– Atlanta TV Station WSB-TV has reported that Ray Traylor’s cause of death was a “massive heart attack.” He died last night in Paulding County, Georgia. [Credit: PWInsider.com]
– The following was posted today on WWE.com:
World Wrestling Entertainment is saddened by the loss of Ray Traylor, professionally known as the Big Boss Man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Inside the wrestling ring, Boss Man was one of the most feared and respected Superstars of his time. Outside the ring, however, Traylor was a kind, gentle, charitable, compassionate family man. While his WWE persona was known for antagonizing others, the real Traylor stopped at nothing to put smiles on the faces of the children he would meet.
Traylor began wrestling in 1984. While serving as a prison guard in Cobb County, Georgia, Traylor caught the attention of a local Atlanta wrestling booker. After months of learning the ropes and paying his dues, Traylor was re-christened Big Bubba Rogers. Not long after, Big Bubba Rogers was in main events all over the country, serving as Jim Cornette’s bodyguard.
A few years later, Traylor traveled to Stamford, Connecticut, to meet with Vince McMahon. Shortly thereafter, the Big Boss Man was created.
As a member of WWE, Big Boss Man rapidly moved up the ranks to main event status. It was as the Boss Man in WWE that Traylor enjoyed his greatest success, facing off against many huge names — Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Andre the Giant.
Ray’s spirit and warm nature will never be forgotten.
