WWE Hall of Famer Joseph Laurinaitis, better known as Road Warrior Animal, has died at the age of 60, his family announced Wednesday.
At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60. The family is planning to release a statement later today. At this time we ask for you to keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. #OhWhatARush
— RoadWarriorAnimal (@RWAnimal) September 23, 2020
WWE also released a statement confirming the news.
WWE is saddened to learn that Joe Laurinaitis, known to WWE fans as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2020
WWE extends its condolences to Laurinaitis' family, friends and fans. https://t.co/hurorEDVff
Laurinaitis was a member of the iconic tag team The Road Warriors/Legion of Doom alongside Michael "Road Warrior Hawk" Hegstrand, who died of a heart attack in 2003. The pair first joined the then-WWF in 1990 following stints in the AWA, All Japan Pro Wrestling, NWA, and WCW.
Hulk Hogan, Tommy Dreamer, and The Iron Sheik were among those who paid tribute to Laurinaitis on Twitter following news of his death.
RIP Animal,love you my brother, I know you and Hawk have a lot of unfinished business to take care of! God speed and blessings to your beautiful family,one love4Life. HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 23, 2020
My friend @RWAnimal has passed away pic.twitter.com/lSf997OjIy
— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) September 23, 2020
MY ROAD WARRIOR ANIMAL BROTHER. YOU WERE MOST OVER TAG TEAM EVER. WE HAVE THE BEST TIME IN THE MINNESOTA FOREVER I LOVE YOU. RIP BUBBA pic.twitter.com/dLzAy2uRaa
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) September 23, 2020
