WWE Legend, Atlantic City Native, King Kong Bundy Dead At 61

Professional wrestling legend and South Jersey native King Kong Bundy has died at the age of 61. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) shared the news on its website and its Facebook page Tuesday morning. Details and circumstances of his death weren't shared.

Bundy, whose real name was Christopher Pallies, was born in Atlantic City, according to the WWE's website, which described as the "walking condominium." He performed against champion Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania 2 in 1986.

He was known for his avalanche splash, in which he would crush is opponent in the corner of the ring with his body. He would then demand the referee count to five when he pinned his opponent.

He trained in Bellmawr and also performed for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the American Wrestling Association (AWA) during his career. He worked for the then WWF until 1988 before entering into semi-retirement.

In the 1990s, he returned to the WWF for a few more years and made various appearances on the independent wrestling scene. At that time, he also made his way into the traditional acting world when he guest starred as Peg Bundy's brother on "Married … With Children." In all, his pro wrestling career lasted from 1981 through 2007.

Bundy graduated from Washington Township High School in Gloucester County in 1974. As a high school wrestler, he won two regional championships, according to nj.com.

He recently appeared in Philadelphia, and was scheduled to appear at WrestleCon in New York ahead of this year's Wrestlemania in New Jersey, according to his social media accounts. Wrestlers, colleagues and promotions honored Bundy on social media Tuesday morning.

One promotion has already announced plans to honor him locally.

With reporting from Anthony Bellano/Patch