WWE Stars React To The Death Of George The Animal Steele

The wrestling world was saddened to hear of the passing of William James Myers, known to fans as George "The Animal" Steele. The WWE Hall of Famer was 79.

One of the wildest and most unpredictable Superstars in WWE history, Steele's green tongue, hairy torso and appetite for turnbuckle pads turned "The Animal" from one of wrestling's scariest heels into it's most beloved babyfaces.

Prior to breaking into sports-entertainment, Steele received his Master's Degree from Central Michigan University and became a high school teacher and wrestling coach in the Detroit area.

Steele was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995, only two years after the Hall's inception. The Animal commented on the honor on his personal website:

"It was a real honor to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995 when we were still called the WWF. 1995 was a great year for me. I was also inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame."

WWE fans aren't the only ones mourning the loss of one of their childhoods favorites. Many WWE stars took to Twitter today to express their condolences.

Here are some of the touching tributes from past and present WWE Superstars.