Personal Info
Birth date
1943-06-07 (82 Years)
Day of death
2023-05-17
Gender
Male
Known for
Acting
Place of birth
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Also known as
"Superstar" Billy Graham
Superstar Graham
Wayne Coleman
Billy Graham
Biography
Eldridge Wayne Coleman (June 7, 1943 – May 17, 2023) was an American fine artist and professional wrestler. An iconic figure in professional wrestling, he worked under the ring name "Superstar" Billy Graham and gained renown for his tenure as the WWE in 1977–78. As an award-winning bodybuilder he was also a training partner of future California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (who is godfather to Graham's daughter). Graham is best remembered for revolutionizing the interview and physique aspects of the pro wrestling business as well as for his highly charismatic performance style. Some of his proteges have included wrestling megastar Hulk Hogan, former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.
Filmography
WWF Wrestling Challenge
6.8
Overview:
WWF Wrestling Challenge was a professional wrestling television program produced by the World Wrestling Federation. It was syndicated weekly and aired from 1986 to 1995. The show became simply known as WWF Challenge in 1995. The show featured matches, pre-match interviews, and occasionally, summarized weekly events in WWF programming. Matches primarily saw top tier and mid-level talent versus jobbers. At times, there was a "feature" match between main WWF talent. As with other syndicated WWF programming, the show promoted WWF event dates and house shows in local media markets.Saturday Night's Main Event
8.308
Overview:
A professional wrestling television program produced by the World Wrestling Federation banner on NBC airing in place of Saturday Night Live. The series was made up entirely of star vs. star bouts in a time when weekly programming consisted primarily of established stars dominating enhancement talent.Biography: WWE Legends
7.2
Overview:
The stories behind some of the most memorable WWE Superstars of all time.Dark Side of the Ring
8.235
Overview:
Finding truth at the intersection of fantasy and reality in the veiled world of professional wrestling.WWF All-Star Wrestling
NYR
Overview:
The greatest WWE Superstars of the 1975s & 1982s, including Andre the Giant, Bob Backlund, and Bruno Sammartino compete in exciting matches.WWE WrestleMania IV
7.426
Overview:
WrestleMania IV was the fourth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). It took place on March 27, 1988 at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The main event was the finals of a fourteen-man tournament for the undisputed WWF Championship, where Randy Savage defeated Ted DiBiase to win the vacant title. The main matches on the undercard were a twenty-man battle royal won by Bad News Brown, Demolition (Ax and Smash) versus Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel) for the WWF Tag Team Championship, Brutus Beefcake versus The Honky Tonk Man for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and a 14-man tournament for the vacated WWF Championship.Fist Fighter
4.5
Overview:
C.J. Thunderbird, a down-on-his-luck professional fighter is informed that his old friend has been killed in an illegal fight. He finds out that the killer is a goon named Rhino and, with vengeance on his mind, tracks him down in Bolivia. The trouble is that the guy works for a local drug lord and the only way for C.J. to get to Rhino is to prove himself with his fists. However, the druglord doesn't want his best goon hurt, so he arranges for the corrupt local authorities to bust C.J. and send him to prison. The only way out is fighting the prison's monstrous colossal cage-fighting champ known as the Beast, who's never left an opponent breathing. Druglord's hot blond Caucasian girlfriend, Ellen, tired of being at the criminal's mercy, decides to help C.J. anyway she can. Even with all the odds against him, C.J. is no pushover and Rhino slowly becomes worried.350 Days
5.4
Overview:
Starring former world champions Bret Hart and Billy Graham, 350 Days is a true look behind the curtains at the grueling life they led on the road 350 days a year and the effect that lifestyle had on their marriages, family, physical and mental health. Featuring Greg Valentine, Tito Santana, Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff, Abdullah The Butcher, Wendi Richter, Bill Eadie, Nikolai Volkoff, Stan Hansen, Angelo Mosca, Lex Luger, and more, this film also includes some of the last interviews ever done with George “The Animal” Steele, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, Ox Baker, The Wolfman, Don Fargo, and 99-year-old Angelo Savoldi.The True Story of WrestleMania
8.3
Overview:
It is the most anticipated yearly event in Sports Entertainment, an annual pop culture touch point. For more than 25 years, WrestleMania has hosted the biggest matches, the biggest stars, and the biggest celebrities. Now for the first time ever, the story of WrestleMania is told from its early beginnings through the week-long spectacular it has become, routinely drawing fans from all 50 states and around the world. This documentary feature includes new and insightful interviews from the superstars and creative forces behind the event.WWE Old School
NYR
Overview:
Discover rarely-seen matches from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s featuring countless WWE Hall of Famers such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.WWE Hall of Fame 2004
8.5
Overview:
On March 13th 2004 - the night before Wrestlemania XX - World Wrestling Entertainment held a very special ceremony to induct 11 legends, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Don Muraco, Big John Studd, The Junkyard Dog, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Sgt. Slaughter, Tito Santana, Harley Race, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Pete Rose, into its hallowed Hall of Fame. These are highlights of that ceremony.Chris Benoit: The Aftermath
NYR
Overview:
In a business such as pro wrestling, it is hard to be shocked or surprised by anything. But on one weekend in June of 2007 the wrestling world collectively dropped to it’s knees in awe. The bodies of wrestling superstar Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their 7 year old son Daniel were found in their suburban Georgia home. The information that would come out regarding their untimely passing would be some of the most shocking in recent memory. RF Video proudly presents Chris Benoit: The Aftermath. Hear first hand the reaction from the wrestling superstars that knew both Chris Benoit and Nancy. Legendary names in pro wrestling weigh in on the issues that arouse following the tragedies and all of the events that took place.The History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment
8.8
Overview:
The History of WWE celebrates 50 years of sports entertainment by chronicling the evolution of WWE from small, regional promotion into a worldwide phenomenon. With new interviews from several key personalities past and present, get the inside story behind each era of WWE as well as all your favourite moments and Superstars.NWA Starrcade '85: The Gathering
7.2
Overview:
NWA Starrcade '85: The Gathering was the third annual Starrcade professional wrestling event produced by Jim Crockett Promotions under the NWA banner. It took place on November 28, 1985 from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina and The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. The main event was between Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Their feud escalated when Flair broke Rhodes' ankle in September. After the event, Flair formed the Four Horsemen stable, and continued to feud with Rhodes. Other matches included Magnum T.A. and Tully Blanchard in an "I Quit" steel cage match for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, and The Rock 'n' Roll Express and the team of Ivan and Nikita Koloff in a Steel Cage Match for the NWA World Tag Team Championship.NWA Lords of The Ring
NYR
Overview:
A genuinely stacked supercard equal to any modern Wrestlemania, held in the 75,500 seat Orange Bowl stadium in Miami, Florida. The main event saw a (kayfabe) $15,000 gold and diamond ring on the line in a best 2 out of 3 falls match between "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and long-time rival "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.WWE: Best of WWE at Madison Square Garden
9.2
Overview:
The greatest moments from WWE's long and storied history with Madison Square Garden.WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time
8.3
Overview:
A countdown of the greatest superstars in WWE History. From Hulk Hogan to Randy Savage to The Rock to John Cena enjoy an experience down memory lane for long-time fans, and a new experience for new fans of WWE.NWA Starrcade '84: The Million Dollar Challenge
7
Overview:
One million dollars is on the line as NWA World's Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair takes on Dusty Rhodes with legendary boxing champion "Smokin" Joe Frazier as special guest referee. Tully Blanchard faces Ricky Steamboat for NWA World Television Championship. "The Boogie-Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant takes on Paul Jones in a Loser-Leaves-Town Tuxedo Match and much more!WWE: The History Of The WWE Championship
10
Overview:
For more than forty years, the WWE Championship has been one of the most prestigious titles in sports entertainment, History of the WWE Championship presents some of the greatest matches in the title's history. Volume two contains battles from the 90's, with bouts featuring Shawn Michaels, Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, the Ultimate Warrior, Mankind, and more.AWA Christmas Night 1983
NYR
Overview:
The American Wrestling Association is live from the St. Paul Civic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, featuring a main event between AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkel and Mad Dog Vachon.WrestleMania IV
NYR
Overview:
Fourth WrestleMania taking place on March 27th, 1988, at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The main event features a 14-man single-elimination tournament with Randy Savage battling the Ted DiBiase as last men standing.WWE: 20 Years Too Soon - The Superstar Billy Graham Story
8
Overview:
The incredible trendsetting career of legendary wrestler Superstar Billy GrahamNWA The Great American Bash 1985
NYR
Overview:
The Great American Bash: Freedom Challenge took place on July 6, 1985 at the American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The main event was a steel cage match for the NWA World Television Championship with Tully Blanchard defending the title against Dusty Rhodes. Nikita Koloff challenged for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Ric Flair with David Crockett as the special guest referee. Magnum T.A. defended the NWA United States Championship against Kamala, while the NWA World Tag Team Champions Krusher Khrushchev and Ivan Koloff fought the AWA World Tag Team Champions, The Road Warriors. 4 other matches took place on the undercard.The Super Bowl of Wrestling
NYR
Overview:
The biggest match in the history pits WWWF World Champion "Superstar" Billy Graham against NWA World's hampion Harley Race in a epic confrontation in Miami's Orange Bowl!Biography: Dusty Rhodes
NYR
Overview:
Growing-up in East Austin, Texaa, Virgil Riley Runnels, Jr. always had an outsized vision of the possibilities for himself; his iconic rivalry and promos with Ric Flair set the path for an entire industry.The Wrestler
4.2
Overview:
Frank Bass (Ed Asner) is an honest guy trying to make a living in the cut throat world of professional wrestling, and he's gonna make it work - even if he dies trying! But first - he'll have to strong-arm his way through all the mobsters, gamblers, promoters and fight fixers and help his past-his-prime wrestler once again win a championship belt. Features appearances from real-life legendary wrestlers and AWA superstars Verne Gagne, Rick Flair, Superstar Billy Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Dick the Bruiser, Ray Stevens, Dory Funk Jr., Ken Patera, Billy Robinson, Dan Gable, Eddie Graham, Dick Murdoch, Vincent J. McMahon, and more.Timeline: The History of WWE – 1977-1978 – As Told By Superstar Graham
NYR
Overview:
It was before Hogan, before Ventura, and before charisma counted as much, perhaps moreso, as mat skills. It was 1977 in New York and Bruno’s run would soon come to an end. Enter The Superstar… Superstar Billy Graham burst onto the scene in the WWWF, unseated Bruno Sammartino, and rewrote the rulebook for pro wrestling heels. And now he wants you to join him on a journey to that pivotal year, where he’ll tell you everything that was happening within the walls of the largest wrestling federation in the world! We pick up the action in April of 1977, just before Graham gets the strap, and we follow the action into 1978, when Backlund takes it. The Sammartino title change…the McMahons…the ‘Wiz’…Japan…Backlund…the backroom dealings…missed opportunities…Albano’s antics…working the blade…the TV tapings… …all that and EVERYTHING that was happening in 1977/78 in WWE!!!Acting
2023Biography: Dusty Rhodes as Self (archive footage)
2021Biography: WWE Legends (1 Episode) as "Superstar" Billy Graham (archive footage)
2019Dark Side of the Ring (1 Episode) as Self (Archival Footage)
2019350 Days as Self
2013The History of WWE: 50 Years of Sports Entertainment as Superstar Billy Graham
2013WWE: Best of WWE at Madison Square Garden as Billy Graham
2011The True Story of WrestleMania as 'Superstar' Billy Graham (archive footage)
2010WWE: Top 50 Superstars of All Time as "Superstar" Billy Graham
2010Timeline: The History of WWE – 1977-1978 – As Told By Superstar Graham as Himself
2010Chris Benoit: The Aftermath as Himself
2006WWE: The History Of The WWE Championship as Superstar Billy Graham
2006WWE: 20 Years Too Soon - The Superstar Billy Graham Story as Superstar Billy Graham
2004WWE Hall of Fame 2004 as Unknown
1989Fist Fighter as Arm Wrestler
1988WWE WrestleMania IV as "Superstar" Billy Graham (Manager)
1988WrestleMania IV as 'Superstar' Billy Graham
1987WWE Houston Wrestling: November '87 as "Superstar" Billy Graham
1986WWF Wrestling Challenge (5, 13 Episode) as "Superstar" Billy Graham, Superstar Billy Graham
1985NWA Starrcade '85: The Gathering as "Superstar" Billy Graham
1985NWA The Great American Bash 1985 as Billy Graham
1985Saturday Night's Main Event (1 Episode) as Unknown
1985The WWF's Most Unusual Matches as Superstar Billy Graham
1984NWA Starrcade '84: The Million Dollar Challenge as "Superstar" Graham
1984NWA Lords of The Ring as "Superstar" Billy Graham
1983AWA Christmas Night 1983 as "Superstar" Billy Graham
1983AWA Christmas Show 1983 as "Superstar" Billy Graham
1978The Super Bowl of Wrestling as "Superstar" Billy Graham
1977The World's Strongest Man (1 Episode) as Competitor
1975WWF All-Star Wrestling (2 Episodes) as Billy Graham
1974The Wrestler as Superstar Billy Graham
1973WWE Old School (10 Episodes) as "Superstar" Billy Graham