Bobby Duncum Sr. passes away at 81

Professional wrestling is once again in mourning after the passing of Bobby Duncum Sr., one of the iconic figures of the territorial era in the United States. His career, spanning from 1966 to 1986, positioned him as a tough competitor, known for his physical style and strong character.

Prior to stepping into the ring, Duncum excelled as a college football player at West Texas State. His performance led to being drafted by the Cardinals in 1967, then based in St. Louis, although ultimately his professional path led him to the world of wrestling.

Trained by Dory Funk Jr., Duncum competed in some of the most important promotions of his time, including NWA, AWA, and Vince McMahon Sr.'s World Wide Wrestling Federation. In those territories, he earned a reputation for wild street fights and particularly tough confrontations.

"Duncum became infamous for his brutal battles against legends like Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund, and he was also part of the iconic Heenan Family in the AWA," WWE highlighted when announcing his passing in an official statement on their website.

During his time in the AWA, his association with the Heenan Family left a lasting mark, as it was one of the most memorable groups of that era. His presence perfectly fit the intimidating profile that defined many wrestlers of the time.

Bobby Duncum Sr. was also the father of Bobby Duncum Jr., a WCW wrestler who passed away in the year 2000 at the age of 34. A family story united by wrestling and also by tragedy.