Blackjack Mulligan was one of the most iconic and influential wrestlers of his era. He was known for his rugged cowboy persona, his devastating iron claw hold, and his tag team partnership with Blackjack Lanza. He was also the patriarch of a wrestling dynasty that includes his sons Barry and Kendall Windham, his son-in-law Mike Rotunda, and his grandsons Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt. But how did the WWE Hall of Famer die? Here is what we know about Blackjack Mulligan’s cause of death.
Health Problems and Heart Attack
According to Wikipedia, Mulligan had been suffering from various health issues for several years before his death. He had a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems. He also had a stroke in 2015 that left him partially paralyzed. In June 2015, he was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack. He was reportedly in critical condition and placed on life support. His family asked for prayers and support from the wrestling community.
Passing Away at Age 73
According to WWE, Mulligan passed away on April 7, 2016, at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by his son Barry Windham on Facebook. He wrote: “My Dad passed away today at 11:30am. He was my hero, my friend and my dad. I will miss him more than words can express. I love you dad.” WWE also issued a statement expressing its condolences to Mulligan’s family, friends, and colleagues. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon tweeted: “Blackjack Mulligan was a friend and one of the all-time greats. We will miss him dearly.”
Legacy and Tribute
Mulligan’s legacy lives on through his family and his fans. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 along with Blackjack Lanza by their manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. He is also recognized as a former World Tag Team Champion, a former United States Champion, and a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most charismatic wrestlers of all time.
Mulligan’s death was mourned by many wrestlers and personalities in the industry. Some of them shared their memories and tributes on social media. For example, Ric Flair tweeted: “One Of The Greatest Men I’ve Ever Met And A Dear Friend! RIP Blackjack Mulligan!” Hulk Hogan tweeted: “RIP Blackjack Mulligan, a great friend and one of the original Four Horsemen with me, Ole Anderson and Arn Anderson.” Jim Ross tweeted: “Sad to hear the passing of an old friend Blackjack Mulligan who passed away this morning at age 73. RIP big man.”
Mulligan’s grandsons Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt also paid homage to their grandfather in their own ways. Bo Dallas wore a black glove similar to Mulligan’s signature accessory during his matches. Bray Wyatt dedicated his victory at WrestleMania 32 to Mulligan by tweeting: “This one is for you Grampy…I know you’re watching…#WrestleMania”
