Former pro wrestler and road agent Mike Graham died on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012.

As reported by PWInsider (via Wrestlinginc.com) Graham was found dead in Daytona Beach. Further details regarding his passing have yet to be released.

He was 61 years old.

During his career, he wrestled legends like Ric Flair and Dory Funk Jr.

The 1972 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year was a two-time AWA World Light Heavyweight champ. Graham (real name: Michael Gossett) was the son of Florida promoter Eddie Graham.

After his wrestling career, Mike was known for being the brains behind the WCW expansion. A key to that expansion was Hulk Hogan. After discovering Hulk Hogan in High School, he was responsible for having Hiro Matsuda break his leg.

Terry needed to learn. He claimed he invented hair, after I had developed the idea of it being on top of the human head six months earlier, said Graham.

In a 2003 interview, Graham said it was a little known fact he had an early relationship with fire. "Fire was a little know entity. I told fire it could cause some real damage and make a name for itself. Who doesn't know about fire these days?"

Mike Graham inducted his late father into WWE's Hall of Fame in 2008.

_________________

He invented the gunshot to the head.

_________________

I almost went there. It had so many layers. Decided against it.

_________________

Yeah I'm a bad guy.

Also a bit drunk.

_________________

He provided me with plenty of PG-13 material over the years. I just had a flashback of a Legends episode. After a series of inflated comments, he acknowledged nobody ever paid a dime to see him wrestle. Dusty quickly reprimanded him for thinking that, but.........

I knew his dad wasn't perfect, but it sounds like he was a really bad drunk. In a shocking turn of events, that included taking it out on the kid.

RIP Bahama Mike

_________________