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The wrestling world is saddened following the news of Christopher Pallies, aka King Kong Bundy passing away.
Long time friend David Herro first posted the news on Twitter shortly after midnight.
Bundy was 61 years old, and still active in making appearances at various conventions.
Today we lost a Legend of a performer and someone that I considered family. @RealKKBundy Rest In Peace my friend. Thank you for believing in me. #KingKongBundy pic.twitter.com/b53l4xjhGi
— David Herro (@DavidHerro) March 5, 2019
WWE released the following statement Tuesday morning –
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Legend King Kong Bundy has passed away.
Bundy was appropriately called the “walking condominium,” standing at an impressive 6-foot-4 and weighing 458 pounds. The sight of Bundy stepping between the ropes was intimidating enough, but his crushing offense proved that he was every bit as destructive as advertised. In fact, Bundy was so dominant that he demanded referees count to five when he pinned his opponents to show that there was no way they were getting up.
The Atlantic City, N.J., native broke into WWE in the 1980s, dominating at the first WrestleMania and memorably challenging Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship inside a Steel Cage at WrestleMania 2.
Although Bundy left WWE in the late ’80s, he returned in 1994 as part of The Million Dollar Corporation, once again destroying rivals with the Avalanche Splash and proving that he was one of the greatest and most eye-catching big men to lace up a set of boots.
WWE extends its condolences to Bundy’s family, friends and fans.
Godspeed, King Kong Bundy. When I was just starting in this crazy industry, you didn’t have to help me. You did. I’m grateful for our brief time shared and for the memories. Rest well, sir. 🖐 https://t.co/9u4DKlEdQa
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) March 5, 2019
True LEGEND #KingKongBundy leaves us….tremendous talent/wrestler and his pure athleticism for a big man was excellent! #5Count #RIP 🙏
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) March 5, 2019
Rest In Peace to the true master of the Five Count. Condolences to his loved ones. #KingKongBundy
— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) March 5, 2019
Wow. King Kong Bundy was soooo good and ahead of his time. He was a machine and he never ran out of gas. @WWEBigE stole his 5 count in NXT too. #RIP
— Rusev (@RusevBUL) March 5, 2019
I met King Kong Bundy in 1999. I had just started training and was helping out backstage at the show he was on. I’ll always remember him being really funny and just such a great guy. I wish I had been lucky enough to cross paths with him again.
My thoughts go out to his family.
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) March 5, 2019
RIP my friend. Thanks for your humor and kindness. #KingKongBundy pic.twitter.com/MdzLtvyy6S
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) March 5, 2019
So sad to learn of King Kong Bundy passing away. A true legendary big man who paved the way for a lot of us. A true gentleman and so kind to be around. God bless you. pic.twitter.com/iDyZR865mD
— Abyss (@TherealAbyss) March 5, 2019
OMG can’t hardly believe my friend Chris Pallies aka King Kong Bundy has passed away. Very sad news he was a kind soul. Rest In Peace Brother until we meet again.
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) March 5, 2019