WWE Fans React to the News of 'Road Warrior Animal's' Death at 60 — See the Touching Tributes

WWE wrestlers and fans flooded social media after the death of the iconic Road Warrior Animal, one-half of one of the 80s and 90s best tag team champions.

On September 22, one of the greatest superstars to ever step into the WWE's squared circle passed away. Road Warrior Animal was one of the most loved and intense wrestlers the wrestling world had ever seen. Animal's official Twitter page announced:

"At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60."

Wrestler, Road Warrior Animal during a WWE event on July 23, 2012. | Photo: Xander Hieken, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The tweet asked Animal's fans to keep his family in their prayers, adding that the family would release a statement later that day. Following the announcement of his death, several WWE stars and fans took to social media to mourn the tragic loss.

WWE commentator, Jerry Lawler, wrote that the tragic news was quite the horror to wake up to and added that he would be praying for the late wrestler's wife and family.

Wrestler Bully Ray tweeted a photo of Animal and his tag partner, the late Road Warrior Hawk (real name: Michael Hegstrand), and referred to them as his favorite tag team and offered his condolences.

His death was not the only one that the WWE world suffered this year.

A fan tweeted a photo of Animal and Hawk and wrote that they were reunited at last. WWE On This Day shared an old video of the iconic tag-team duo at a promo and praised how exceptionally intense they used to be.

Another tweep shared an old clip of Animal on her Twitter page, in which he was introducing the Buckeyes during a game in typical Animal fashion — loud, intense, and exciting.

A breathtaking silhouette photo of Animal and Hawk appeared in another tweet. Wrestler Dax Harwood paid his respects as well with a few heartfelt words, joining the several fans who mourned and remembered the legend on Twitter.

WWE writer and producer Court Bauer shared a lengthy tweet expressing how saddened he was to hear of Animal's death, remembering how Animal and Hawk got him hooked to pro wrestling for life while he was growing up.

Born Joseph Laurinaitis, Road Warrior Animal built a WWE legacy and spent most of his career wrestling with his tag team partner, Hawk, by his side.

Known affectionately as the Legion of Doom, both wrestlers dominated the 80s and 90s in the sport and made history together as the most decorated tag team in wrestling.

Animal's death came some 17 years after his partner, Hawk, passed away in 2003 at the age of 46. His death was not the only one that the WWE world suffered this year.

The Ugandan Giant, James Kamala Harris, passed away in August at the age of 70. These great men brought an age of excellence and entertainment to wrestling, and they would not be forgotten.

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