Wrestling legend William Alvin "Bill" Moody, better known as his ring name Paul Bearer, died Tuesday, March 5. He was 58.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced the news in a statement on the website, saying, "WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of William Moody, aka Paul Bearer. Moody made his WWE debut in 1991 as the manager of The Undertaker and went on to become a memorable part of WWE over the course of the next 20 years. Our deepest condolences go out to Moody's family, friends and fans."
First appearing on WWE (then known as the World Wrestling Federation, or WWF) TV in 1991 as the new manager of the Undertaker (taking over for Brother Love) Moody, thanks to his attire, carrying an urn and high-raspy voice, made a career of causing kids nightmare.
Moody left WWE as a full-time performer in 2002, but had returned sporadically since then, stated Los Angeles Times.
During his time, he not only managed Undertaker, (guiding him to the WWF title on two separate occasions), but his brother (in the story-line, not in real life) Kane, Rick Rude, Vader and Mankind.
The details surrounding Bearer's death are unclear -- but he reportedly suffered from serious health problems over the past decade ... including morbid obesity (he once weighed 525 pounds, but due to having gastric bypass surgery and dropped down to below 300 pounds) and gallbladder issues, reported TMZ.
If you're a fan of the sport, you were entertained by his trash-talking and creepy persona. However, with his former day--and night job (he actually held a degree in mortuary science and worked at a funeral home)--it's understandable how he fit right in with the character he represented during his WWE career, stated Examiner.
He is survived by two sons, Michael and Daniel.
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