Tami Chappell/Reuters
Professional wrestler King Kong Bundy has died at 61. “Today we lost a Legend and a man I consider family,” wrote pro wrestling promoter and longtime friend David Herro. Bundy’s cause of death was not immediately disclosed. WWE said in a release that it was saddened to learn of Bundy’s death, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and fans. Bundy, whose real name was Christopher Pallies, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 458-pound wrestler made his World Wrestling Federation debut in 1981. Bundy was best known for facing Hulk Hogan in 1986 in a steel cage match at WrestleMania 2, which Hogan won. Bundy also found himself opposite other big names of the era, including Andre the Giant, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, and The Undertaker. Bundy was planning to appear at WrestleCon in New York City next month.