WWE legend ‘Superstar’ Billy Graham is currently on life support, and asking fans for ‘urgent prayers’, his wife Valerie told TMZ Sports.
The 79-year-old Hall of Famer, whose real name is Eldridge Wayne Coleman, is dealing with a ‘myriad of very serious health issues’ according to a GoFundMe page set up to support him, while his wife Valerie has given a devastating update on Monday.
She wrote on Facebook: ‘Please urgent prayers needed for my husband. The doctors wanted to remove him from life support tonight. I refused. He’s a fighter and his will is strong even if his body isn’t. God is our hope.
’As well as a significant infection in his ears and skull, the wrestler and bodybuilder – who was a training partner and close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger – is also suffering with diabetes, hearing loss and congestive heart failure.
Meanwhile, his family has revealed he recently lost 45lbs.
As well as his work in WWE – then known as the World Wrestling Federation – the star made his name in the American Wrestling Association.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004, and a three-time world champion across various wrestling promotions.
He was known as a mentor to famed wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Scott Steiner and Jesse Ventura.
A post on April 26 said: ‘The financial situation has become dire as Insurance is only covering part of this treatment. His rehab copay care is costing $200 a day, out of pocket.
‘Unfortunately, both Wayne, and his wife Valerie, contracted Covid 2 months ago. And unfortunately in Valerie’s case she continues to struggle with what is now Long Covid and as a result she has had to extend her LOA, consequently this has left them with absolutely no income.
‘The emotional strain of not being able to visit her husband, due to Covid, along with the deep concern over his health as well as their financial difficulties is heart-wrenching and very stressful for them both. (sic)’
Graham’s family is asking for continued donations to his GoFundMe in order to help with his medical bills.
