5 facts about "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff

Roddy Piper, Cowboy Bob Orton, and Paul Orndorff

#1. Paul Orndorff was named "Mr. Wonderful" by Roddy Piper

We've spent a lot of time talking about the impact Hulk Hogan had on Paul Orndorff's career (maybe a little too much time, come to think of it), but he wasn't the only one. In fact, only one man can lay claim to being the one to crown Paul Orndorff as "Mr. Wonderful," and that's "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

When Orndorff made his WWF debut in 1994, he quickly associated himself with the "Rowdy One", taking Piper on as his manager. Piper, as he was wont to do, tagged the nickname onto Orndorff and, let's admit it, that totally sounds like something Roddy Piper would call someone off the cuff. However, that seemingly innocuous nickname would be associated with Paul Orndorff for the rest of his career.

While Orndorff would team with Piper against Hogan and Mr. T. at the very first WrestleMania, his matches against Roddy following his switch to babyface were also highly influential on his career. Orndorff's former manager, Bobby Heenan, was so incensed at being fired by him that he put a $25,000 (later raised to $50,000) bounty out to anyone who could injure him. It was a bounty that Piper was all too eager to attempt to collect.

Time has healed all wounds it seems. One of the last major appearances Orndorff made in WWE was at a special birthday celebration for, of all people, Hulk Hogan. It was an event that Piper himself attended, as well. It's nice to see friends reuniting, isn't it?

Before we go, we'd like to share with you this video that shows just how awesome "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff really was. Be sure to keep your eye on "Mean" Gene Okerlund at the end of the video.

All of us here at Sportskeeda would like to offer our deepest condolences to Paul Orndorff's family, friends, colleagues, and fans over the years.

Rest in peace, Mr. Wonderful.