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WWE legend Road Warrior Animal dies at 60, pro-wrestlers pay tribute to 'greatest tag team' of him and Hawk

Joseph Laurinaitis was convinced to start work in a tag team with Mike Hegstrand (Road Warrior Hawk) by fight manager Paul Ellering

WWE Hall of Famer Joseph Laurinaitis, better known as Road Warrior Animal, died on September 23 at the age of 60.

"At this time, we would like to confirm the passing of Joseph Laurinaitis aka Road Warrior Animal at the age of 60," Animal's official Twitter account announced. "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."

"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's family, friends, and fans," WWE tweeted as it shared a statement addressing the tragedy.

Laurinaitis was born in Philadelphia and made his professional wrestling debut as The Road Warrior in November 1982. According to Comic Book, fight manager Paul Ellering soon convinced him to start working after forming a tag team with Mike Hegstrand (Road Warrior Hawk) as The Legion of Doom. "Their iconic looks, impressive physiques, and dominant in-ring style helped make them one of, if not the, most popular tag teams in pro wrestling history," per the outlet.

The larger-than-life duo would go on to work in numerous promotions at the height of their success, including "Georgia Championship Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling, the American Wrestling Association, Jim Crockett Promotions, the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, and Impact Wrestling from 1983-2014."

Hegstrand died in 2003 at the age of 46. Nonetheless, both Laurinaitis and Hegstrand were inducted into the WWE and Professional Wrestling Halls of Fame in 2011 and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2012. "One of the most intense Superstars to ever step into the squared circle, the 6-foot-2, 300-pound Animal spent the majority of his career alongside his tag team partner, Hawk," WWE's statement read. "Together, they formed what was arguably the most successful, popular, and feared tandem of all time — The Road Warriors."

"With their intimidating face paint, outfits covered in metal spikes, and an impressive array of power moves, the duo captured titles and destroyed opponents wherever they roamed," the statement added. "Their dominance made them so popular that the phrase 'Road Warrior pop' has been used in locker rooms to describe particularly deafening reactions from the crowd ever since."

Animal's sudden demise rocked the pro wrestling world as fans and fellow wrestlers expressed their condolences online. "I Am More Than Saddened To Hear Of The Loss Of My Good Friend And GREAT Opponent Joe Laurinaitis Of The Legendary Road Warriors. They Were Iconic! The Road Warriors And The Four Horsemen Drew More Money And Had More Fun And Entertained Fans Worldwide At The Highest Level. RIP," Ric Flair tweeted.

"RIP Animal, love you my brother, I know you and Hawk have a lot of unfinished business to take care of! God speed and blessings to your beautiful family, one love4Life. HH," Hulk Hogan added. "Just found out that Road Warrior Animal has left us. Very sad to hear this, always such a nice guy whenever I would see him. So, I have a Tasmanian Devil tattoo on my right arm, he was my inspiration to get that before I started wrestling training. #RIP," Taz chimed in.

"I’ve often been asked... 'Who is the greatest Tag Team of All Time?' The answer has always been the same. Rest in Power brother. My sincere condolences to family, friends, and fans of Animal all around the world. #RIPAnimal," Bully Ray wrote.