, friends and fans.”
After a legendary career in the ring,George ‘The Animal’ Steelretired in 1988 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995, although he still wasn’t quite done with the world of ‘sports entertainment’. He made a surprise return in a 1997 episode ofMonday Night RAWto team up withTaka Michinoku, and then became a part ofThe Odditiesin 1998. He also competed in a match againstJeff Jarretton WCW Monday Nitro in 2000, and thewrestling icon’s most recent appearance was in 2010, where he helpedKofi KingstondefeatDavid Otunga.
Non-wrestling fans may recognizeGeorge The Animal Steele’s name from an episode ofSeinfeld, where he was referenced in the classic “man hands” episode to describe one of Jerry’s girlfriends. He also appeared in the 1994 classicEd Woodas pro wrestler turned actor Tor Johnson, and had roles in other films such asSmall Town Conspiracy,South of HeavenandBoston Girls. The wrestler issurvived byhis wife of 62 years,Patricia Randolph, and their three children. We have collected some of the tweets from pro wrestlers paying tribute toGeorge ‘The Animal’ Steele, which you can read below.
