WWE legend James "Kamala" Harris has died at age 70, according to the pro wrestling company.
The 6-foot-7, 380-pound pro wrestler entertained audiences in the ring for over two decades, facing some of the top names including Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant. He made his WWE debut in 1984, where he "terrorized opponents and thrilled audiences in Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW and WWE until 2006," the company said in a statement.
No cause of death has been revealed, but Daily Mail noted that Harris had struggled with health issues in recent years including diabetes, which caused him to lose both his legs.
News of his death saw social media flooded with tributes from fellow wrestlers.
"Another legend who deserved to be in @WWE Hall of Fame and ALIVE when that time came," said former wrestler Elijah Burke, whose ring name was Da Pope, in an Instagram post. "An all around great talent and good guy that got over and stood out wherever he went. RIP to the great 'Ugandan Giant' Kamala. His memory will live on forever."
Former World Championship Wrestling pro, Scotty Riggs, said in a tweet that Harris was a pioneer who "paved the road for wrestlers with his unique persona that made the fans believe."
Riggs added: "He was one of a kind."
Brian Heffron, known as "The Blue Meanie" in the ring, offered a humorous anecdote about Harris.
"Just as much as he was scary in ring, he was a sweetheart in real life. He informed me I had knocked out a tooth on a clothesline," Heffron tweeted. "After I apologized profusely he informed me he was set to get it pulled anyway and I saved him $30 lol Rest easy my friend. . . ."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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