WWE legend Paul Bearer is dead at the age of 58. TMZ announced on March 5 that William Moody, best known as wrestling legend 'Paul Bearer', has died from a cause that is yet to be established.
Paul Bearer joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1990 as the role of funeral director and served as manager over a span of 20 years for several well-known wrestling stars, such as Undertaker, Mankind, Kane and Rick Rude.
William Alcvin Moody was an undertaker and embalmer in real life and carried that profession with him into the wrestling ring where he played one of the most memorable double acts and is best known for his black suit, ghostly pale makeup and gold urn.
Bearer retired from performing on-screen shortly after 'WrestleMania 2000', and his contract ended with WWE in October 2002. A year later in October 2003, Jim Ross contacted Moody about rejoining the WWE. He first refused, but signed a new contract with WWE for three years under an agreement that WWE would pay for his gastric bypass surgery.
Even though Moody's health seemed to improve for a short time after the surgery, he continued to suffer from several health problems over the course of a decade, including depression, gallbladder issues and complications from morbid obesity, which may have contributed to his death.
An official statement released from the WWE read that they are saddened to learn of the passing of William Moody and deepest condolences go out to Moody's family, friends and fans. "Rest in peace, Paul Bearer. You will never be forgotten. There will never be another," Triple H posted on his Twitter account.
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