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ORIGINAL ARCHITECT OF WWE KING OF THE RING PASSES AWAY

It was announced today that Eddie Andelman, the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame radio personality who teamed with what was then-known as The WWF to create The King of the Ring tournament in 1985 as a special live event in Foxboro, MA to raise money for charities, passed away at 89 years today.

Andelman's family announced:

"Eddie Andelman was loved by his wife of fifty seven years, worshipped by his sons, and adored by his grandchildren. From humble roots in Dorchester, he went onto great success in business and broadcasting. Some call him the godfather of sports radio. He certainly changed and elevated the sports radio game.

Eddie worked tirelessly on the Hot Dog Safari for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation because he loved to give people a great time and he was thankful that his own family was healthy. There would be no Phantom Gourmet without Eddie Andelman. His passion and pride inWWE the work, down to earth and sometimes irreverent style, and the reverence for small business owners and hard working people only enriched our lives and well as many others as well. We learned all that we do from our dad. He was one of a kind. He helped thousands and entertained millions.

Eddie Andelman lived a truly incredible life.

Love you Pop.

Dave, Mike and Dan"

The 1985 King of the Ring tournament was won by WWE Hall of Famer Don Muraco, defeating The Iron Sheik in the tournament final.  The tournament returned to Foxboro in 1986, with Harley Race defeating Pedro Morales.  This led to Race being presented on WWF television as The King of Wrestling, leading to a feud with Junkyard Dog before losing the crown to Haku.  Haku dropped the crown to Hacksaw Duggan, who later lost it to Randy Savage.  In 1993, the tournament was revived as a stand-alone PPV event, with Bret Hart winning.  The tournament concept has slipped in and out of WWE prominence over the years and is now one of two tournaments (alongside the Queen of the Ring) that sets up the winner challenging for a title at Summerslam.

PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans if Eddie Andelman.

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