'Nature Boy' Buddy Landel, Former Pro Wrestler, Dies at 53

"Nature Boy" Buddy Landel, who starred in NWA in the 1980s and competed briefly for WWE in 1995 and 1996, died Monday at the age of 53.  

According to WATE.com, the former four-time NWA Mid-America Heavyweight champion and one-time NWA National Heavyweight champion died at his home in Chilhowie, Virginia.

Following Landel's death, WWE expressed its condolences on WWE.com. The company was joined by many current and former wrestling personalities who commented on Landel's passing via social media.

The controversial Iron Sheik was among those who were saddened by the loss of such a well-traveled star:

Current WWE analyst John "Bradshaw" Layfield also chimed in and shared a memory from his time working alongside Landel:

WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross offered his take on Landel and his place in professional wrestling history as well:

As seen in this video courtesy of WBIR.com, Landel possessed many of the qualities that top stars are made of in the wrestling business:

Landel may not be well known to younger fans, but he was a constant presence in the southern territories throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.

He famously feuded with fellow "Nature Boy" Ric Flair in Jim Crockett Promotions in 1990, and he went on to become heavyweight champion in Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling promotion in 1995.

Landel was one of the flashiest and most flamboyant wrestlers of all time, and his contributions will be remembered for many years to come.

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