WWE Champion and Hall of Famer Pedro Morales Dies at Age 76
By Barry Werner
Pedro Morales, a WWE champion and Hall of Famer died on Tuesday at age 76. He reportedly had been battling Parkinson’s Disease.
Morales was a champion in the 1970s. He had a huge match at Shea Stadium in 1972 against Bruno Sammartino. More than 22,000 attended the battle that went 75 minutes before it was ruled a draw due to an 11 p.m. curfew.
Morales defeated Ivan Koloff for the WWE title in 1971, and kept it for 1,027 days before losing to Stan Stasiak. He also was a tag-team champion with Bob Backlund and captured the Intercontinental title to become the first Triple Crown champ in WWE history.
Morales wrestled until 1987 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995. A true gentleman and legend.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Pedro Morales has passed away at age 76. https://t.co/NYzYOthrQL
— WWE (@WWE) February 12, 2019
The legacy left by Hall of Famer Pedro Morales includes these highlights:
— WWE Stats & Info (@WWEStats) February 12, 2019
- First ever @WWE Triple Crown Champion
- Most cumulative days with the Intercontinental Championship
- 5th longest reign with the #WWE Championship https://t.co/6V3WZ9przB
Just saw that #WWE Hall Of Famer Pedro Morales has passed away at age 76. He is a former WWE champion, his lone title reign lasting an incredible 1,027 days in the early 1970's. RIP to a legend. pic.twitter.com/4DhNTW6Idu
— Torn Quad Podcast (@TornQuadPodCast) February 12, 2019
ONE OF THE BEST EVER. THE PEDRO MORALES EXCELLENT WORKER. EXCELLENT BABY FACE. EXCELLENT BUSINESSMAN. EXCELLENT HUMAN BEING. RIP MY BROTHER. pic.twitter.com/ufUDakO8jw
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 12, 2019
Sad to hear of the passing of @WWE HOFER #PedroMorales.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) February 12, 2019
One of the few individuals in pro wrestling that is universally respected and liked. #AProsPro pic.twitter.com/9PRXsbuaH3
Goodbye to a great friend. One of the kindest, wisest wrestlers I ever knew. When I first started in WWE, he told me: “You can’t stop talent.” I followed those words for the rest of my career. RIP Pedro Morales
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) February 13, 2019
Pedro Morales was a great man & I'm honored to be able to say I knew him. #RIPPedroMorales #PedroMorales pic.twitter.com/mMs3wgjXrd
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) February 12, 2019
My Friend Pedro Morales, Whom I Had The Honor Of Working With Twice! RIP And Always Be Remembered For Your Saying “I’m Ready For Any Kind Of Action!”
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) February 12, 2019
Man bummed out hearing of
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) February 12, 2019
Pedro Morales passing
Triple crown @wwe Champ
Amazing babyface fire
Celebrate his greatness
Watch his career @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/jxGnt0X5UC
Rest In Peace to wrestling legend and 1st ever WWF triple crown (World Title, Tag Title, Intercontinental title) Pedro Morales. pic.twitter.com/fX5s7hFUWU
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) February 12, 2019
RIP Pedro Morales. He was a staple on the old Boston Garden WWF shows I went to in the 80s. Thanks for the memories. https://t.co/knvuoah5cm
— Gabe Sapolsky (@BookItGabe) February 12, 2019
RIP Pedro Morales.
— Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) February 12, 2019
Please read. pic.twitter.com/u00dTrFBd0
Growing up a WWF fan, he was my IC Champ and as fiery a babyface as any.
— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) February 12, 2019
RIP Pedro Morales pic.twitter.com/fcYOI8NKbg