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Knoxville native WWE wrestler Buddy Landel dies

Posted: Jun 22nd 2015 By: WBIR.com

(WBIR-Knoxville) An East Tennessee wrestling legend has died.

Friends confirm to 10News that Buddy "Nature Boy" Landel died today at the age of 53 in Virginia.

WWE extends its condolences to Landel's family, friends and fans.

Landell was involved with Smoky Mountain Wrestling and other wrestling groups.

WWE hired him in 1995, but he suffered a knee injury days later and that partnership ended.

WWW released this statement about Landel:

"WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of William Ansor, aka "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel.

Landel made his in-ring debut in 1979, performing in regional promotions before signing in 1985 with the NWA's Jim Crockett Promotions. With flowing blond locks, glittering robes and WWE Hall of Famer J.J. Dillon in his corner, Landel set his sights on then-NWA World Champion "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Though he left Crockett Promotions by the end of the year, Landel left his mark, defeating Terry Taylor at Starrcade 1985 to capture the NWA National Championship.

After a brief stint in the promotion, Landel continued to compete in various promotions in Tennessee and Alabama. Landel returned to the NWA in 1990, eventually facing off with Flair in a "Battle of the Nature Boys" before moving on to compete in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. He also made brief appearances in WWE in 1995 and 1996.