WWE has now paid tribute to Bill Dundee following the Memphis wrestling legend’s death at the age of 82. The company issued a statement on September 6 honoring Dundee and sending condolences to those closest to him.
Dundee’s passing was announced earlier in the day by his son, Jamie Dundee, who revealed that his father died at 3:30 Sunday morning. WWE later acknowledged the news on social media alongside a memorial graphic for the longtime wrestling star.
“WWE is saddened to learn that Memphis wrestling legend Bill Dundee has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Dundee’s family, friends, and fans.”
The company’s tribute identified Dundee as a Memphis wrestling legend, a fitting description for someone who became one of the defining names of that territory alongside Jerry “The King” Lawler.
Dundee began wrestling in 1962 before arriving in the United States in 1974. He went on to become a major star in Memphis, where he both teamed with and battled Lawler throughout some of the territory’s biggest years. Dundee also captured the AWA World Tag Team Championship twice with Lawler in 1987 and later appeared nationally in WCW as Sir William, the manager of Steven Regal.
His career stretched across more than five decades, with Dundee continuing to wrestle into his 70s before retiring from in-ring competition in 2019. He was also inducted into the Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame after building a résumé that included championships across the AWA, CWA, NWA and USWA.
WWE’s statement now joins the growing number of tributes pouring in for Dundee following his death. For a man whose name became inseparable from Memphis wrestling, the reaction from WWE is another reminder of just how far his influence reached across the business.
What are your favorite memories of Bill Dundee’s career? Leave your thoughts and condolences for the Dundee family in the comments.
