Paul Orndorff Net Worth

What was Paul Orndorff's net worth?

Paul Orndorff was an American professional wrestler who had a net worth of $100 thousand at the time of his death. Paul died on July 12, 2021, at the age of 71.

Paul Orndorff, known to wrestling fans as "Mr. Wonderful," was a standout star of the 1980s wrestling boom and one of the earliest WWF Superstars to seamlessly blend athleticism, intensity, and charisma. A former college football standout turned professional wrestler, Orndorff rose to national fame as a key player during the WWF's Rock 'n' Wrestling Era, working both as a villain and fan favorite. He was perhaps best known for his partnership—and later feud—with Hulk Hogan, including his central role in the main event of the very first "WrestleMania." With his chiseled physique, explosive promos, and ability to deliver high-level performances, Orndorff helped establish WWF's presence on cable TV and pay-per-view. Though injuries eventually slowed his in-ring career, his early contributions left a lasting mark, and he later found success behind the scenes as a trainer and agent. A Hall of Famer both literally and figuratively, Orndorff's legacy is that of a consummate performer who made wrestling look both real and wonderful.

Early Life and Football Career

Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. was born on October 29, 1949, in Brandon, Florida. A natural athlete, he excelled in high school sports and earned a scholarship to the University of Tampa, where he starred as a running back. After college, he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 1973 NFL Draft, but he failed to make the final roster. He also briefly played in the World Football League (WFL) before injuries and unmet expectations curtailed his pro football ambitions.

Disappointed but undeterred, Orndorff transitioned to professional wrestling in the mid-1970s, training in Florida under the guidance of Bob Roop and Eddie Graham. With a strong athletic background and a muscular, marketable look, he quickly stood out.

(Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)

Early Wrestling Career

Orndorff spent the late 1970s and early 1980s wrestling in various southern territories, including Mid-South Wrestling and Georgia Championship Wrestling. He gained a reputation as a physically intense and credible performer with solid technical skills and surprising agility for a man his size. By the early '80s, he had already held multiple regional titles and was viewed as a future national star.

His promos—gruff, no-nonsense, and delivered with controlled fury—added to his persona. Whether playing a hotheaded babyface or a ruthless heel, Orndorff carried himself like someone who genuinely believed he was "Mr. Wonderful."

WWF Breakthrough and WrestleMania I

Orndorff's big break came when he joined the World Wrestling Federation in late 1983, just as Vince McMahon was launching the company into national prominence. Paired with Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as his manager, Orndorff was introduced to fans as a cocky, arrogant heel. His feud with Hulk Hogan quickly gained momentum and made him one of the top villains in the company.

In 1985, Orndorff was thrust into the spotlight when he teamed with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper to face Hogan and Mr. T in the main event of the inaugural "WrestleMania" at Madison Square Garden. The event was a massive success and helped launch WWF's pay-per-view era. While Orndorff was pinned in that match, his performance—and his role in the build-up—cemented him as a main-event talent.

Face Turn and Feud with Hogan

Shortly after "WrestleMania," Orndorff turned babyface following a falling out with Piper and Heenan. He became one of the top good guys in the company, but his most famous storyline came in 1986 when he turned heel once again and reignited his feud with Hulk Hogan. The angle was built around jealousy, betrayal, and respect—Orndorff claimed Hogan had stolen the spotlight and left him behind.

Their feud culminated in a series of massive house show sellouts, most notably a steel cage match in January 1987 that drew huge crowds and TV ratings. Though Orndorff never captured the WWF World Title, many insiders and fans consider him one of the most credible threats Hogan ever faced.

Injuries and WCW Years

Unfortunately, Orndorff suffered a severe arm and neck injury during his feud with Hogan but chose to keep wrestling through the pain. Over time, the injury worsened, causing noticeable muscle atrophy in his right arm and forcing him to scale back his in-ring schedule. He eventually left WWF in 1988.

After a brief hiatus, Orndorff returned to wrestling in WCW in the early 1990s. While not as prominent as during his WWF peak, he still had memorable runs, capturing the WCW World Television Championship and feuding with stars like Ricky Steamboat and "Stunning" Steve Austin. In WCW, he also formed the tag team "Pretty Wonderful" with Paul Roma, winning the WCW Tag Team Titles.

In his later years with WCW, Orndorff transitioned into a trainer and agent role, helping young talent develop at the WCW Power Plant.

Retirement and Hall of Fame

Paul Orndorff officially retired from in-ring competition in 2000. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005, honored for his contributions to the WWF's national expansion and his critical role in the success of "WrestleMania I." His Hall of Fame speech was reflective and gracious, acknowledging both his successes and his struggles.

In the years following his retirement, Orndorff made occasional public appearances at conventions and wrestling reunions. He also battled serious health issues, including cancer and symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), believed to be linked to his years of physical punishment in football and wrestling.

Paul Orndorff passed away on July 12, 2021, at the age of 71.

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