WWE News: WWE Hall Of Famer Blackjack Mulligan Passes Away

image via Pro Wrestling Illustrated

In sad news today, WWE has reported that Hall of Famer Blackjack Mulligan has passed away today at the age of 73 He had various health issues and his death was sad to see but expected. WWE spoke about on their website, saying...

“Considered to be one of the toughest competitors of his day — only his rival Andre the Giant could overshadow the 6-foot-9, 345-pound stud from Eagle Pass, Texas — Mulligan served as a U.S. Marine in Guam and played for the New York Jets before gaining fame in the ring. With his signature all black gear — from his cowboy hat to his leather glove — and his thick western mustache, Mulligan cut the figure of a dangerous outlaw in the ring and proved every bit as treacherous with his feared iron claw hold.

Starting off his career in the AWA as "Big" Bob Windham, Mulligan soon joined up with Blackjack Lanza to form The Blackjacks in WWE. The duo won tandem titles across the country, including a reign as WWE's World Tag Team Champions in 1975, and made their mark as one of the most iconic duos of the 1970s. In 2006, the pair was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by their manager, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.

Mulligan's career winded down in the late '80s, but his legacy continued on as his sons, Kendall Windham and WWE Hall of Famer Barry Windham, entered the ring. Today, his hard-hitting style can be seen in his grandsons, Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt, the boys of Mulligan's son-in-law, Mike Rotunda.

WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Windham's family, friends and colleagues.”

Robert Windham was an essential person in the world of pro-wrestling and his passing is terrible to see. He was by no means the most well known WWE star, but he was a legend in the business that should be remembered. He has one heck of a family tree as well, as you can see from WWE’s post regarding him. The fact that one man was able to be connected to so much is incredible.

Also read: WWE Smackdown Results: 7 April, 2016, Video Highlights

On top of it all, he was a hero to the US military, football star, and so much more before he ever even stepped into a WWE ring. To then go on to become a notable wrestler is amazing. He truly lived a big life and will be missed.