WWE: Billy Graham has Ric Flair’s full support as WWE legend pays tribute to his ‘mentor’ and ‘hero’

Ric Flair has paid tribute to his ‘mentor’ and ‘hero’ ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham after news emerged of the 1977-78 WWWF Heavyweight Champion being on life support with an array of serious heath issues. 

Taking to Twitter on Monday, the 16-time World Champion offered his full support to Graham, 79, also sharing how much of an impact he’s had on Flair’s own glamorous career. 

‘So sad to hear about Billy Graham’s healthy,’ Flair tweeted. ‘Make No Mistake- Talk About The Influence He Made On ME And So Many Others! Hulk, Dusty Etc! You’re beautiful. Bonnie Dyed My Hair In 1972!! Stay Strong My Mentor! FYI – You And Dusty Rhodes Were My Heroes! You Made Me!’

Flair’s heartfelt message to his wrestling companion comes a day after Graham’s wife, Valerie, shared an update on her husband’s health on his official Facebook page on May 15. 

‘Please urgent prayers needed for my husband,’ she wrote. ‘The doctors wanted to remove him from life support tonight. I refused. ‘He’s a fighter and his will is strong even if his body isn’t. God is our hope.’

Ric Flair’s paid tribute to his ‘mentor’ and ‘hero’ ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham on Twitter on Monday

Graham – a former Heavyweight Champ’ – is on life support, dealing with serious health issues

Graham’s health has been in steady decline over the last few months, according to a GoFundMe page, with the award-winning bodybuilder dealing with a ‘myriad of very serious health issues’. 

As of Tuesday, 422 donations have been made, raising $17,090 of a $50,000 goal.

Prior to launching a career in pro wrestling, Graham – born Eldridge Wayne Coleman – had aspirations to make it to the Canadian Football League, though he skyrocketed to fame after showing off his bodybuilding skills. 

Starting his wrestling career in 1969, Graham signed with several promotions deals before making his WWE debut  in 1975.

By that time, his in-arena look became influential to many of the most popular wrestlers of the time – including Austin Idol, Jesse Ventura, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair.

When wrestling surged in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, wrestlers such as Steve Austin and Triple H began adopting his look and mannerisms.

Over the course of his WWE career, he won the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship once back in 1977.

Graham was inducted alongside Ventura and Sgt. Slaughter in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2004. 

But Graham was not without his controversies. He was a user of anabolic steroids, once claiming that he was ‘an innovator of steroid use’ in the WWE. Graham went on to do a public awareness campaign regarding the dangers of the drug.