WWE legend Paul Bearer dies aged 58

“WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of William Moody, aka Paul Bearer,” said a post on the wrestling organisation’s website. “Our deepest condolences go out to Moody’s family, friends and fans.”

Thanks to his histrionic promos, pallid complexion and fleshy physique, Paul Bearer was one of the most recognisable managers in WWE history.

Moody made his WWE debut as Paul Bearer in 1991, managing The Undertaker. While mentoring the future WWE champion, Paul Bearer became known for carrying an urn to the ring, which appeared to give his protégé mysterious powers.

He also hosted a talk show segment on WWE programming in the early 1990s called The Funeral Parlour, which was used to launch a number of memorable wrestling storylines.

While his appearances in WWE became more sporadic after the late ‘90s, Moody continued working with the company until April 2012.

Writing on Twitter today, former WWE champion Hulk Hogan said: “Very sad about Paul Bearer,he was a great person and one of the original boys,he was what made wrestling great much love much respect HH”

WWE executive and thirteen-time world champ Triple H wrote: “Rest in peace, Paul Bearer. You will never be forgotten. There will never be another.”

Watch a classic clip of Paul Bearer and the Undertaker from 1992:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTxmjud_IwM#t=00m12s