Superstar Billy Graham’s Wife Was Against Doctors Taking Him off Life Support Before His Death: How Did the WWE Legend Die?

The world of professional wrestling just learned a piece of extremely unfortunate news. As confirmed by WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, “Superstar” Billy Graham has passed away at the age of 79 years. A larger-than-life personality in himself, the latter served as an inspiration to icons like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and many others. If it was not for him, the state of pro wrestling would’ve been completely different than what it actually is. 

The despondent demise of the WWE legend wasn’t a sudden outcome. He’s been dealing with numerous medical complications over the past year or so. These include loss of hearing, infections in the lungs and skull, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. Considering the declining state of the man who was too sweet to be sour, doctors transferred him to life support, on May 15. To mention, he was looked after at the Mayo Clinic ICU. 

46 years ago, Superstar Billy Graham won the WWWF Championship from Bruno Sammartino. RIP. pic.twitter.com/IXjrharlZa

— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) May 18, 2023

However, maybe his time was up, and owing to the aforementioned health issues, the legend lost the battle of life. Due to the ever-deteriorating physical state of the legendary wrestler, doctors even wanted to take him off life support and eventually did so. His wife was totally against the move, however, medical staff proceeded with their action.

Throughout his wrestling career, the WWE Hall of Famer maintained a chiseled physique. With each passing second, as the gut-wrenching news of Graham’s demise makes rounds and legends from the past and present generation talent are making their best efforts to pay homage to the Superstar. 

The WWE achievements of “Superstar” Billy Graham 

Around 46 years ago in 1978, Billy Graham outclassed Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Championship. After reaching to an agreement with Vince McMahon, the Superstar set the fans ablaze and held that World Championship for almost 10 months.

Also, WWE Hall of Famer the late, great Dusty Rhodes too feuded with Billy Graham around the same time. A series of matches transpired between these two real-life friends, with a Texas Bullrope bout being the standout among everything. 

The American Dream later revealed that period as one of the most exciting things he’s ever done in professional wrestling. Billy’s future WWE stints saw him wrestle against icons like Pedro Morales, Bob Backlund, Harley Race, and Butch Reed.

After being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, he later signed a Legends deal with the Stamford-based promotion. Although he never made some advertised television appearances that often, he’d used to be involved in off-camera chores. 

Superstars and wrestling legends react to “Superstar” Billy Graham’s death 

At first, The Nature Boy Ric Flair confirmed the unfortunate passing of Billy Graham. A few minutes could’ve passed by and already a string of strong reactions made the rounds on Twitter. Names like Paul Heyman, Sean Waltman, Bully Ray, Nick Aldis, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, and many more have poured in their heavy-hearted condolences toward the Superstar. 

The Superstar Billy Graham Just Left Us 🙏🏻 THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR INFLUENCE On My Career! pic.twitter.com/YH0eT2NM4p

— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 18, 2023

This is the version of Superstar Billy Graham I got to see in FL. He would come out to Kung Fu Fighting & I loved it! RIP to the most copied man ever in Pro Wrestling. pic.twitter.com/hLzoWaXDiD

— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) May 18, 2023

Before Billy Graham, performers in WWWF / WWF/ WWE were known as professional wrestlers. After Billy Graham left his mark, Vincent Kennedy McMahon decided everyone would be a WWE Superstar. A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour! pic.twitter.com/bwL6UQ3c3h

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) May 18, 2023

RIP Superstar Billy Graham.. he was so sweet to me when we met back in 2011. My condolences to his family 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/TuiK9ECmK0

— 👑 QUEEN ZELINA 👑 (@ZelinaVegaWWE) May 18, 2023

RIP Superstar.

Quite possibly the biggest game-changer of all time. Because of Billy Graham, we got Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, not to mention countless others who made fortunes borrowing from this man. Say his name and remember him.

“Superstar” Billy Graham. 1943-2023 pic.twitter.com/7ZVqs4muo3

— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) May 18, 2023

WWE has too extended its sorrowful gratitude towards Billy Graham and his family. In what unfolded as a night of doomsday, May 17, 2023, will be remembered as a dark night in the history of professional wrestling.

There are not many names in this industry who could claim that they’ve affected the business in a quite revolutionary manner as Graham did. Many people even call him the single most influential wrestler to change the game forever.