Who was Paul Orndorff and how did he die?
FORMER WWE superstar Paul Orndorff, better known by his in-ring name Mr Wonderful, passed away on Monday, July 12. Orndorff was 71-years-old at the time of his death. To the WWE Universe, Orndorff was recognized as Mr Wonderful. The former WWE superstar also competed for World Championship Wrestling under the same name. Orndorff exploded on the WWE scene in the 1980s, paired with manager Bobby Heenan. Throughout the 80s, Orndorff became a star, often going head-to-head with the Immortal Hulk Hogan in the main event of the first Wrestlemania and Survivors Series. In 1988, he left WWE for WCW, where he captured the WCW World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championships with Paul Roma. Despite his successful WWE career, Orndorff never won the WWE Championship. Injuries caused Mr Wonderful to step away from the square ring in 2000. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2009. On July 12, Travis Orndorff, Mr Wonderful's son, confirmed his father's death after battling dementia and head trauma. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr," Travis wrote. "He is better known as Mr. #1derful Paul Orndorff. Most of you will remember him for his physique. Many will remember his intensity. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. "He will always be Pop, Paw Paw, and Daddy at home. And as much as many of you hated him as a wrestler, he absolutely loved you for it. 2 Paul 'Mr Wonderful' Orndorff was 71-years-old at the time of his death Credit: WWE  "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. I love you Daddy." He explained that his father had been battling with dementia, which he believes was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The condition happens when someone suffers repeated head trauma; however, it can only be diagnosed once someone has passed away. It is not clear if an autopsy has been done yet. Orndorff's family created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the icon's funeral. On the page, Paul's wife, Amayou Smith, wrote: "Hi my name is Amayou, my husband is Travis Orndorff. "As some of you may know we are preparing for Paul 'Mr Wonderful' Orndorff's final farewell. "Travis wants to give everyone, including fans, the opportunity to Donate to Paul's final expenses. All donations and love gifts are appreciated." The page has raised a total of $860 out of its $25,000 goal so far. WWE's official Twitter account posted a tribute to the fallen star, tweeting: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. "WWE extends its condolences to Orndorffs family and friends." Former WWE superstar CM Punk wrote: "Damn. Orndorff. I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. Maybe 95ish. "Him and Sherri were the best on that show with working the crowd. Think I have his autograph on a patriot mask somewhere. Rest in power Mr. Wonderful." "My heart and my prayers go out to the family of my friend and colleague, Mr. Wonderful, Paul Orndorff. Great wrestler and many great memories. Rest In Peace my friend, " WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase shared. Former WWE superstar and current All Elite Wrestling star Matt Hardy tweeted, "#RIP 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff." Hogan said he was "slammed" by the news of Mr Wonderful's death. "Just got slammed with the Paul Orndorff news,RIP my brother,love you and thank you for always making me fight for everything in our matches,heaven just got even more Wonderful,love U4LifeHH," he wrote. Former Senior Vice President of WCW, Eric Bishoff, wrote: "So sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed working with Paul. "He was a good friend to my son Garett and I and we shared some memorable times away from the wrestling business. Rest easy my friend."