WWE legend has submitted to the cold hands of death; he died earlier than we anticipated.

The wrestler’s wife confirmed on Facebook he passed away in Weirton, West Virginia with his family by his side yesterday after a long battle with illness.

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WWE legend ‘Big Bully’ Nick Busick has died aged 63.

The wrestler’s wife confirmed on Facebook he passed away in Weirton, West Virginia with his family by his side yesterday after a long battle with illness.

A WWE statement broke the news to fans late last night.

It read: “Former WWE Superstar Nick “Big Bully” Busick has passed away at the age of 63, WWE is saddened to learn.

“A notorious in-ring villain known for his signature hat and moustache, Busick battled Superstars like Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Sid and The British Bulldog in the early ’90s.

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“WWE extends its condolences to Busick’s family, friends and fans.”

Busick, who was managed by the legendary Harvey Wippleman, had battled numerous health issues since suffering a cardiac arrest in 2005 while exercising, when a defibrillator saves his life.

He initially refused hospital treatment at the time but would later undergo surgery several years later to correct the fibrillation.

In 2015 he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and suffered a bleed in his throat before undergoing chemotherapy.

The following June he announced that he was cancer free.

Just got word that WWE Wrestler Nick “Big Bully” Busick Has Passed Away. What an awesome talent. RIP & Godspeed Ma Brother ???????????? #RIPBigBully pic.twitter.com/HqQWfeFbTr

— Gary Roberts (@Comeback_Boxing) May 8, 2018

@WWE @WWEUniverse The world lost a great man today with the passing Nick the Big Bully Busick. pic.twitter.com/gAQ8j1kCgW

— Paul Andrew (@TheVille31) May 8, 2018

But last year his health deteriorated again after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent neurosurgery.

Busick was later diagnosed with spinal fluid cancer.

He had been under hospice care in West Virginia during his final weeks.

“Bully’s” son, Branko Busick, recently made his pro MMA debut for Bellator.

The 27-year-old was victorious on his bow inside the cage in January.

@WWE regret to inform, but Big Billy Busick has passed away pic.twitter.com/TeEXizuZUc

— manxman (@ManxmanPlaso) May 9, 2018

“We extend our condolences to Busick’s family, friends and fans.”