20 Years Too Soon: Superstar Billy Graham Yify -

Before Graham, promos were usually short, dry, and focused on the upcoming match. Graham channeled Muhammad Ali, delivering rhythmic, rhyming, and boastful monologues. He called himself "the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be sour."

Graham’s historic WWWF Heavyweight Championship run in 1977-78 ended because the "old guard" believed the title had to be on a traditional babyface hero like Bob Backlund. Had Graham been in his prime in 1984 during the birth of WrestleMania, he wouldn't have just been a champion; he likely would have been the global face of the WWF instead of Hogan. 20 Years Too Soon: Superstar Billy Graham YIFY

In the mid-70s, wrestling was dominated by "shooters" and blue-collar brawlers—men like Bruno Sammartino who looked like tough guys you’d find at a shipyard. Graham arrived with a bodybuilder’s physique (22-inch biceps), tie-dyed outfits, and a literal golden tan. He brought a psychedelic, Hollywood aesthetic to a sport that was still very much "black and white." The "Rap" and the Mic Before Graham, promos were usually short, dry, and