WWE.com has announced that WWE Hall of Famer Pedro Morales has passed away today.
Pedro Morales was one of the best known WWWF stars of the 1970s, being the “face of the company” after the first reign of Bruno Sammartino. Morales, while popular in NY, never reached the popularity levels of Bruno and after three years lost to belt to Stan Stasiak (who played transition back to Bruno)
The first Triple Crown winner (World, IC & Tag Team champion), Morales continued to wrestle for WWF periodically and locally until his retirement in 1987.
Fun fact about Morales, he is the one and only WWE Hall of Famer to not be present for his induction, even though he was alive. I’ve never heard any actual explanation as to why this occurred. WWE has made a habit of only inducting people (who are still alive) if they are present from this point on.
Rest in Peace Pedro.