WWE: Blackjack Mulligan dead at 73

NEW YORK, April 7 (UPI) -- Former WWE wrestler Blackjack Mulligan stepped down from the ropes, the WWE announced Thursday.

Blackjack Mulligan, aka World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer Robert Windham, died at 73-years-old.

"WWE is saddened by the news that Robert Windham, aka WWE Hall of Famer Blackjack Mulligan, has passed away at age 73," WWE said in a statement.

"Considered to be one of the toughest competitors of his day — only his rival Andre the Giant could overshadow the 6-foot-9, 345-pound stud from Eagle Pass, Texas — Mulligan served as a U.S. Marine in Guam and played for the New York Jets before gaining fame in the ring," WWE said. "With his signature all-black gear — from his cowboy hat to his leather glove — and his thick western mustache, Mulligan cut the figure of a dangerous outlaw in the ring and proved every bit as treacherous with his feared iron claw hold."

In the ring, Windham was known for all-black attire, including a cowboy hat. His most notorious rivalry came with Andre the Giant during the 1980's. Mulligan retired in 1987. Windham also played football at the University of Texas at El Paso. His tenure with the Jets lasted through the 1966 preseason.