Former US wrestler
James ‘Kamala’ Harris has died at the age of 70, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
has confirmed.

The 6ft 7in star
predominantly appeared in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) era of the late
1980s and 90. He wrestled with many superstars of the era, including Andre the
Giant, Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker among others.

One of Kamala’s most
memorable fights was against the Undertaker in a ‘casket match’ in the 1992
Survivor Series, with the latter emerging victorious. The fight was witnessed
by 18,000 fans at Ohio’s Richfied Colisseum.

Harris appeared in
other wrestling events like Mid-South, World Class Championship Wrestling, WCW
and the WWE until 2006.

Known as the ‘Ugandan
Giant’, Kamala’s appearance was characterised by face paint, a mask and a spear,
something which drew criticism as being racially inappropriate.

The news of his
passing was followed by an outpour of tributes and condolences on social media.  

British wrestler Joseph Conners recalled the first time he saw the ‘Uganda Giant’.

“Rest In Peace James Harris aka Kamala. First time I remember seeing you wrestle was on a tape my brother had in 92. On the build up to Summerslam that year & being blown away with the Kamala character. Also saw you perform at an ROH event the year I went to see Mania 25,” he tweeted. 

The Iron Sheik, a former wrestler said Kamala “worked the gimick” and that he “always put on a show for the fans.”

Taz, another former wrestler, called Kamala a “tremendously nice man.”