WWE Hall of Famer William James Myers, known to fans as George "The Animal" Steele, has passed away at the age of 79.
Steele was one of the wildest and most unpredictable Superstars in sports-entertainment history.
Yet, despite his green tongue, hairy torso and insatiable appetite for turnbuckle pads, "The Animal" was a very well-educated man.
Prior to breaking into sports-entertainment, Steele received his Master's Degree from Central Michigan University and became a high school teacher and wrestling coach in the Detroit area.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
Twitter
This content is provided by Twitter, which may be using cookies and other technologies.
To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies.
You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once.
You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options.
Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies.
To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only.
His first WWE appearances took place in 1967, when he began a heated rivalry with WWE Champion Bruno Sammartino.
For nearly 20 years, Steele was a reviled villain, managed by the likes of fellow WWE Hall of Famers The Grand Wizard, "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Capt. Lou Albano and Mr. Fuji.
His classic main events against Sammartino, Pedro Morales and Bob Backlund saw him come close to winning the WWE Championship on many occasions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rene Goulet and Gorilla Monsoon talk about the enigma that is George 'The Animal' Steele, who has died aged 79.
In 1985, however, Steele was embraced by the WWE Universe and changed the course of his career.
After The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff abandoned him during a match, Steele fell back under the tutelage of the then-beloved Albano.
His transformation was remarkable, as one of the most hated men in the sport became one of its most loveable figures.
George "The Animal" Steele’s name still evoked terror for one generation of WWE fans and warm smiles for another.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A look back at when George 'The Animal' Steele wrestled 'Macho Man' Randy Savage back in 1986.
