Superstar Billy Graham, the controversial wrestling champion from the 70s and 80s, was recently hospitalized for double pneumonia. In addition to the pneumonia affecting both lungs, the Superstar has come down with an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. The North Phoenix Heart Center has reportedly put Graham on medication to control the atrial fibrillation, but is considering surgery if the medications are not tolerated. The Hall of Fame wrestler has battled many illnesses in the past, including diabetes and hepatitis C. Graham is a former WWWF Heavyweight Champion, a lineage that is connected to the WWE. He is best known for his battles against Bruno Sammartino is Madison Square Garden.
Superstar Billy Graham made headlines in the wrestling world just a few weeks ago, when he called out current WWE Champion CM Punk. Punk, who is known for his "truth bombs," downplayed Bruno Sammartino's reign as champion during a promo on WWE Raw. Graham, whose real name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman, took exception to the promo. Graham released a statement demanding an apology from WWE and CM Punk. Of course, the request was ignored by both parties.
However, a former WWE superstar and champion did chime in on the request. Chris Jericho, who is not currently working with WWE and was involved in a feud with Punk during his last tenure, reminded Graham that wrestling is fake. The two had traded insults in the past and there seems to be some bad blood among the two parties.
Despite being viewed in the wrestling community as a cranky and bitter old man, Superstar Billy Graham's impact on pro wrestling will never be erased. Graham has been credited as being the inspiration for Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura and "Big Poppa Pump" Scott Steiner. His massive arms and wild wrestling tights captured the imagination of fans across the globe. Superstar Billy Graham was sports entertainment, before anybody knew what sports entertainment was.
In the world of pro wrestling, a legend like Superstar Billy Graham can do no wrong.
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