Goodbyes are always hard. The WWE Universe, unfortunately, had to bid adieu to one of its own on the last day of July. Known for his fondness for John Cena and many other WWE personalities, popular comedian Pee-wee-Herman breathed his last. Reubens, who created and immortalized the character of Pee-wee Herman in 1977 often showcased quirky, childlike traits through his character.

The iconic character’s naivety often leads to hilarious situations that appealed to adults and children alike. Ironically, after his death, unlike his character’s trademark innocence, he revealed a mature take regarding his demise. WWE Hall of Famer Edge was among those who paid their flowers to the deceased Hollywood comic. He was joined by other superstars, both current and former WWE employees. Reubens was famous for his lively personality, but do you know Herman once confronted a WWE legend for mocking John Cena?

When Pee-wee Herman met The Rock at WrestleMania 27

The 70-year-old’s Instagram account revealed that he passed away after a private bout with an undisclosed type of cancer. The comedian’s private affair with the terrible disease highlighted his will to stick to the positivity and innocence he portrayed through his character.

While it’s not confirmed whether Reubens liked the 16-time world champion, Pee-wee Herman certainly was Cena’s biggest fan. It was confirmed by Dwayne Johnson backstage at WrestleMania 27. Herman had starred in a November 2010 episode of RAW the year prior, in 2010. He also feuded with The Miz backstage.

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At the marquee event, the comic arrived in character and confronted Dwayne Johnson, who introduced him as “John Cena’s number one fan”. Johnson was the host of the event, which featured Cena and The Miz in the headlining bout.

Returning to WWE after seven years, The Great One mocked both the superstars, earning a confrontation from Herman. Interestingly, The Rock was able to convince the comic to join his ‘Team Bring It’, thus making him ditch Cena.

The backstage segment was fun-filled and had the audience in splits as Reubens and Johnson delivered nuanced performances as their gimmicks. The highlight was Herman doing the iconic tongue twist that became Johnson’s signature during his delivery of the “If you can smell” catchphrase.

Using Old Dwayne Johnson and John Cena’s Rivalry Footage, WWE Pays Tribute to the Sudden Demise of 70-Year-Old Popular Comedian

While his interactions with the WWE were limited, Reubens was able to win the fans over with his antics. Following his death, tributes poured in.

Edge and AEW star CM Punk pay tribute to the deceased comic

Reubens began his career in the 70s after becoming a part of the Los Angeles live comedy troupe the Groundlings. In 1980 he launched “The Pee-wee Herman Show.” The character Pee-wee became a cult figure and even landed a special at HBO. In 1985, he made his film debut featuring ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’, a critical and commercial success.

From 1986 to 1990, Reubens starred in the weekend morning show “Pee-wee’s Playhouse” which won several Emmys, throughout his career in starred in a variety of projects such as Batman Returns, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Matilda. On TV, he appeared in  30 Rock, The Blacklist, Hercules, Reno 911, and a few other projects. In 2016, he co-wrote and starred in Pee-wee’s Big Holiday for Netflix. The role became his final film role before his death. After his death, his Instagram account Peeweeherman posted a message from Reubens.

WWE legend and former employee Mark Henry and AEW star CM Punk were also among those superstars who mourned the loss of Reubens.

Posting a jolly picture of Reubens and his iconic creation, Henry, a two-time world champion in WWE stated that it was a “horrible loss”.

CM Punk shared his tribute on Instagram in a form of a story: “Well that’s enough of today. Brutal,” the Second City Saint wrote.

Edge remembered Reubens as a “very special human being”.

A fan empathized with the comic’s battle with cancer, drawing a parallel with their father.

Another fan shared how Reubens as Herman cheered them up during their tough time. They also shared a story about Herman and their uncle and how they were connected through a gift.

WWE superstar Dolph Ziggler chose to pay a silent and nostalgic tribute to the comedy icon.

In the last few months, the pro wrestling world has had to bid goodbye to several legends, including The Iron Sheik and Superstar Billy Graham. Fans would be hoping for more positive news and less of the ones carrying grief. Meanwhile, a lot of fans and pro wrestling stars expressed their grief over Reubens’ passing away, while also celebrating his life.

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