KEY POINTS

  • Kamala was one of the biggest wrestling stars in the 80s
  • Some memorable feuds of Kamala include matches against Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and The Undertaker
  • The wrestling community paid tribute to Kamala on social media

Former WWE superstar James Harris, or fondly known as Kamala, has passed away at the age of 70 years old. The wrestler was a big figure in the industry during the 80s and 90s and has been one of the more iconic figures in the sport. Superstars and fans paid tribute to the wrestler online to honor the memorable athlete.

Also known as The Ugandan Giant, Kamala was booked as a larger than life superstar who had memorable feuds against the very best. In his kayfabe grudge against The Undertaker, the two displayed the possibilities of how to extend a WWE storyline through unique storytelling. With Kamala booked as an unstoppable beast going up against the mystical Undertaker, fans were given an exceptional matchup. Their story concluded with a coffin match that featured The Undertaker conquering Kamala by sealing him inside a casket.

With the news of Kamala’s unfortunate passing, superstars and fans took to social media to express their grief for the wrestling legend.

People were quick to point out that Kamala was also one of the bigger names that drew big crowds during the peak of his career. With opponents such as Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, it was the presence and influence of Kamala that helped elevate the level of wrestling decades ago. The way the character was written terrified and amused crowds at the same time given how Kamala towered his opponents with his big six-foot-seven frame.

Former WWE superstar Elijah Burke posted a tribute on his Instagram as a tribute for Kamala.

“ An all around great talent and good guy that got over and stood out wherever he went,” Burke wrote.

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Even All Elite Wrestling, one of WWE’s main competitors, displayed their sorrow regarding Kamala’s passing by posting on their official Twitter account.

Despite his size, Kamala was an agile athlete who could move well inside the ring. The way he was able to dominate his opponents with a variety of moves drew potential for an even more legendary career. Fans remember him to this day for his sheer athleticism and the entertaining antics inside the ring that will be difficult to replicate.

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The WWE logo hangs on a wall at a media conference announcing the all-star lineup of WWE WrestleMania XIX at ESPN Zone in Times Square in New York City, March 18, 2003. Mark Mainz/Getty Images
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