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“They always took good care of me”- Dwayne Johnson Pays Tribute to Road Warrior Animal

ByAndrew Rego

Modified Sep 24, 2020 | 3:14 AM EDT

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WWE Universe is saddened by the tragic demise of WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal. After his death, many WWE superstars, legends, and Hall of Famers across all generations sent their heartfelt condolences and messages. The latest WWE legend to send a message is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

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RIP brother. Really saddened to wake up to this news today — the passing of my friend, Joe Laurinaitis (on the left) aka ROAD WARRIOR ANIMAL. Joe & Mike aka HAWK & ANIMAL, THE ROAD WARRIORS were the most intense, legit tough bad asses tag team in the history of the wild world of pro wrestling. When I was making my bones, still learning the business in the WWE as a very young “The Rock” – I wrestled these guys so many times on the road and they always took good care of me and made sure I learned. Tough as nails. Good men. Greatest tag team of all time. And apple fritters (our inside joke). Much love and I’ll always be grateful to you both. RIP. #animal #hawk #lod #whatarush
A post shared by therock (@therock) on Sep 23, 2020 at 7:12pm PDT

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Joe Laurinaitis, a.k.a Road Warrior Animal passed away on Wednesday morning and the reason for his death is still unknown. His family revealed a statement, confirming the sad news.

At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60. The family is planning to release a statement later today. At this time we ask for you to keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. #OhWhatARush
— RoadWarriorAnimal (@RWAnimal) September 23, 2020

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The legacy of Road Warrior Animal

In June 1990, the road warriors (Animal and Hawk) joined the WWE as Legion of Doom. Along with their manager Paul Ellering, the duo won their first tag team championships in SummerSlam 1991.

After a good run with WCW, L.O.D returned to the WWF/E. In 1997, the duo won the tag team championships once again. Animal returned to the WWE in 2005, two years after the death of his partner and long-time friend Hawk, due to a heart attack.

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He reformed L.O.D. with Heidenreich and dedicated his final run to his Road Warriors teammate. In 2011, Hawk and Animal were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

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