WWE Doing 10 Bell Salutes

WWE are doing 10 Bell Salutes at this weekend’s house shows to commemorate Roddy Piper, who was found dead after a heart attack yesterday. Here’s footage from yesterday evening’s event from San Diego, California:

More Stars Remember Roddy Piper

As expected the social media-sphere has blown up with Roddy Piper condolences. Here is a selection, beginning with music star Cyndi Lauper, who feuded with Piper back during the Wrestlemania 1 build:

I am so sad to tweet that my friend Roddy Piper passed away last night. He was really such a sweet man. My heart is with his family.

— Cyndi Lauper (@cyndilauper) July 31, 2015

Ric Flair told TMZ:

“We’ve shared the ring, traveled the world, maintained a friendship throughout the ups and downs of the wrestling world, and battled to see who was the better heel. It’s almost impossible to express my grief. My condolences to his children and to his wife Kitty. I’ll miss you Roddy. The world will never be as Rowdy without you.”

When things were simple, he lit my way and gave me purpose. Meeting him was a thrill. His friendship was cherished.His death, heartbreaking.

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 1, 2015

The Rock wrote on Instagram:

RIP legend. I first met this wrestling icon when I was 12yrs old when he was wrestling my pops the WWE. For weeks and weeks after that meeting I would have my mom set up a video camera in the kitchen as I would “become” Hot Rod and mimmic and emulate his every word, style, swag, heat, cool cockiness and all delivered with his classic smile (and my awful 12yr old afro).He was a huge influence on me as a kid and an even bigger one when I became The Rock in the WWE. Thank you Roddy for all the talks, all the stories (especially the crazy ones about my grandfather and grandmother) all the advice and most importantly.. all the memories of you entertaining us fans. You’re missed my friend. Heaven just got a lil’ rowdier… Rest in love ~ DJ

Scott Stanford spoke with Meane Gene in the following video:

Bret Hart wrote on Instagram:

I can’t find the words to describe the sorrow in my heart upon learning the news of my dear friend, Roddy Piper, passing away. He was my closest friend in the business, a man that schooled me and guided me throughout my career. In fact, if it wasn’t for Roddy Piper reaching out to help me, I’m sure I would’ve been a mere footnote in wrestling. He was always there for me. He was family to me, a brother who loved me and was there for me through my darkest days. He was the only wrestler to come visit me when I suffered a stroke in 2002. He totally made me at Wrestlemania 8 in our classic match. Passing a torch that many from that era couldn’t conceive of doing. We always called each other “cuz” because we were so close. I loved you Roddy, and I’ll miss you and your laugh for the rest of my days. I’m stunned and the hole in my heart will widen as it sinks in that I lost a brother of such great worth. What a tragic loss to all that knew him.

UFC star Ronda Rousey is dedicating tonight’s fight to her favourite wrestler:

Thank you for the name…. And so much more…. Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow. This one’s for you Roddy.

For those that don’t know Rousey uses the “Rowdy” name with Piper’s blessing. She was mentored by “Judo” Gene Lebell, who also trained Piper for a time when he was a teenager.