Family of Joe Laurinaitis confirmed that the tag team superstar died last Wednesday at age 60.
They plan to release a statement later regarding the passing of wrestler Road Warrior Animal.
At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60. The family is planning to release a statement later today. At this time we ask for you to keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers. #OhWhatARush — RoadWarriorAnimal (@RWAnimal) September 23, 2020
Road Warrior Hawk and Road Warrior Animal had similar beginnings as both were raised in Chicago before Eddie Sharkey took them in and trained the two in Minneapolis. The two were also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2011. Laurinaitis' tag teammate Road Warrior Hawk, real name Michael Hegstrand, passed away in 2003. The two were known for their intimidating face paint and spiked pads as they challenge champions and claim tag team titles. This earned them many fans who were impressed by their viciousness and the ability to dominate the sport.
The duo called themselves "The Road Warriors" under American Wrestling Association, National Wrestling Association, and World Championship Wrestling. However, they were referred to as "legion of Doom" in the World Wrestling Federation. They would sometimes team up with Kensuke "Power Warrior" Sasaki.
Aside from the intimidating face paint and the armor spikes, they were already imposing just as they were due to their physical size. It was considered larger than most of the wrestlers during their era. The spikes and the face paint were inspired by the movie "The Road Warrior," the second film from the Mad Max movie franchise. It is said that they were the first wrestlers to bring a movie-inspired theme into wrestling.
On top of that, they were also known for their tandem move called "Doomsday Device." The move involves one teammate lifting the opponent on their shoulders. This would leave the opponent vulnerable in what appears to be an "electric chair" position. Meanwhile, the other teammate climbs a ring post and prepare to deliver a flying attack to the said "vulnerable" opponent. They would use "Doomsday Device" as a finishing move, even when partnered with other wrestlers.
World Wrestling Entertainment official Twitter account sends a parting message:
WWE is saddened to learn that Joe Laurinaitis, known to WWE fans as Road Warrior Animal, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Laurinaitis' family, friends and fans. https://t.co/hurorEDVff — WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2020
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