Roderick George “Roddy” Toombs was born on April 17, 1954 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. After getting expelled from junior high for having a switchblade and struggling to get along with his father, Roddy lived in youth hostels around Canada. At around age 15, Roddy started wrestling for money. At 6 feet tall and 227 pounds, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper worked his way through the wrestling circuit and eventually obtaining a reputation as one of the greatest villains in wrestling history. “Rowdy” Piper began wrestling for the American Wrestling Federation in 1973 where he first established himself as a villain. He wrestled there from 1973-1975. In 1975, he joined the National Wrestling Alliance where he grew a bigger fan base. He moved to the Mid-Atlantic Circuit in 1980 where stayed until 1983, when he lost 50% of his hearing in a dog collar match. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper then brought his talents to the World Wrestling Federation and the World Championship Wrestling from 1984-2000. He embraced his Scottish heritage and was known for wearing a kilt and making his grand entrance to bagpipe music.
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Roddy, in addition to being an incredibly successful professional wrestler, was also a Golden Gloves winner and held a black belt in Judo. Roddy was married to his wife, Kitty, since 1982 and was the proud parent of four children, three girls and one boy. His son, Colt Toombs is making a name for himself in the boxing and fighting world. Roddy also had four grandchildren. After battling Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006 as well as electrocution, stabbings and multiple car wrecks, Roddy Piper passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. Roddy was 61.
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper was estimated to be worth $4 Million at his passing.