Michael Porter's WrestleBeat-SPECIAL EDITION

[michaelporter]

Michael Porter's WrestleBeat-SPECIAL EDITION -FAREWELL BOSS MAN

Hey Wrestling Fans! This is A Special Edition of WrestleBeat. It is dedicated to The Big Boss Man, Ray Traylor. Rest in Peace, Boss Man.

This a very SAD time for me, as one of my old WWF/E compadres, Ray Traylor, also known as The Big Boss Man, passed away on Wednesday September 22nd.

Thanks to Dave Meltzer and The Wrestling Observer for the following:

"Ray "Big Bossman" Traylor passed away suddenly at his home tonight. Traylor, who was 42, got his start as Jim Cornette's bodyguard Big Bubba Rogers in 1986 after he left his job as a prison guard in Marietta, GA.

After leaving Crockett promotions over pay, his real life job became is gimmick as the Big Bossman, the evil prison guard, who had a big run with Hulk Hogan.

He was also a major star with All Japan Pro Wrestling as Big Bubba in the 90s, before returning to the WWF in recent years.

At this point his death is a mystery. He had not been complaining of feeling bad, other than a bad knee. His wife found him in a room tonight and he wasn't breathing. Paramedica were unable to revive him."

WWE.com issued the following statement on the death of Ray Traylor:

"World Wrestling Entertainment is saddened by the loss of Ray Traylor, professionally known as the Big Boss Man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Inside the wrestling ring, Boss Man was one of the most feared and respected Superstars of his time. Outside the ring, however, Traylor was a kind, gentle, charitable, compassionate family man. While his WWE persona was known for antagonizing others, the real Traylor stopped at nothing to put smiles on the faces of the children he would meet.

Traylor began wrestling in 1984. While serving as a prison guard in Cobb County, Georgia, Traylor caught the attention of a local Atlanta wrestling booker. After months of learning the ropes and paying his dues, Traylor was re-christened Big Bubba Rogers. Not long after, Big Bubba Rogers was in main events all over the country, serving as Jim Cornette’s bodyguard.

A few years later, Traylor traveled to Stamford, Connecticut, to meet with Vince McMahon. Shortly thereafter, the Big Boss Man was created.

As a member of WWE, Big Boss Man rapidly moved up the ranks to main event status. It was as the Boss Man in WWE that Traylor enjoyed his greatest success, facing off against many huge names - Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Andre the Giant.

Ray's spirit and warm nature will never be forgotten."

I recall the last time I saw and spoke with Ray Traylor. It was in November of 1999 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA.. That night, I informed him that my Mother had passed away just two months prior. This big man just cried when I told him. He had met Mom on a couple of ocassions, and became rather fond of her, always asking "How's Momma?" They were quite a sight! Boss Man standing next to this tiny, 5' 2" 105 lb "bundle of piss and vinegar" as Ray called her...affectionately, of course!

My prayers and Best Wishes go out to the family, friends, and fans of Ray Traylor, The Big Boss Man.

Preliminary reports indicate that The Big Boss Man, Ray Traylor died of a massive heart attack.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR RAY "BIG BOSSMAN" TRAYLOR
By: 1Wrestling.com 9/23/2004 6:49:37 PM Thanks to Anthony DeBlasi
Funeral Services for Ray Traylor will be held at

Jeff Eberhart Funeral Home
123 Watson Drive
Dallas, Georgia 30132
770-445-4496

Visitation will be Friday 9/24 from 5 PM - 9 PM

Funeral Services will take place at
Pickett's Mill Baptist Church
6789 Hiram Acworth Highway
Dallas, Georgia 30132
770-423-0955

Funeral Service begins Saturday 9/25 at 11 AM

Interment for Ray Traylor: Dallas Memory Garden

Ray is survived by his wife Angela, and his two young daughters Lacy & Megan. If anyone would like to offer any assistance to Ray Traylor's family, please call RWT Enterprises at 770-445-9029.

Thanks to Will, Mary & Susan for sending in this information.

That is all for this Special Edition of WrestleBeat. I'll be back again next time with more news and notes from the Wonderful World of Professional Wrestling.

So until next time, KEEP BOTH FEET ON THE MAT AND YOUR PUNCHES ABOVE THE BELT. Later, Michael

(contact Michael Porter by e-mail at [e-mail] or by snail-mail at P.O. Box 5282 Marysville, CA. 95901-8521)