King Kong Bundy, WWE WrestleMania 2 Headliner, Passes Away

Christopher Alan Pallies, known to wrestling fans the world over as the monstrous King Kong Bundy, passed away Monday afternoon, aged 61. No cause of death was immediately given.

The announcement of Bundy's passing was made by Bundy's friend

, with the blessing of Bundy's family (according to

). Herro wrote of Bundy, "Today we lost a Legend and a man I consider family. Rest in Peace Chris. We love you. Thank you for believing in me."

Beginning his career in 1981, the 400-plus pound Bundy would achieve his greatest notoriety in WWE in the mid-eighties. At different times managed by Jimmy Hart and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Bundy made an indelible mark in the early years of WrestleMania.

At WrestleMania 1, Bundy defeated veteran SD Jones in a match that was reputedly only nine seconds (closer to 23 or 24 seconds). A year later, Bundy headlined WrestleMania 2, challenging for Hulk Hogan's WWE Championship inside of a steel cage at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

In all, Bundy had two tenures with WWE, the latter of which concluded in the fall of 1995. After that time, Bundy performed regularly on the independent scene before retiring in 2007.

A young Bundy was also Fritz Von Erich's opponent in what was to be Von Erich's retirement match at Texas Stadium in June 1982.

Our condolences go out to Mr. Pallies' friends and family.