On 31st July 2015, an episode of wrestling has seen its last as the legendary figure in the wrestling world has left the ring of life. A Villain who was loved by all passed away. During the 1980s he made a tremendous display of his potency and power.

Then after, the journey of massive strength kept moving for three more decades with its fullest dignity and decorum. The real fame of this eminent wrestler emerged when he got associated with the World Wrestling Federation which later restructured as World Wrestling Entertainment.

His severe and grueling feuds with various fellow wrestlers had also earned him huge popularity, particularly with Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and the most interesting Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka. In giving tribute to Scottish ancestry, he adopted a unique attire-style in the ring which is later brought new ideas for the other wrestlers for their attire.

The Canadian wrestler who gathered huge support worldwide had earned tremendous fans and followers, and resultantly money flowed in his possession. His extreme and unique approach to the world of wrestling had earned him not less than 4 million dollars as his estimated net worth.

Early life

On 17th April 1954, Roddy Piper was born as Roderick George Toombs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was born to Elleen Toombs and Stanley Baird Toombs. His father was a policeman at Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He was raised in Manitoba, The Pas. He was not a common fellow at his school, and one carried a switchblade and got expelled from his school. Quite understandably this was not appreciated by his father and Piper started staying at some youth hostel.

He got associated with gyms and started picking up odd jobs of many professional wrestlers. During this time watching wrestling, he felt an urge to build his career in wrestling. At this same time, the man of power got into the musical world playing bagpipes quite proficiently.

Career

Piper entered the ring for the first time for a brawl when he was just 15 against Larry Hennig in 1969. He had gone through the life of a pro wrestler in the Pacific Northwest, NWA, California and some other during the seventies till 1987. Before getting into the most coveted platform of World Wrestling Entertainment, Piper had also served some other prominent wrestling organizations. Among them, the National Wrestling Alliance, American Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling and the World Wrestling Federation require special mentioning. His dominance in the heart of his fans and the ring from 1984 onwards till 2000 had given him international fame particularly because of presence in the WWF which later became WWE and World Championship Wrestling.

All would be astonished to note that the same personality was regarded as a ‘bad guy’ and was tagged as the ‘Most Hated Wrestler of the Year’ consecutively in 1984 and 1985. But the spirit was always high, and he turned all allegations the very next year and made him the ‘Most Popular Wrestler of the Year.’ In 2006 along with Ric Flair he made run for the title as World Tag Team in the WWE circuit. The highest heinous attempt made by Piper was witnessed when he attacked Jimmy Snuka and smashed a coconut on Snuka’s head.

The final combat of this wrestler was watched by his fan in 2011 when he teamed with Bob Orton Jr. thrashed Mick Foley and Terry Funk. It was an amazing experience for both, as with Bob Piper is known from 1985 when he engaged Bob for the feud against Mr. T and Hulk Hogan. The most wanted wrestler was elected to the prestigious WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. Though he was not seen as a winner in any major championship, still he won 34 championship titles in his entire career.

During the 1990s he continued to wrestle but was also seen picking up color commentary for the television coverage of WWF. In 1992 he won a WWF Intercontinental Title, ‘The Mountie,’ the only title he bagged during his entire career in WWF. In 1994 Piper appeared as a guest referee to cover the brawl of Yokozuna against Bret Hart in the WrestleMania X which is a WWE production.

With his terrible scripted feuds, he was considered as ‘The Greatest Villain.’ The WWE ranked him at Number One in the ‘Top 50 Villains in Wrestling History’. His trademark rage of Scottish origin, quick wit, and tremendous spontaneity has given him professional nicknames as ‘Hot Rod’ and ‘Rowdy.’ The footmarks of this extreme wrestler are not limited to the scope of wrestling alone but have also entered the arena of Judo with authority. He clinched the Golden Gloves and also wore the Black Belt in Judo.

The wrestler of his kind had also earned some name by his performance as an actor in ‘B movie.’ He had given his performance in more than 50 movies and some television shows. His performance in ‘The Love Boat,’ “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and the ‘Robot Chicken’ in which he offered his voice requires special mentioning. He had appeared in the ‘Celebrity Wife Swap’ in June 2013 with Ric Flair.

Personal life

The very special personality of the wrestling world got about Kitty Jo Dittrich when the due settled to exchange rings and vows in 1982. His wife has remained a source of motivation for Piper during his tough times to overcome the situation. In 2006 Piper was diagnosed with lymphoma and by everybody wish, he was cured. With his wife, Kitty Piper became the father of four children.

His children are Ariel Teal Toombs then Colton Baird Toombs, Anastacia Shea Toombs, and Falon Danika Toombs. Among his all friends, the retired NHL player Cam Connor was his best companion.

Quick summary:

Full Name: Roderick George Roddy Toombs

Date of Birth: 17th April 1954

Birth Place: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Died On: 31st July 2015

Age: 61 Year Old

Profession: Wrestling

Height: 6 Feet 2 Inches / 1.88 m

Weight: 104 Kg / 230 lbs

Net worth: $4 Million