The wrestling world is saddened by the passing of 58-year-old William Moody, who gave us two very unique characters in the business.
Many of you may remember his persona in the World Class Championship Wrestling territory in Dallas -- Perceival "Percy" Pringle III -- where he managed some great wrestlers including The Missing Link, the PYT's (Koko B Ware and Norvel Austin) and the tag team of "Maniac" Matt Borne and "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer. Moody was also one of the key on-camera figures when World Class made the transition to the USWA as Fritz Von Erich sold the territory to Jerry Jarrett. The Pringle character was a face at that time as he was the advisor to "Flamboyant" Eric Embry.
However, it was the persona of Paul Bearer -- the manager and confidant of The Undertaker -- that brought Moody to the masses. Who can forget Bearer (who actually was a licensed mortician) holding the urn high as he led the Undertaker to the ring? Who can forget that lovingly creepy voice (OHHHHHHH YESSSSSS) that he spoke with? And of course, the legendary storyline that brought Undertaker and his "brother" Kane together.
The picture above is one I took of Moody at the NWA Legends Fanfest in Atlanta in 2011. I didn't, unfortunately, get a chance to speak with him very long that day but he seemed to be a very nice man and loved being around the fans and the other legends that were in attendance.
A very good friend of mine -- Daniel Donnelly -- has a nice story on his great I Met A Wrestler blog about meeting Moody a few years ago. I think it is a fitting tribute to him. Please read.
http://www.imetawrestler.com/2011/08/managers-part-one-paul-bearer.html
