LEGENDARY former wrestler Bobby Duncum Sr. has died at the age of 81.
Duncum was part of a notable generation of athletes who transitioned from professional football to wrestling.
The sad news was confirmed on Wednesday by the Cauliflower Alley club.
In a heartfelt statement, the club said: “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the legendary Bobby Duncum, who has passed away at the age of 81.
“Bobby’s unique voice, toughness, dedication, and contributions to the sport left a lasting mark on professional wrestling. Rest in peace.”
In a tribute posted on the WWE website, the company wrote: “One of the most feared villains of the territories, the rugged cowboy from Austin, Texas, was as tough as they came.
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“WWE extends its condolences to Duncum Sr.’s family, friends and fans.”
Ex-wrestler John “Bradshaw” Layfield revealed in a post to social media that he had read Duncum’s eulogy at his funeral.
He said: “Bobby Jr and I were roommates when we started, I did his eulogy when he unfortunately passed.
“Just a great family. Mr Duncum was always so kind, just a good guy to be around-he had this aura about him, was cool to be in his presence. RIP”
Born in 1944, Duncum was a standout athlete and former American football player.
He played as a tackle at West Texas A&M – a program known for producing future wrestlers.
Duncum was later drafted by St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 NFL Draft.
However, his pro football career was only brief, appearing in just four games.
Even before the draft, Duncum had begun training as a professional wrestler.
He was trained by future NWA champion Dory Funk Jr and had his first official wrestling match in late 1966.
By 1969, he committed to wrestling full-time.
He competed across major U.S. territories, including Florida and Georgia.
His career soon expanded internationally, touring Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1973.
Duncum debuted at Madison Square Garden in 1974, defeating Haystacks Calhoun.
That led to high-profile matches with Bruno Sammartino.
His most sustained success came in the AWA, where he joined The Heenan Family and won the AWA Tag Team Titles with Blackjack Lanza.
He continued to wrestle into the 1980s, facing legends such as Bob Backlund, Andre the Giant, Antonio Inoki, and Hulk Hogan.
Duncum later wrestled under the masked persona “The Mummy” in Southwest Championship Wrestling
His legacy extended to his son – Bobby Duncum Jr. – who followed him into wrestling.
Unfortunately, he tragically died of a drug overdose in 2000 at the age of 34.
Bobby Duncum Sr. leaves behind a powerful legacy in wrestling history.