GLASSBORO, N.J. — Professional wrestler King Kong Bundy has died at age 61.
Promoter and longtime friend David Herro says Bundy died Monday. Herro posted on Facebook : “Today we lost a Legend and a man I consider family.” The cause of death and other details were not disclosed.
Bundy, whose real name was Christopher Pallies, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters), 458-pound (208-kilogram) wrestler made his World Wrestling Federation debut in 1981.
He was best known for facing Hulk Hogan in 1986 in a steel cage match at WrestleMania 2, which Hogan won. WWE said he was one of the “greatest … big men to lace up a set of boots.”
Bundy had guest appearances on the sitcom “Married…with Children.”
He was planning to appear next month at WrestleCon in New York City.
The professional wrestling took to social media to share their condolences:
WWE is saddened to learn that King Kong Bundy has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE)
Overwhelmed by King Kong Bundy’s passing, only great memories,R.I.P. big man until we meet again. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan)
I met King Kong Bundy in 1999. I had just started training and was helping out backstage at the show he was on. I’ll always remember him being really funny and just such a great guy. I wish I had been lucky enough to cross paths with him again.
My thoughts go out to his family.
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight)
Saddened to hear of King Kong Bundy's passing. A WrestleMania attraction, a true big man and a fan-favorite of the Universe. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
— Triple H (@TripleH)
R.I.P. King Kong Bundy…another great wrestling talent gone too soon. He will be missed, but he's in good company now, like in this match…
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler)
🙏🏾going to miss you my friend !!! Thank you for paving the way
— RIKISHI FATU (@TheREALRIKISHI)
Damn.
RIP King Kong Bundy.
I was barely 19 when I wrestled him.— Colt Cabana🦦 (@ColtCabana)
https://twitter.com/JoeyRyanOnline/status/1102838384228151297
Rest In Peace King Kong Bundy.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels)
sucks to hear the passing of King Kong Bundy, only met you once and you actually said hello to me first by name, couldn’t believe you knew me.. you paved the way for big men today RIP
— RIGGS (@realscottyriggs)
I loved this WWF Sportscenter commercial with King Kong Bundy in it
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp)
https://twitter.com/OfficialTAZ/status/1102897085949591553
Rest In Peace to the true master of the Five Count. Condolences to his loved ones.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE)
OMG can’t hardly believe my friend Chris Pallies aka King Kong Bundy has passed away. Very sad news he was a kind soul. Rest In Peace Brother until we meet again.
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_)
Wow. King Kong Bundy was soooo good and ahead of his time. He was a machine and he never ran out of gas. stole his 5 count in NXT too.
— Miro (@ToBeMiro)
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1102809375909961728
RIP my friend. Thanks for your humor and kindness.
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom)
So sad to learn of King Kong Bundy passing away. A true legendary big man who paved the way for a lot of us. A true gentleman and so kind to be around. God bless you.
— Abyss (@TherealAbyss)
I’m saddened by the passing of King Kong Bundy. Great guy, who I’ve known most of my career. RIP my friend.
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase)
https://twitter.com/FrankieKazarian/status/1102813231368691713
Yesterday we lost one of the Big Men of Wrestling. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. RIP King Kong Bundy.
— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen)
