The Rod
It’s a guarantee that in my life whenever I hear ‘Scotland
the Brave’ being played I’ll always remember the man Roddy Piper born Roderick
Toombs. At just 61 years old this wrestling legend and amazing person passed
away due to heart failure July 31st in the AM. I personally have
many, many fond memories of Roddy. Many people who aren’t aware the life of a
wrestler think everything shown in the movie “The Wrestler” with Micky Rourke
is as close as it can be represented which to those who in the industry who
defended it and said it was as close as it could be are only doing what
wrestlers have always done. The truth in wrestling is a lot more than any 2
hour movie. Hot Rod literally opened the door to so many wrestlers that took
the spotlight and shined. Just like Roddy they too had to pass the torch. Over
the years Roddy always stayed active in the industry from guest spots to
conventions to indie bookings, the love for the sport had never died.
Some wrestlers make retirement announcements usually a work
for a forthcoming story line and some just ride off into the sunset, Roddy did
and had always knew when it was time….it was time. It’s strange in life that
when someone you meet, worked with, watched on TV passes because you can’t help
but reflect on the many things going on in your mind. The passing of Roddy can
almost be looked upon as the passing of a whole generation. The King Kong Bundy’s,
Hulk Hogan’s, Iron Sheik’s, Rick Martel’s and so on. Of course in the turning
of time we come to the next generation; Bret Harts, Shawn Michael’s, Undertaker
and so on. With every turning there’s always a new beginning, this doesn’t make
it easier to deal with but it does make us appreciate those who passed and
those who luckily are still with us. I believe people who don’t understand what
the wrestling business was back in the 70’s 80’s and early 90’s need to understand
like today it was a self-destructing, promoter demanding, drug induced, alcohol
fueled, ego ruling era. Many people who wrestled during this time are dead, washed
up, surviving on pain med’s or they are owners of promotions. It is a sad truth
but a truth none the less. Of course in the 90’s the life-style of a wrestler
changed dramatically. Fame played and is playing a bigger part of the destruction
of many more talents.