William "Paul Bearer" Moody Passes Away - Wiggy's Blog

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William "Paul Bearer" Moody Passes Away Stuck

Posted on March 6, 2013 at 02:51 AM.

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Definitely a shame to see William Moody -- known to wrestling fans as Paul Bearer -- passing away on Tuesday. It appears he was battling various illnesses, which isn't entirely surprising considering Moody's notable weight problems over the last 10-15 years. He was 58 years old.

Whenever I heard or read interviews with the guy, he always seemed like a pretty grounded individual. He constantly projected a vibe that acknowledged the mercurial business that he was in, whether that was pro wrestling management or as an actual funeral director. Much like the countless other performers and personalities in the business, he had a life beyond "the life," including a wife, who passed away from cancer in 2009, and two kids.

In the wrestling business, he seemed to survive and maintain his popularity as a frontman, even after years away from the spotlight. People were always genuinely stoked to see him show up with 'Taker at a random Wrestlemania, and he was definitely a manager who added to the theatrics and spectacle of the business. He's also someone who managed to get through the cartoon era of pro wrestling, much like the Undertaker did. He didn't have to adapt as much as 'Taker, in terms of persona or appearance, but he remained relevant.

It's unfortunate to lose such a colorful personality such as him in the wrestling business as well, since many of the managers and stables of today don't really mean all that much. You've usually either got people that are injured or random hot gals repping for various wrestlers, and it doesn't seem that there are very many true "managers" left that provide a presence such as Paul Bearer, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Jimmy Hart, etc. Like all great "managers," he was able to be the voice for a wrestler who didn't have all that much to say, and he made the characters he was supporting better -- a thankless job, in a lot of ways.

Moody was a showman, and he was tailor made for the wrestling business. I don't think anyone who watched -- even ******ly -- during the '90s wouldn't recognize his rubbery facial expressions or distinctive vocal style. With all of the people who fail to stand out in today's crop of talent, it's sad to see someone go who accomplished that feat so effortlessly.

Comments

# 1 mpt54 @ Mar 6

He will be missed one of the greatest managers of all time and accomplished so much

# 2 UK0wnag3 @ Mar 6

Man, I loved watching him. He will truly be missed.

# 3 Bolt957 @ Mar 6

Sad to see one of the greats in managers go so soon. He definitely helped create the Undertaker & Kane into their personas and helped in the storylines. I'll always remember those moments in my childhood.