WWE Hall of Famer Pedro Morales has died. He was 76. Morales, a native of Puerto Rico, was WWE's (then WWF) first-ever "Triple Crown" Champion.
Not only did Morales find great success in the ring, he was a fan favorite and important figure among New York City's growing Hispanic population.
"WWE extends its condolences to Morales' family, friends and fans," the professional wrestling promotion said in a statement.
Morales won the WWE Championship from Ivan Koloff at Madison Square Garden in 1970. His reign lasted until 1973, when Stan Stasiak took the belt off him. Morales won tag team gold alongside Bob Backlund, and captured the Intercontinental Championship.