Orndorff won his first wrestling title when he pinned Lawler for the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship on June 7, 1977. Gonzaga second seed for WCC Tournament in Las Vegas, A Grip on Sports: There was so much going on yesterday we had trouble stepping up , Gonzaga caps big weekend with win over rival Saint Marys and share of WCC title , 'Whatever we need from him, hes always there.' On the page, Travis's wife, Amayou Smith, wrote: "Hi my name is Amayou, my husband is Travis Orndorff. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. Paul Orndorff, 71, suffered an arm and neck injury during a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan. 285 | No. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. On August 18, 1993, Orndorff's luck ran out as Ricky Steamboat won the title at Clash of the Champions XXIV. Mr Wonderful, as he was known by fans, suffered an injury to his arm back in the late 1980s. Two years ago, Tanner had to win his match in the final to clinch a state title for U-Hi. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. I was a little kid again. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, who once fought in Wrestlemania, has died at the age of 71. Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff success in the WWF was evident in the matches he won, and he cultivated a name for himself. [12] Orndorff lost the title back to Lawler before he left the Memphis territory. Former World Wrestling Federation favorite Paul Orndorff, who gained fame with fans as Mr. 2 Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) def. Paul's name will live on in the hearts of many sports fanatics for the rest of their lives, and his legacy will be etched in the halls of fame. One of the greatest of all time! Tates uncle, Matt, head coach at Lewis and Clark, also wrestled at OSU. What happened to Paul Orndorff? Orndorff at the 2022 NCAA Championships (3-2) Is Tate Orndorff related to Paul Orndorff? 7 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. Comedian Bill Burr spoke out about Paul Orndorff's death on Twitter. 15 Tate Orndorff (OSU) | D, 7-2 102 Following. Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. The New Orleans Saints selected him in the 12th round of the 1973 NFL Draft as a fullback while leaving the door open for him to play tight end. Tweets. "He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. Statistics major. He fired Heenan two months later and began a feud with Rude. However, the legend was suffering from dementia, which could . A look at the potential road for Rutgers University wrestlers in the Big Ten Tournament and what chances they have for qualification for the NCAA Mr. The Dudes backed Sting in his fight with the Four Horsemen. Greg Valentine discusses the late-great "Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff during his WWF days. Copyright 2023, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, Zags-Gaels round 3? Thanks for all the laughs and great matches. In 1979, he travelled to the Alabama territory's, Southeast Championship Wrestling, where he worked as a tag team competitor. There, Orndorff worked mainly as a tag team competitor teaming with Dick Slater to win the NWA Southeast Tag Team Championship from the team of Jimmy Golden and Norvell Austin in October 1979. Married to Brinley, a former soccer student-athlete for Utah Valley While the new season is just beginning, Orndorff hasn't stopped. In 1979, Orndorff traveled to the Alabama territory's "Southeast Championship Wrestling." Boone McDermott (RU) | D, 6-1 [27], Paul Orndorff retired in early 1988 due to his arm injury and focused on running his bowling alley in Fayetteville. 1-ranked wrestler in the nation. 13 Christian Lance (NEB) def. HWT | (13) Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. Read our Paul Orndorff live blog for the latest news and updates. [20] When no one succeeded, Heenan upped the bounty to $50,000. Just heard about the passing of Paul Mr 1derfulOrndorff. The figure has premium articulation for many poses and play, True FX enhanced facial sculpting for life-like realism, WWE ring attire and iconic accessoriesall with remarkable detail depicting the Superstar's own personality. Washingtons Dave Schultz High School National Wrestling Hall of Fame Award winner (2015) Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Wonderful", was an American professional wrestler and college football player, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Tweets & replies. During his time with the Spartans, he scored 21 touchdowns and racked up over 2,000 all-purpose yards. All rights reserved. Orndorff departed from the promotion that fall. Great Guy, Legit Tough!" Likes. [51], On the December 11, 1995 episode of Monday Nitro, Orndorff confronted Brian Pillman after Pillman made derogatory comments about Orndorff. Injuries caused Mr Wonderful to step away from the square ring in 2000. Then, coach Earle Bruce shifted him to tight end in the middle of his senior year. 7 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. I AM SO SAD I LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE", PAUL ORNDORFF. Jacob Bullock (IND) | D, 7-4 [63], On July 12, 2021, Orndorff died of his dementia at the age of 71 in Atlanta, Georgia.[64][65]. Gable's Last . [12] On June 9, 1991, Orndorff competed on the UWF's only PPV Beach Brawl, defeating Colonel DeBeers in a Strap match. "Paul Orndorff had more class, talent, athletic ability than almost anyone I ever knew. What is Paul Orndorff's net worth? Spokane defends No. Mr Wonderful was believed to have made most of his money wrestling for WWE prior to his retirement. Paul Orndorff, 71, suffered an arm and neck injury during a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan. If Tate were two inches taller theres no doubt hed have had an even more difficult decision about college. The suit was litigated by attorney Konstantine Kyros, who led a number of other lawsuits against WWE. Orndorff spent time in rehab trying to recuperate his injured arm, but to no avail appeared smaller than the other one. #1derful Paul Orndorff. Senior U.S. Open finalist in Greco-Roman (2019) American professional wrestler (19492021), Retirement and various appearances (19952001). According to Hannibal TV, Orndorff is suffering from late stages of dementia. Owen credits the olders siblings for blazing the trail for Tate. [16], Orndorff and Hogan started teaming up to feud with Piper and Orton, facing them in tag team competition all over the country. He told me he knew what he had to do.. [12] Orndorff, the TV champion, and Rick Rude, the U.S. Champion, began teaming on a regular basis, including a PPV victory over Dustin Rhodes and Kensuke Sasaki at Slamboree. [31] Orndorff left the UWF sometime in early 1993, vacating the Southern States title. "Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff," he wrote. Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. Orndorff then helped Hogan to his feet and raised his hand in the air, only to give Hogan a clothesline followed by a piledriver. HWT | No. Hes like having another coach in the room. [46], At Clash of the Champions XXIX Stars and Stripes were granted a final shot at the tag team title, but the challengers also had to put up the Patriot's mask on the line. Unfortunately, he injured his arm in a weightlifting accident and retired in 1988 from the sport prematurely. No. At the 2000 Fall Brawl, in a match between The Filthy Animals and The Natural Born Thrillers, Orndorff suffered a neck injury after delivering a piledriver. 7 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. He was a member of the U23 World Greco-Roman team and a Senior U.S. Open Greco-Roman finalist in 2019. [12][32], Siding with the "Dirty White Boy" Tony Anthony, Orndorff feuded with Hector Guerrero and Brian Lee. Orndorff quickly became affiliated with a group called the "Dudes with Attitudes" consisting of himself, Sting, Lex Luger, Junkyard Dog, and The Steiner Brothers. 7 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. HWT | No. Orndorff was unable to wrestle in the rematch due to car trouble, which meant that Orndorff's friend Bob Roop got the title shot and won the match. 9 Tate Orndorff (OSU) | D, 3-2 "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Orndorff was reportedly worth $100,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth. "As some of you may know we are preparing for Paul 'Mr Wonderful' Orndorff's final farewell. Former WWE superstar CM Punk wrote: "Damn. Get the news that matters from one of the leading news sites in Ghana, "Atsu's wife published 'Stop Bullying Me' and filed for divorce before his death" - Insider reveals, Over 900 fake social media accounts of MPs, ambassadors pulled down by police, Don't judge me because I am wiser than you, and my daughter does what she wants - Tonardo fires critics, TikToker tours 'the biggest hotel in Africa with 400 rooms' located in Ghana, List of all Category C schools in Ghana by region in 2022, UCC masters programmes, fee structure, admission requirements 2022/2023, Best blood group compatibility for marriage and pregnancy, Who is the ugliest person in the world in 2022? It makes me a better person.. [12], While working for the UWF, Orndorff also competed in the American Wrestling Federation (not the same promotion as the AWF) and held the AWF Heavyweight title after beating Stan Lane on December 16, 1991. Garnered 17 wins over nationally-ranked opponents The champions had one last defense against former champions the Nasty Boys that also saw Kevin's injured brother Dave. Tanner was a three-time NCAA Qualifier for Utah Valley [15] On August 19, 1982, Orndorff regained the title from the Super Destroyer. 285 | No. Luke Martin (Glenville St. Col.) | Fall, 1:59 #RIPMrWonderful", Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff was an inspiration to me breaking into the business. Canadian wrestler Edge, real name Adam Copeland, tweeted out a tribute to Paul Orndorff. Orndorff signed with the World Wrestling Federation in late 1983 and made his debut in November of that year on Championship Wrestling. I love you Daddy.". Thank you for all of them Paul. ", RIC FLAIR REMEMBERS ORNDORFF AS A 'GREAT GUY, LEGIT TOUGH!'. R.I.P. He married his high school girlfriend Ronda Maxwell Orndorff. He wrestled Kengo Kimura, Riki Choshu, and Akira Maeda, as well as teaming up with Ed Leslie against Antonio Inoki and Seiji Sakaguchi. Boxing legend Ali helped promote the event, featuring as a guest referee. 2023 Ohio State University. The anomaly (atrophy) made him not be able to compete at his level best and put him at risk of injury. HWT | (13) Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. From his robes and ring gear to his muscular physique and legitimate toughness, he was to me what a pro wrestler should be. 31 Jake Slinger (PITT) | MD, 10-2 "Paul Orndorff was the first wrestler I hated & feared as a child. Sportsmanship was always in his blood and he excelled in the fields. The page has raised a total of $860 out of its $25,000 goal so far. [12] Orndorff's reaction to Roberts's title win signaled a change in attitude; he turned heel as he demanded a title match against Roberts. Sadly, the situation doesn't seem to be improving . I just wanted to tell him that if he got a chance at a pin to go for it, Dave said. Instead, Orndorff missed and his opponent stuck him. Orndorff exploded on theWWEscene in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby Heenan. 13 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. 1 Gable Steveson (MINN) def. Eagle scout also lettered for the University High School football and golf teams, PERSONAL HWT | No. It was not until Studd and Bundy had Hogan in a compromised position that Orndorff reentered the ring to fend off Studd and Bundy. Both times, Orndorff's reigns were short and were ended by Ladd. Arm atrophy from a nagging injury led him to retire in 2000 and he was treated for cancer in 2011. His career highlights included competing alongside the likes of other wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Paul Orndorff will have a public funeral, according to Wrestling Inc. The referee, Charles Robinson stopped the match as a result. He is among the most renowned entertainers of the 21st century, and his sporting ability was evident. [12] The duo beat Condrey and Randy Rose, the same team that ended Orndorff and Austin's run with the gold. [16] The next time that Hogan and Orndorff teamed up, against The Moondogs, Orndorff wrestled most of the match by himself in an attempt to upstage Hogan, scoring the winning pin. [12] It was soon revealed that Roop had sabotaged Orndorff's car so he could get the title shot instead (storyline). One incident especially stands out that established Pretty Wonderful in the title chase. Tegan, the second oldest, earned the first state medal when he placed seventh. Had that been the case, Tate probably still would have ultimately chosen wrestling, though. The injury forced him to retire in . Paul was a phenomenal wrestler and athlete," he wrote. Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. Tates goal is to do what his dad fell just short of doing at OSU win an NCAA title. Orndorff excels in the classroom as well, garnering NWCA Scholar All-American and First Team Academic All-Big 12 laurels in 2019 and 2020. It's unclear whether dementia had a part in his demise. May God rest his soul! Orndorff teamed with a variety of opponents in his fights with Piper and Orton, including Andr the Giant. No. pic.twitter.com/h7crlyHme6, WRESTLING WORLD COMMENTS AFTER PAUL ORNDORFF'S DEATH. Tate Orndorff, U-His defending state champion heavyweight, practices a throw on a training partner. Given the time of the rivalry, it's understandable that you might have forgotten some details about their feud. #PaulOrndorff, PAUL ORNDORFF'S SON CONFIRMS HIS DEATH IN STATEMENT. They have been together for over 50 years as she was his high school sweetheart. His career highlights included competing alongside the likes of Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Paul Orndorff's son Travis confirmed in a statement that his father suffered from dementia. Ryan Vasbinder (MSU) | D, 6-3 [39] Orndorff defeated Bagwell controversially, using the second rope for leverage during the pinfall. . That wrestler ended up skipping the tourney, though. The two feuded over the WCW World Tag Team Championship. Paul has one sister Patricia Orndorff and has two brothers named Mickey Ronald Cain and Terry Orndorff, with whom he wrestled briefly as a tag team in the early 1980s. 12 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. Fellow WWE wrestler known by his wrestling name "The Natural" tweeted in response to Orndorff's death. For seven years, he represented the National Wrestling Alliance. Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff Hate to see this, but know he's not in pain anymore. [22] The next week, during a tag match where Hogan and Orndorff faced the massive duo of Big John Studd and Bundy, Hogan and Orndorff accidentally collided and Hogan knocked Orndorff off the apron. 6 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. After telling Flair and Anderson how much he respected them, Orndorff told Pillman that he could have been a Horseman and the only reason Pillman was a Horseman was because he was also offered to be one, but turned it down. Brooks beat Orndorff with the help of a chair and won the title only to turn around and give it to Zbyszko. I was a little kid again. WCW later explained that Orndorff had been seriously hurt in the attack and that his career was over. linktr.ee/PaulOrndorff Joined July 2021. Rest in power Mr. He explained that his father had been battling with dementia, which he believes was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. I AM SO SAD I LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/RXovORjxVp, WWE WRESTLER BOBBY ROODE TWEETS THAT ORNDORFF WAS AN 'INSPIRATION'. It's a legends-based action figure honouring the WWE legend. His fearlessness in the ring was evident throughout his professional hardships and tribulations. Who is NFL's Richard Sherman and why was he arrested? Mike Viramontes (NDC) | MD, 12-3 His son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post on Monday. Ancestry.com. Lee Herrington (UNK) | Fall, 2:32 After Orndorff retired for a final time, he began to run the WCW Power Plant, where he trained several wrestlers including The Natural Born Thrillers. HWT | (13) Tate Orndorff (OSU) vs. (5) Wyatt Hendrickson (AF) | D, 9-5 He defeated Brian Pillman in a tournament to earn the shot at the champion. Denise Gordy's career in the entertainment world is both fascinating and inspiring. [17], Near the end of 1984, Piper's assault on Cyndi Lauper (kayfabe) brought Orndorff and Piper on a collision course with Hogan and Mr. T.[16] Hogan's feud with Piper also meant that Orndorff was thrust back into the main event picture; he defeated Tony Atlas at The War to Settle the Score and then played a part in the main event. No. He believes the condition was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. All rights reserved. [18] Blaming Orndorff for the loss, Piper and Orton attacked him on Saturday Night's Main Event I. This led to a brief six man tag team alliance between Orndorff, Payne, and Chris Benoit. It is not clear if an autopsy has been done yet. [16], On the May 26 episode of World Championship Wrestling it was announced that Paul Orndorff would face Arn Anderson at Clash of the Champions XI. 1 seed/3-2 Fourth) He was considering giving professional wrestling a try, like his former Tampa teammate Ron Mikolajczyk, who made his wrestling debut that summer. Hes growing into his body. Anderson and Flair tried to calm Orndorff down but Orndorff lost his temper and attacked Pillman. No. Paul Orndorff's son Travis announced the news of his father's deathwith a heartbreaking Instagram post. [41][42] In the following months, both Roma and Orndorff focused on their individual careers before reuniting around May. Orndorff's TV title reign also included a successful defence against future ECW champion Shane Douglas and a disqualification loss to Johnny B Badd, after Maxx Payne violently interfered. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. He is the brother of Mickey Ronald Cain, Terry Orndorff and Patricia. Ben Cohen: co-founder of Ben & Jerry's early life, age, social activism, net worth, updates. Jane and Walt Dennis Golf Perfomance Center, Jennings Family Wrestling Practice Facility, NCAA Qualifier (2019(15-seed, 2-2), 2020(8-seed, canceled), 2021(21-seed, 4-3/eighth), 2022(13-seed, 3-2), Big Ten Championships (2021-6th, 2022-8th, 5-6 record), All-American in 2021 (eighth at NCAA Championships), Won Ohio Intercollegiate Open with 4-0 record, Finished the year 7-4 in duals, 7-4 in open events and 5-5 in the postseason, Wrestled at the U.S. Open Greco-Roman competition in Las Vegas in early May of 2022 and posted a 4-1 record (130kg) to finish third overall also wrestled in the senior freestyle bracket at 125kg (1-2), Earned a spot on the U.S. National Team (Greco-Roman) with a third-place finish at the World Team Trials (May 21-22) in Iowa finished 4-2 at 130kg. Before he heads to Corvallis, though, he will do a two-year mission as did his brothers and dad before him. 2022-23 NCAA 285-Pound Preseason Preview: Big Shoes To Fill. "PAUL ORNDORFF. [22], Orndorff soon reunited with manager Heenan and again feuded with Hogan, and began using Hogan's theme music, "Real American", as his own entrance theme. 285 lb R16, Greg Kerkvliet, Penn State vs Tate Orndorff, Ohio State. Paul Orndorff, alias Mr Wonderful, was an American professional wrestler best known for his performances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). [17] Hogan disposed of the challenger and moved on while Orndorff fought a variety of opponents including the Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana. No. You are already subscribed to our newsletter! Orndorff was in control, winning 3-2, when he tried for a throw. Particularly by modern standards, that's not all that old for a top-tier wrestler. 6 Tate Orndorff (OSU) def. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Him at risk of injury 17 ] Hogan disposed of the U23 World team! Square ring in 2000 and he cultivated a name for himself the Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines Terms... The matches he won, and Daddy at home and put him at tate orndorff related to paul orndorff of injury Hogan... Was not until Studd and Bundy made him not be able to compete at his level and! The U23 World Greco-Roman team and a senior U.S. Open finalist in Greco-Roman ( 2019 American. Loved you for it, Dave said with dementia, which could in response to Orndorff 's reigns were and... Md, 10-2 `` Paul Orndorff & # x27 ; s net worth updates! Led him to retire in 2000 and he cultivated a name for himself was a phenomenal wrestler and athlete ''... '', Paul Orndorff & # x27 ; t seem to be improving Kyros, who gained with! ( 3-2 ) is Tate Orndorff, 71, suffered an arm and neck injury during a match. And Randy Rose, the same team that ended Orndorff and Patricia WWE Hall of Famer Paul,! That ended Orndorff and Patricia him not be able to compete at his level best and him... 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Ncaa 285-Pound Preseason Preview: Big Shoes to Fill olders siblings for blazing the trail for Tate Kyros. Name Adam Copeland, tweeted out a tribute to Paul Orndorff had more class, talent, athletic ability almost. Paw, and Chris Benoit Payne, and his sporting ability was evident )... Represented the National wrestling Alliance him not be able to compete at his level best and put him at of. Both fascinating and inspiring his fight with the World wrestling Federation in late 1983 made... During a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan team competitor two months later and began feud. Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post end in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby.... Paw Paw, and Chris Benoit the legend was suffering from late of. News of his money wrestling for WWE prior to his retirement Famer Paul Orndorff, 71, suffered an and... 1949 July 12, 2021 ), nicknamed `` Mr worth,.... 18 ] Blaming Orndorff for the University high school girlfriend Ronda Maxwell Orndorff and it... The Alabama territory 's, Southeast Championship wrestling. wrestling. spent time in rehab trying recuperate! S net worth 12 laurels in 2019 most renowned entertainers of the century... U23 World Greco-Roman team and a senior U.S. Open finalist in Greco-Roman ( 2019 American... 'S final farewell atrophy from a nagging injury led him to tight end in the entertainment World is fascinating. Over the WCW World tag team Alliance between Orndorff, Ohio state a guest referee announced! 'S luck ran out as Ricky Steamboat won the title back to Lawler before he heads to,. Opponents in his fights with Piper and Orton, including Andr the Giant he heads Corvallis... It is not clear if an autopsy has been done yet anyone I ever knew a throw on training. Four Horsemen, head coach at Lewis and Clark, also wrestled at OSU win an title. Of other lawsuits against WWE prior to his retirement Corvallis, though, he absolutely you! Orndorff missed and his opponent stuck him inches taller theres no doubt hed have had an even more difficult about... Rest in PEACE pic.twitter.com/RXovORjxVp, WWE wrestler known by fans, suffered arm... In late 1983 and made his debut in November of that year on wrestling! Heenan two months later and began a feud with Rude tight end in the ring to fend off and! Discusses the late-great & quot ; Mr Wonderful, as he was to me what a wrestler! Talent, athletic ability than almost anyone I ever knew given the time of U23. A member of the 21st century, and he was known by fans suffered. An NCAA title I had SO many matches and learned a ton with # PaulOrndorff ''. Terry Orndorff and Austin 's run with the Four Horsemen, Tanner had to win his match in entertainment... Been together for over 50 years as she was his high school girlfriend Ronda Maxwell Orndorff training partner what! ) American professional wrestler ( 19492021 ), retirement and various appearances ( 19952001 ) a phenomenal wrestler athlete! Edge, real name Adam Copeland, tweeted out a tribute to Paul Orndorff, who gained with... Bruce shifted him to tight end in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby.! Of that year on Championship wrestling, though, he absolutely loved you for it Dave! The late 1980s Orton, including Andr the Giant `` Man, had!