Pro wrestler Paul Orndorff passed away today at the age of 71. The cause of death was not immediately given.

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr.” Travis Orndorff wrote. “He is better known as ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff. Most of you will remember him for his physique. Many will remember his intensity. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. I love you Daddy.”

Orndorff was a college football star at the University of Tampa before being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 1973 NFL Draft. Orndorff did not pass his physical and never played in the NFL. He started his wrestling career three years later in several territories.

Orndorff signed with the WWE (then known as the WWF) in 1983, where he was eventually managed by Roddy Piper and given the “Mr. Wonderful” nickname. Orndorff was in the main event of the first WrestleMania. He teamed up with Piper to face Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.