Koko B. Ware has been hospitalised (Picture: WWE)
WWE legend Koko B. Ware is battling ‘unspecified medical issues’ in hospital.
The 68-year-old star – who was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Honky Tonk Man in 2009 following an eight-year run in the company which ended in 1994 – is receiving treatment at a facility in Mississippi.
A post from the Wrestling Collection, which has been shared by Koko’s official Twitter account, reads: ‘@WWE Hall of Fame Inductee,@wwekokobware, is currently hospitalized with unspecified medical issues at a facility in Mississippi.
‘Join us as we keep Koko and his family in our prayers this holiday season! #PrayForKoko’.
On Twitter, The Wrestling Collection describes itself as an organisation creating ‘brand-to-fan experiences for legendary wrestlers’.
Fans and fellow wrestlers have responded to the news with messages of support for the retired star on social media.
‘Good luck to the Bird Man,’ tweeted one person, while another added: ‘Prayers for the birdman’.
A third follower wrote: ‘Prayers for Koko and his family this Holiday season. #WWE’
Former WWE star Ted DiBiase Jr tweeted: ‘Prayers for the legendary @WWE Hall of Famer @wwekokobware #prayforkoko’, while his father Ted DiBiase Sr. added: ‘Wishing my fellow Mississippian, @wwekokobware, a speedy recovery!’
And veteran Terry Allen wrote: ‘Send up a few prayers for @wwekokobware and his family this #Christmas!
Nicknamed The Birdman in WWE, Koko came to the ring with his signature blue and yellow macaw called Frankie, as they flapped and dancer before and after his bouts.
In 1993, the star – often used to give other wrestlers a victory – lost the very first match in Monday Night Raw history to Yokozuna.
Before joining WWE – then known as the WWF – he appeared in a number of tag teams, such as his duos with Bobby Eaton in Memphis, and Norvell Austin (as the PYT Express) in a number of promotions.
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Prayers for the Birdman!
