Blackjack Mulligan has been hospitalized following a spell of bad health after suffering a heart attack last year. The Hall of Fame wrestler has had problems with his heart ever since, and on Monday revealed he had gone to hospital.
Hall of Fame career
Mulligan (Robert Windham) had a successful career in both wrestling and American Football, earning him a Hall of Fame status from the WWE, due to his achievements, and his grandsons are now following along his footpath, as his son did, on the main roster currently.
He began his career with WWWF, under the management of Bobby Heenan, establishing his classic look, with his black hat, but his early success was put on halt when a fan slashed his leg, causing him to take some time off.
Upon his return he would go on to have an excellent career, battling the likes of Andre the Giant and Dusty Rhodes, capturing several tag team titles, including a rein with Ric Flair.
He was influential and took part in storylines years ahead of their time, but throughout his later life he has been plagued by illness, including not just heart problems but issues with his brain as well.
Family absence
It is not known how serious the illness was, but the WWE did allow his grandsons (Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas) and his son-in law, who works as a producer for the company, (Mike Rotunda, IRS) to leave the RAW taping, so it is likely to have been serious.
The three rushed from the RAW tapings to be by his bedside in Florida, in what is obviously a very difficult time for the family, both the Wyatt Family and the Social Outcasts did still appear on the show, but without both Bray and Dallas.
Both men would have appeared had they been available, and Vince McMahon likely had to change the script at the last minute, but for a family that has wrestled and worked for his company for as long as they have, the decision to let them leave shows how highly he respects them.
Everyone at VAVEL would like to wish Mulligan a speedy recovery.