WWE.Com has reported that long time performer; Paul Bearer has passed away at the age of 58. Born William Moody, Bearer first gained significant traction as a wrestling manager named, Percival Pringle III in WCCW and later the USWA. He would move to the then named World Wrestling Federation, and adopted the Paul Bearer name as the manager of the Undertaker in early 1991.
It was a perfect fit, as Moody was actually a licensed mortician, and he played the creepy manager perfectly. Bearer would manage the Undertaker for five years, before turning on him at Summer Slam 96 and aligning with Mankind. Bearer would later form an association with Vader, but would engage in another program with the Undertaker, when he unveiled Kane, who was the younger brother of the “Dead Man”. Kane would later be revealed to be Paul Bearer’s son, and the three would remain intertwined in various storylines for years to come.
Over the last ten years, Bearer would appear infrequently on WWE television, and occasionally for other promotions. Unfortunately, Bearer would not be in the best health, as his weight had reached well over the 500 pound mark, though he did have gastric bypass surgery to lose weight.
We offer our condolences to the family of William Moody, and will remember the years of entertainment he gave us.
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