Wrestling World Remembers Legend ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper After His Death

The wrestling world lost an all-time great Thursday night. Roderick George Toombs, better known as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Hot Rod,” died in his sleep at the age of 61.

Piper never won a world championship, but he still was one of the most influential wrestlers in history. The World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer gave fans many iconic moments both in the ring and in his “Piper’s Pit” segments. He also was an actor, appearing in movies such as “They Live.”

When word of his passing became public Friday, many wrestling superstars — both past and present — shared their memories of the legend.

[tweet https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/627256345385799680 align=”center”%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/StephMcMahon/status/627261469458104320 align=”center”%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/steveaustinBSR/status/627257633997615104 align=”center”%5D

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 grandmotherðŸ˜‚) 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

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Jul 31, 2015 at 4:36pm PDT

[tweet https://twitter.com/HulkHogan/status/627276588376301568 align=”center”%5D

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

A photo posted by Chris Jericho (@chrisjerichofozzy) on Jul 31, 2015 at 3:43pm PDT