WWE Star King Kong Bundy Dead at 61

King Kong Bundy, an iconic big man in professional wrestling history, has died. He was 61.  

News of Bundy's death, first shared in a Facebook post by wrestling promoter David Herro, was confirmed by WWE. The cause of death and other details were not disclosed.

Bundy -- a monster "heel" character who was billed at 6-foot-4, 458 pounds -- is perhaps best known for main-eventing WrestleMania II in a legendary steal cage match against Hulk Hogan.

Bundy made his debut in WWF (which later became WWE) in 1981 then left in the late 1980s, but returned in 1994 as part of The Million Dollar Corporation, a group managed by "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. He had a 25-plus-year career across various wrestling promotions.

Members of the wrestling business expressed sympathies Tuesday on social media:

Overwhelmed by King Kong Bundy’s passing, only great memories,R.I.P. big man until we meet again. HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) March 5, 2019

True LEGEND #KingKongBundy leaves us....tremendous talent/wrestler and his pure athleticism for a big man was excellent! #5Count #RIP --

— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) March 5, 2019

Saddened to hear of King Kong Bundy's passing. A WrestleMania attraction, a true big man and a fan-favorite of the @WWE Universe. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/w8NGxRL9lk

— Triple H (@TripleH) March 5, 2019

He also had guest appearances on the sitcom "Married ... with Children," which featured a family named Bundy.

Bundy, whose real name was Christopher Pallies, was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

With AP