WWE Hall of Famer Nick Bockwinkel dead at 80

NORMAN, Okla., Nov. 16 (UPI) -- WWE Hall of Famer Nick Bockwinkel, the self-proclaimed "smartest wrestler alive" has died at the age of 80.

"WWE is saddened to learn that Nick Bockwinkel, a WWE Hall of Famer and four time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at age 80," the company said in a press release Monday.

Bockwinkel was known for his in-ring skill and for his interviews. He became one of the top villains in the wrestling industry after he ended AWA legend Verne Gagne's seven-year run as champion.

"From his nationally televised rivalry with Larry Zbyszko on ESPN to guest starring on "Hawaii Five-O," the legend truly did it all," the WWE said. "It was only fitting that his great career be capped off by his 2007 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, where he will forever be enshrined as one of sports entertainments' all-time greats."

Many World Wrestling Entertainment superstars shared their sadness over Bockwinkel's death and offered their condolences on social media to his family, including WWE's executive vice president of talent, Live Events & Creative, Triple H, who tweeted: "Saddened at the passing of one of the all time greats Nick Bockwinkel......See you down the road sir. #ThankYouNick."

The cause of death is not immediately known.