Speaking through his official blog on his website, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross commented on the passing of Mike Graham, son of Eddie Graham, who was found dead yesterday from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, aged 61.

“Very sad to hear of the untimely death of Mike Graham the son of Florida wrestling icon and WWE HOFer Eddie Graham. Apparently a tragic end to the unique life of a talented in ring competitor who seemingly always walked in his famous father’s shadow. Mike was apparently found dead Friday morning by his wife while in Dayton Beach for Bike Week. Being the son of a legend within any business is daunting and especially the pro wrestling business during the period of time that Eddie was one of the industry’s primary power brokers and carried tremendous influence throughout the business had to be challenging.  Mike was small in stature but was a noted power lifter and accomplished amateur wrestler growing up in the Tampa area where his father was a local celebrity and well known, successful businessman. 

I spent one evening in Oklahoma at Cowboy Bill Watts home at a party that Eddie attended. Before Eddie had too much to drink, I learned more in that one sitting about the biz than at any other single sitting with a wrestling person in my career.  It was easy to see that Eddie Graham was likely challenging to be around because of his amazing intellect and lack of patience for those that did not process info as rapidly as did he. Eddie Graham was a genius when it came to the psychology of pro wrestling and his ability to “feel’ who had ‘it.’ We did a couple of Legends Roundtables with Mike and he was a spirited debater and definitely had an opinion on a variety of topics which made him a good panelist. He was fun to be around and enjoyed a beverage with the boys.   I’m happy that WWE now owns the Florida Championship Wrestling TV library and that Mike helped make that business deal happen. Mike Graham was a colorful, fearless product of his environment and will be missed by his many friends and family. RIP Mike. “

The blog is available in full at this link.