“Most Heartfelt RIP”: After ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham’s Tragic Death, Paul Heyman Reveals Late Legend’s Role in Changing Vince McMahon’s Idea of Pro Wrestlers

After remaining on life support for days, legendary pro wrestler ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham died on May 17, aged 79. The influential pro-wrestler was way ahead of his time, as he possessed a physique that would give bodybuilders a run for their money and a presentation that caught the attention of everyone. This set a template for his future generation, who devoted more time towards chiseling their frame and working on their presentation. Following the former WWE champion’s death, messages poured in for the “Superstar”.

Among the many who condoled the death is WWE legend Paul Heyman. The Bloodline’s Wise Man revealed how Graham influenced Vince McMahon to see professional wrestlers in a new light.

WWE talents owe it to Superstar Billy Graham

Ever wondered how the WWE refers to its talents as superstars rather than pro wrestlers? Well, according to Paul Heyman, it was because of ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham. The 79-year-old not just influenced the future generation with his physique, but he apparently left Vince McMahon impressed with his demeanor.

Roman Reigns’ wise counsel tweeted that Graham’s conduct as a professional wrestler made Vince McMahon call other pro-wrestlers in his promotion as “WWE Superstars”. “A most heartfelt RIP to the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour!” part of the 57-year-old’s tweet read.

Graham had several stints in WWE and NWA since 1975. During his third return to NWA, which lasted from 1983 to 1986, he met Paul Heyman, who was a 20-year-old starting out in the business. Several years later, the two worked for WWE, during the Superstar’s fourth return in 2004.

Meanwhile, despite Vince McMahon’s inspired gesture, Graham had been critical of the WWE boss on several occasions.

Vickie Guerrero’s admission left Billy Graham upset about Vince McMahon

In 2020, Vickie Guerrero alleged that WWE wasn’t allowing any of its talents to appear on her podcast show, after finding out about her alliance with AEW. The admission had left the 79-year-old fuming.

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Taking to Facebook, he came down hard on Vince McMahon, calling out the WWE boss over his policies.

“This man has to be the single most evil human being walking the face of the earth. To deny a woman’s right to make a living when her husband gave his life for this unworthy pile of dung,” his post read.

For the unversed, Graham was referring to Eddie Guerrero, who passed away in 2005 due to heart failure. Eddie was a WWE employee at the time of his untimely demise.

Earlier this year, Graham also suffered a heart attack as he was rushed to the hospital. While he managed to go over the scare, death ultimately managed to pin him down four months later.

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