In a heartfelt exploration of her father’s legacy, Teal Piper, daughter of the legendary “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, takes us on a journey through the iconic wrestler’s memorabilia. From the WrestleMania trunks worn during his infamous boxing match with Mr. T, to the heavy dog collar used in a match that showcased Piper’s toughness, each item tells a story of a man larger than life.
The boxing match with Mr. T was a significant moment in wrestling history, marking the first time a celebrity outsider was brought into the professional wrestling ring. Piper’s disdain for this intrusion was palpable, and the tension between the two was a major draw for the event. “Him boxing Mr. T, that was a big moment because that was the first time professional wrestling brought in an outsider, a celebrity,” Teal recalls.
The dog collar match, a brutal and rarely seen event, is another testament to Piper’s toughness. “It was a match that showed how tough my dad was. I can’t imagine two men linked together like this in mortal combat,” Teal says, holding the heavy chain used in the match.
However, Piper’s leather jacket brings the most emotion for Teal. Worn by Piper both in the ring and in real life, the jacket holds a multitude of memories for his daughter. “I have memories with this as a kid. When we would get antsy or cold or whatever, he’d be like, ‘You like cold,’ and he put the jacket on, and we’d always be like, ‘Yeah, [Indistinct].'”
