WWE Hall of Famer Joe Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal passed away at 60. His official Twitter account announced the unfortunate news. The wrestling world is in shock.
The news became public on September 23. The short tweet said his family will release a statement later in the day.
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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Animal and Hawk (Michael Hegstrand) started teaming together as The Road Warriors in 1983. They are widely regarded as the greatest tag team of all time. They won many titles throughout their career, including the tag team titles of WWE/F, NWA, AWA.
Hawk passed away on October 19, 2003, and the team retired. The team became Hall of Famers with their Class of 2011 induction.
Laurinaitis’s last match was for WWE on July 17, 2012, where he defeated Heath Slater on SmackDown. He appeared on the 1,000th episode of RAW days later to join other WWE legends in beating down Slater.
The wrestling world pays its respects to Road Warrior Animal
Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan was the first to pay his respects to the deceased legend.
RIP Animal,love you my brother, I know you and Hawk have a lot of unfinished business to take care of! God speed and blessings to your beautiful family,one love4Life. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 23, 2020
The official account of WWE posted gave their condolences as well as the rival AEW.
WWE is saddened to learn that Joe Laurinaitis, known to WWE fans as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Laurinaitis’ family, friends and fans. https://t.co/hurorEDVff
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2020
AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary Road Warrior Animal, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/xAzwv8gngw
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) September 23, 2020
Read: WWE Is Bringing Massive Change to Raw Women’s Division
The Ascension member Vik posted a heartfelt message. Ascension is heavily influenced by Road Warriors. The members, Vik and Big Kon, are open about their admiration for the legend.
Can’t believe the news today of the passing of @RWAnimal Just over a month ago we finally met and what a pleasure it was. Thank you #ohwhatarush #RIPANIMAL pic.twitter.com/1se9SeRPdE
— Vik_The_Spacelord (@VikTheSpacelord) September 23, 2020
Former WWE and current AEW superstar Scott Dawson (Dax Harwood) paid his respects.
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Without you, the road would not have been paved. #RIPAnimal #OhWhatARush pic.twitter.com/otsdFYerAG
— Dax FTR (@DaxHarwood) September 23, 2020
The former WWE Cruiserweight champion revealed Road Warrior’s influence as he tweeted
I use this maneuver because of The Legion of Doom. RIP Road Warrior Animal! #OhWhatARush pic.twitter.com/CwtK97fG06
— Drew Gulak (@DrewGulak) September 23, 2020
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Road Warrior is survived by his wife and three children. We share our deepest condolences to his family and fans. May he rest in peace.
