Fans from around the globe are deeply saddened as MMA and wrestling legend Gene LeBell tragically passed away. LeBell hailed as “The Godfather of Grappling” was well known for his iconic submission maneuver, the LeBell lock. LeBell in the course of his legendary career was hailed as a top master of judo and had a significant influence in the world of wrestling.
Additionally, he was valued not just in combat sports but also in Hollywood for his class. He has performed as a stuntman in an endless number of movies, which is a well-known fact.
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Notably, LeBell coached great fighters like Chuck Norris and Ronda Rousey, who later conquered the globe. Additionally, he also had an influence in the WWE world, as he inspired Bryan Danielson to use his lock.
“The Godfather of Grappling”, contributed to martial arts and will always be hailed as one of its greatest legends. The top contemporary martial artists regard him as being one of the sport’s pioneers and a huge contributor to MMA’s growth. Many famous individuals voiced their reactions to this dreadful news, which shook the entire world.
An outpouring of grief from the WWE world after Gene LeBell’s passing
Rousey shared a picture of herself with LeBell on social media in his respect, since she was one of the athletes he trained and they were close.
View this post on Instagram
LeBell is an iconic and inspiring personality in WWE. Hence, WWE legend Triple H said that he will always be remembered as a major figure in the evolution of mixed martial arts and sports entertainment.
Gene LeBell remained a towering figure in the history and expansion of mixed martial arts and sports entertainment. A teacher to many of the sport’s greats, his influence is felt throughout @WWE to this day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 10, 2022
William Regal also took to Twitter and revealed how it was ‘unfortunate’ that he could never meet the legend.
Unfortunately we never met but I’ve read and heard lots of stories and eye witness accounts and we shared a lot of mutual friends. Rest well “Judo” Gene LeBell.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) August 10, 2022
Additionally, Adam Pearce also paid tribute to the icon.
Godspeed, “Judo” Gene LeBell. Grateful for your innumerable contributions and for the equally innumerable laughs over the years. None of us are as ugly as you told us… every time you saw us! Rest well, sir. 🙏
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) August 10, 2022
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According to Rousey’s UFC friend, Judo Gene once tried to convince her to retire from fighting and pursue a career in Hollywood stunt work.
“I won every R-E-A-L fight I ever had & was penniless. I LOST every R-E-E-L fight I ever had and made millions” — Judo Gene trying to convince me to quit fighting and go into Hollywood stunt work.
I’m still calling it a double wrist lock, just so you know. 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/VEwNpAxJb8
— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) August 10, 2022
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Similar to these, tribute messages to “The great Gene LeBell” flooded in. Indeed, no one can take his place, and the worlds of MMA and wrestling lost a true diamond.
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