On July 16, 2006, former NWA and AWA star Bob Orton Sr. died aged 76. Orton competed in several NWA promotions across his career, winning championships in the Midwest, Central States, Florida, Texas, Mid-South, Western States & St Louis territories. He also had a stint in the WWWF, teaming with Buddy Rogers. However, it is perhaps his legacy rather than his championships that is best remembered in today’s wrestling world. He was one of the first wrestlers to utilize the Piledriver move & was instrumental in the popularization of the move. He also innovated the move that we today know as ‘The Pedigree’. Orton only retired from the ring in 2000 after a near 50 year career, living out his life in Las Vegas, before passing of a series of heart attacks. Orton’s descendants continued his legacy in the wrestling business; his sons Bob Jr. & Barry both competed for the WWF, & grandson Randy Orton is a 12 time World Champion.
