WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal passes away aged 60
WWE Hall of Famer Road Warrior Animal has sadly passed away at the age of 60.
The news was confirmed by Animal's official Twitter account in a statement which read: "At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60.
"The family is planning to release a statement later today. At this time we ask for you to keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. #OhWhatARush."
WWE also released an official statement reading: "WWE is saddened to learn that Joe Laurinaitis, known to WWE fans as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away at the age of 60.
"One of the most intense Superstars to ever step into the squared circle, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Animal spent the majority of his career alongside his tag team partner, Hawk. Together, they formed what was arguably the most successful, popular and feared tandem of all time – The Road Warriors.
"With their intimidating face paint, outfits covered in metal spikes and impressive array of power moves, the duo captured titles and destroyed opponents wherever they roamed. Their dominance made them so popular that the phrase 'Road Warrior pop' has been used in locker rooms to describe particularly deafening reactions from the crowd ever since."
Laurinaitis was best known to WWE fans as a member of legendary tag team The Road Warriors (known as The Legion of Doom in WWE) alongside his partner Road Warrior Hawk (Michael Hegstrand) who passed away in 2003.
As the Legion of Doom they became two time WWE Tag Team Champions and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
Laurinaitis is also the brother of former Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis, who has made appearances on Total Bellas through his marriage to Nikki and Brie Bella's mother Kathy.
On Twitter, Hulk Hogan paid tribute to Laurinaitis, writing: "RIP Animal, love you my brother, I know you and Hawk have a lot of unfinished business to take care of! God speed and blessings to your beautiful family, one love4life. HH."
Ric Flair shared: "I Am More Than Saddened To Hear Of The Loss Of My Good Friend And GREAT Opponent Joe Laurinaitis Of The Legendary Road Warriors. They Were Iconic! The Road Warriors And The Four Horsemen Drew More Money And Had More Fun And Entertained Fans Worldwide At The Highest Level. RIP."
We here at Digital Spy extend our condolences to Joseph Laurinaitis’s family and friends.
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