MMA world reacts to death of 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper

For many who grew up in the 80s and find themselves as modern MMA fans, the name “Rowdy” Roddy Piper stirs up a good deal of emotion. Piper died earlier today, sending shockwaves through social media.

One of the greatest pro-wrestling “heels” of all-time, Piper was the anchor of the WWF’s first WrestleMania event, teaming with Paul Orndorff opposite Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.

After a lengthy wrestling career that saw him suffer almost no “clean” losses, Piper was asked by UFC superstar and current women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey if she could take on the “Rowdy” nickname. Piper granted permission and Rousey has held up her end of the bargain.

Rousey weighed in for her UFC 190 bout with Bethe Correia just moments before news of Piper’s passing broke.

Check out the above video of Piper speaking to MMAjunkie before WrestleMania 31 earlier this year and read below to see how the MMA world has been reacting to the passing of a wrestling legend.

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https://twitter.com/TMZ/status/627242117547425792

https://twitter.com/TJ_Grant/status/627243077573476352

https://twitter.com/TheJamesKrause/status/627271496956678145

https://twitter.com/Flyinjudoka/status/627244697648558080

https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/627243520840060929

https://twitter.com/CMPunk/status/627269264500654080

https://twitter.com/CMPunk/status/627269137543204864

https://twitter.com/Thebeast_ufc/status/627268713465577473

https://twitter.com/SeanGrandePBP/status/627242546146770944

https://twitter.com/marc_raimondi/status/627244219401392128

https://twitter.com/MMAjunkieMatt/status/627240260083171332

https://twitter.com/joerogan/status/627244757740163072

https://twitter.com/ShowdownJoe/status/627245023063638016

https://twitter.com/JonLaneNHL/status/627244517176049664

https://twitter.com/davesimonmma/status/627256402675941377

https://twitter.com/jeffwagenheim/status/627257917893271552

And a note from Piper’s former employer and WWE owner Vince McMahon:

https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/627251759610789888

https://twitter.com/VinceMcMahon/status/627251879702044672