Former WCW/WWF wrestler Ray Traylor, aka Big Bossman, dies at 42
Submitted by Mr. Tito on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 11:07 AM EST





Ray Traylor, best known to wrestling fans as the Big Bossman during his WWF days, died from "unknown causes" in his home late last night. Traylor's wife found her husband not breathing and immediately called the paramedics. However, they were unable to revive him. The official cause of death has yet to be known.

Traylor died at the age of 42.

Ray Traylor begain in pro wrestling after leaving his old real job as a prison guard to serve as Jim Cornette's bodyguard for Jim Crockett's version of the NWA in 1986. Traylor then left for the WWF where he'd become the Big Bossman and he had a pretty good feud with Hulk Hogan as a heel. His tag team with Hakeem the African Dream was quite the devastating duo, too. Bossman then turned face and many fans remember his feud with former prisoner, Nailz.

He then jumped over to WCW around 1994 or so (maybe even 1993) when many other WWF stars were taking Turner's money after Vince began losing faith in the WWF veterans who made the WWF big during the late 1980's and early 1990's. Bossman went through a few gimmick changes before finally wrestling under his real name. Traylor eventually joined the New World Order, but was soon lost in the fold like everyone else at WCW. Traylor then joined the WWF again in late 1998 to feud with Steve Austin and to serve as a bodyguard for Vince McMahon. He would work for the Corporation off and on before leaving the WWE once again... he would later return to the WWE to tag up with Bull Buchanan before accepting a role as OVW trainer. He left the WWE for whatever reason and now he's gone, forever.

Best wishes to the Traylor family in this time of mourning.

[ Credit: WrestlingObserver.com for breaking the story ]








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