Wrestling fans are not well this week after the wife of pro wrestling legend “Superstar” Billy Graham provided an ominous update about her husband as he continues his health battle in a hospital.
Valerie Graham wrote on Facebook the doctors wanted to take the former WWE superstar off life support, but she declined to do so.
“Please urgent prayers needed for my husband. The doctors wanted to remove him from life support tonight, I refused. He’s a fighter and his will is strong even if his body isn’t. God is our hope,” she wrote on Facebook with a link to his GoFundMe.
A GoFundMe that was set up for Graham states that he has been in the ICU for over three weeks. The most recent update on Graham’s GoFundMe came in April.
“It has now been four months since Wayne has not been home, he has either been at the rehab center, or in the hospital. Due to ongoing issues from his lack of appetite, he has now lost 80 pounds and subsequently continues to struggle with extreme weakness,” the April 26th update read. “The Osteomyelitis infection in his ears, skull, and sinus cavity remains his greatest challenge. He’s on strong IV antibiotics 3 times a day to treat this and the infectious disease doctor says he will need to be on them for at least 3 more months. As a result of this infection, he is currently completely deaf. We’re praying this is temporary, and will resolve as the infection is treated. He has intermittently also suffered with kidney issues, and been on dialysis. This in addition to Billy having heart and lung concerns, sores from being in bed for 4 months, and depression.
“The financial situation has become dire as Insurance is only covering part of this treatment. His rehab copay care is costing $200 a day, out of pocket. Unfortunately, both Wayne, and his wife Valerie, contracted Covid 2 months ago. And unfortunately, In Valerie’s case, she continues to struggle with what is now Long Covid and as a result, she has had to extend her LOA, consequently, this has left them with absolutely no income. The emotional strain of not being able to visit her husband, due to Covid, along with the deep concern over his health as well as their financial difficulties is heart-wrenching and very stressful for them both.
“Anyone who could find it in their heart to donate any amount, would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. Please help, and pray for the superstar to recover, and get back home where he belongs. God Bless you all, thank you. He is in the fight of his life.”
Here’s how social media responded:
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The now 79-year-old pro wrestler first made his debut in Stampede Wrestling in 1970 and would move to the NWA’s Los Angeles territory under the name Billy Graham.
He would perform in the American Wrestling Alliance and then work his way to the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the 1970s.
Graham was known for his charismatic personality, muscular physique, and flamboyant wrestling attire, which included colorful outfits and feather boas. Graham’s look and persona were influential in shaping the larger-than-life characters that would become synonymous with professional wrestling.
He would perform in the American Wrestling Alliance and then work his way to the World Wide Wrestling Federation. He was a three-time world champion across various wrestling promotions
Graham, who was born Eldrige Wayne Coleman, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
