Wrestling great Ray “Thunder” Stern, who became famed for his in-ring aerial maneuvers in the 1950s and later became a health club pioneer, died last week. He was 74.

Stern, born Walter Bookbinder in Brooklyn, N.Y., became interested in bodybuilding while he was a member of the Merchant Marines. He would later go to California’s famed Muscle Beach to pursue a bodybuilding career, where he met Gold’s Gym founder Joe Gold and bodybuilder Armand Tanny. The two convinced Stern to stay in California and pursue a career in wrestling.

Stern made his in-ring debut in 1950 and earned the nickname “Thunder” because of his spectacular aerial assault in the squared circle. Over a 16-year career, he would hold several tag team titles and have a noted rivalry with Ray Stevens.

Outside the ring, Stern was a successful businessman, founding the first coed health club and first health club with a children’s nursery. In 1994, his autobiography, The Power of Thunder: The Rags to Riches Story of One Man’s Adventure of Fame, Fortune, Romance, & Fitness, was published.

Stern is survived by his wife Debi.

r.i.p fella
this truly sucks on how everyone is dieing like this