WWE is saddened to learn that Mark “Rollerball” Rocco has passed away at the age of 69.

A fourth-generation wrestler, Rocco became renowned for his grappling exploits around the world, competing as the original masked Black Tiger and winning the WWE Junior Heavyweight Championship.

The Manchester native tangled with a who’s-who of sports-entertainment icons, such as Jushin Liger, Dynamite Kid, Tiger Mask, Fit Finlay and more.

Known as a pioneer of today’s modern cruiserweight style and a legend of British wrestling, Rocco left a lasting influence on the industry, including NXT General Manager William Regal and NXT UK Superstar Flash Morgan Webster.

I’ve woken to the terrible news that my friend and colleague Mark “ Rollerball” Rocco has passed away. Mark was so ahead of his time and wether as himself or the original “Black Tiger” in @njpwglobal, he, along with Marty Jones were the...

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2020

.. true originators of the fast paced, hard hitting Jr Heavyweight style we see today. In 1978 I saw a match of theirs and it took my Wrestling fandom to a different world. Becoming a friend and getting to Wrestle Mark at 18 a dream come true.....

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2020

..Mark had an unbeilable work ethic in and out of the ring and my life was better for knowing him. There aren’t enough words for me to explain how much it means to me to be fortunate enough to have know him, wrestled him and explain how much he meant....

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2020

... to the British and World wide wrestling scene and I just wished I could have one more of the hundreds of car rides I had with him “hold court” with his wonderful stories. My deepest condolences to all of Marks family.

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 31, 2020

Just heard about the passing of Mark Rocco. Rollerball was without a doubt one of the very best to lace up a pair of boots.

He was a pioneer and an innovator and its safe the Junior heavyweight style wouldn’t be what it is today without his contribution.

An absolute legend.

— Flash Morgan Webster (@Flash_Morgan) July 31, 2020

WWE extends its condolences to Rocco’s family, friends and fans.