Old School WWF Legend ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff passed away on July 12 at the age of 71.
His son Travis confirmed the sad news on Instagram by issuing the following statement:
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. . He is better known as ‘Mr. #1derful’ Paul Orndorff. Most of you will remember him for his physique. Many will remember his intensity. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart.
He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. I love you Daddy.
A donation page is available in my bio for funeral expenses. Any close friends whom would like to speak at his funeral, please message me on Instagram Travis_Orndorff.
-Travis Orndorff ”
Below is how the wrestling world reacted to Orndorff’s death:
Just got slammed with the Paul Orndorff news,RIP my brother,love you and thank you for always making me fight for everything in our matches,heaven just got even more Wonderful,love U4LifeHH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) July 12, 2021
So Sorry To Hear Of The Passing Of Paul Orndorff aka Mr. Wonderful aka The Brandon Bull. Great Guy, Legit Tough! He Was Another Amazing Athlete That I Had The Pleasure Of Wrestling An Hour For The NWA Championship On Many Occasions! Rest In Peace! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5dFDmqZh2N
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) July 12, 2021
I've watched Paul Orndorff my entire life
I've paid to see him wrestle so many times
Never saw him have a bad match ever
Truly Wonderful #piledriver pic.twitter.com/7nNssgqkXe— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) July 12, 2021
My introduction to wrestling was a Paul Orndorff vs. Salvatore Bellomo match on the MSG Network in 1984. His sheer presence made me believe and opened the doors to a life long fandom. What an incredible performer. #RIPMrWonderful pic.twitter.com/LzwotLAUhn
— Brian Gewirtz (@bfg728) July 12, 2021
So sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed working with Paul. He was a good friend to my son Garett and I and we shared some memorable times away from the wrestling business. Rest easy my friend. pic.twitter.com/GMuZuIMuUY
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) July 12, 2021
Paul Orndorff was a true, man’s man. A stud.
Condolences to Paul’s family and friends. 🙏🤠 https://t.co/e1wDZVGEcO
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) July 12, 2021
The wrestling world has lost another great one In Mr. wonderful Paul Orndorff. I loved the way he sold in the ring, As a heel. One of the all time greats. My condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. you will be missed . #MrWonderful #wwf pic.twitter.com/XnnpMySMli
— D-von Dudley HOF (@TestifyDVon) July 12, 2021
Paul Orndorff was the first wrestler I hated & feared as a child. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. Changed my life. Years later the morning before WrestleMania 21, I trained with him and Hulk. I was a little kid again. One of my fondest memories. Thank you for all of them Paul. pic.twitter.com/h7crlyHme6
— Adam (Edge) Copeland (@EdgeRatedR) July 12, 2021
I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of Paul Orndorff. As a fan, I loved watching him. As a wrestler, I loved working with him. He brought intensity and believability to every match and promo. Truly one of the all-time greats. #RIPPaulOrndorff pic.twitter.com/0YgngeUX2P
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) July 12, 2021
PAUL ORNDORFF. MY BROTHER. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. WE TRAIN TOGETHER. WE RIDE TOGETHER. YOU WERE EXCELLENT BUBBA. I AM SO SAD I LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/RXovORjxVp
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) July 12, 2021
My heart and my prayers go out to the family of my friend and colleague, Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff. Great wrestler and many great memories.
Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/wmmAxtNpA5
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) July 12, 2021
RIP Paul Orndorff. I was at the Big Event in Toronto as a kid watching Mr. Wonderful vs Hulk. I was lucky to interact with him at CAC & shows. Orndorff was always kind, dropped knowledge & treated you well.
"You're green until you break a 1000 matches" Mr.Wonderful Paul Orndorff pic.twitter.com/1Vah8QY1u4— Sinn BodhiTM – Kizarny (@SiNNbODHi) July 12, 2021
RIp Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff. One of the first “bad guys” I gravitated towards as a very young fan. Godspeed sir.
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) July 12, 2021
Damn. Orndorff. I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. Maybe 95ish. Him and Sherri were the best on that show with working the crowd. Think I have his autograph on a patriot mask somewhere. Rest in power Mr. Wonderful.
— player/coach (@CMPunk) July 12, 2021
Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff
Hate to see this, but know he's not in pain anymore. #RIPPaulOrndorff 💙🙏🏼— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) July 12, 2021
Rest In Peace Paul Orndorff. You were a major reason why I wanted to become a professional wrestler. God speed sir. #MrWonderful
— Abyss (@TherealAbyss) July 12, 2021
Paul Orndorff, one of the all-time greats, has passed away. RIP, Mr. Wonderful.
— Kane (@KaneWWE) July 12, 2021
A #WrestleMania main eventer, @WWE Hall of Famer, and one of the industry’s best bad guys. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this difficult time. https://t.co/7UKP1s2yiI
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 12, 2021
The NWA sends it condolences to the friends & family of the legendary Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff.
We'll forever be grateful for the memories and admire the legacy he leaves us with.#MrWonderful #RIPPaulOrndorff pic.twitter.com/gDdwmna0uy
— NWA (@nwa) July 12, 2021
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, brought a swagger and style to the WWE Universe that turned his talent into a prototype for the modern-day Superstar. pic.twitter.com/mFgPdEWZma
— WWE (@WWE) July 12, 2021