Even at 14, Orndorff already exhibited the athletic gifts that defined his pro wrestling career. Steiner clocks Goldberg with a steel pipe to the head and slaps on the Recliner. Under Smiths expert guidance, Paul Orndorff built an impressive, powerful physique, a characteristic that would later define him as a wrestler. Meanwhile, Coach Bruce left Tampa after one season to become head coach at Iowa State. WWE's officialTwitteraccount posted a tribute to the fallen star, tweeting: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Mr. A very hilarious and imaginative turn of events. "Paul has a good chance of making our team. Rude saved Stings life by catching him, but Rude landed awkwardly on a lifted part of the ramp that was in place and severely injured his back. I was extremely lucky to have had him on so many Southeastern cards. Wonderful," Orndorff carved out a career that would earn him worldwide fame, fortune, and inductions into multiple wrestling Halls of Fame. Even though Graves would wrestle one final match on NXT during a three man tag match, its believed that Graves previous match with Sami Zayn is the one that did him in. Despite his successful WWE career, Orndorff never won the WWE Championship. It turned out Maxwell had a connection and gave his son-in-law a phone number to call. His son Travis revealed that Mr Wonderful passed away in an Instagram post on Monday. He also covers Big Brother USA, Big Brother Canada and Survivor for Corus. His highest honor was winning the Huerta Award, which recognized the best Class AA athlete in Hillsborough County. Two weeks ago, word spread that 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff was in ill-health following the release of an upsetting video shared by his son. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. "Him and Sherri were the best on that show with working the crowd. His outstanding performance earned Orndorff numerous All-County, All-Region, All-Conference, and All-State honors, and he was named a Scholastic Magazine All-American. he wrote. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. Most of you will remember him for his physique. Ha. One of my fondest memories. Read our Paul Orndorff live blog for all the latest news and updates "He was so much more than a wrestler," Paul Orndorffs son, Travis, captioned an Instagram post. Known as "Georgia Boy," Smith mostly wrestled for Cowboy Luttrells Championship Wrestling from Florida, frequently appearing on cards with Eddie Graham, Dory Funk, and Haystacks Calhoun. In 1988, he left WWE for WCW, where he captured the WCW World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championships with Paul Roma. The questionable change was not only a blow to Orndorffs draft appeal but his ego as well. "He Was Another Amazing Athlete That I Had The Pleasure Of Wrestling An Hour For The NWA Championship On Many Occasions! Orndorff was a street fighter, but his opponents knew how to wrestle, and some could hook him. Winner: Mike Awesome at 9 minutes and 3 seconds. "Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff," he wrote. "We need some running back strength," Bears Personnel Director Bobby Walston told The Tampa Tribune in the next days edition. If you would like to contribute help for funeral expenses, a donation page has been set up by his family here. I was a little kid again. > Gaming
I am going to play for that club somewhere.". He was later part of the class action lawsuit against WWE for the long-term injuries that he suffered in the ring. Wonderful, the wrestler was 71 years old. Hes the only superstar to appear on both Monday Nitro and Monday Night Raw on the same night as well. Pro beachballs at pro wrestling shows, pro dives if someone catches, anti bullies, olives, and pineapples on pizza. "It is with. Orndorff was reportedly worth $100,000, according toCelebrity Net Worth. "YOU WERE EXCELLENT BUBBA. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Hiro would show me some things, but they never told me anything. He said hed like to see him and talk. 7 WWE Hall of Fame Stories WWE Doesnt Want You To Know! His career highlights included competing alongside the likes of Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Paul Orndorff's son Travis confirmed in a statement that his father suffered from dementia. Ha. He calls one of them a prick and tells another to blow it out his ass. "PAUL ORNDORFF. Most people wouldnt survive that first workout with me, or if they did, they would never come back. While the exact move that rendered Graves second career ending concussion isnt certain, it is widely believed that Graves catching Sami Zayns top rope flying cross body maneuver causedhis final injury. Injuries caused Mr Wonderful to step away from the square ring in 2000. Great Guy, Legit Tough!" "I owe everything to Eddie Graham for giving me a chance and Hiro Matsuda," Orndorff said. #PaulOrndorff" he wrote. Pro wrestling legend Paul Orndorff died on Monday at age 71. "Condolences to Pauls family and friends. Famous commentator Jim Ross paid tribute to the late wrestler Paul Orndorff on Monday. pic.twitter.com/h7crlyHme6, WRESTLING WORLD COMMENTS AFTER PAUL ORNDORFF'S DEATH. Billy Silverman wakes up just in time to see Adams bleeding and awards the match to The Harris Brothers. Orndorff was the surprise tag team partner of The Filthy Animals in their elimination match against The Natural Born Killers. The page has raised a total of $860 out of its $25,000 goal so far. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Wonderful", was an American professional wrestler and NFL football player, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Professional wrestler the Iron Sheik, real name Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, tweeted a heartfelt message in his classic all caps style following Paul Orndorff's death. His son, Travis Orndorff, revealed the news in an Instagram post. However, not always do injuries result from a botch, or a high risk move. Years later the morning before WrestleMania 21, I trained with him and Hulk. He soured my attitude, screwed me up after moving me to tight end after I had played for so long as a fullback. On the Golden Flashes depth chart was future Missouri wins leader Gary Pinkel, and a heady safety named Nick Saban, now the legendary Alabama head coach. In this article well detail 15 of these moves that ended the careers of 15 wrestlers. Orndorff experienced a difficult childhood, growing up in the tough Clair-Mel City neighborhood, and his parents divorced when he was young. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. While he was here, he was given the name of Mr Wonderful by his then-manager, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. He retired in 2000. Ron Matejko is a contributing writer for Pro Wrestling Stories. . pic.twitter.com/RiOY6Rdj7w, PAUL ORNDORFF'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW RELEASES STATEMENT ON GOFUNDME. May 27, 1995 - Saturday Night: Paul Orndorff defeated Jim Duggan in the semi-finals of the Slim Jim tournament. So, when he decided to open his own health club in 1958, Smith chose the sunny, tropical coastal city as its home. They agree. Orndorff was selected in the 12th round (289th overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints after finishing his college career with 376 rushes for 1,671 yards. R.I.P. 1 overall pick in the 1973 draft), Leon McQuay, Freddie Solomon, and Noah Jackson, and still six years before the NFLs arrival in Tampa, the Spartans were the big game in town. He is in a medical facility and doesnt seem to know who his son was in the video. Orndorff beat cancer a few years ago after being diagnosed in 2011. Mean Gene is getting feisty as he interviews The Natural Born Killers. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. In fact, even Sting said that both times he failed to take the move properlyby not keeping his head in place. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff has passed away at the age of 71. After sending Bret Hart to the ropes, Goldberg hit Hart with a sidekick to the head, and Bret Hart received a severe concussion as a result of it. After signing, Orndorff said, "I cant get it out of my system. ICP and Vampiro take it to Muta. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. Without a strong parental presence, Orndorff found himself spending a lot of time on the streets while hanging out with kids nearly twice his age. Paul Orndorff had more class, talent, athletic ability than almost anyone I ever knew. Chicago excites me. "He did nothing to help my football career. "They said Id have been drafted sooner if it hadnt been for my being moved to tight end," Orndorff said in the Feb. 1, 1973 edition of The Tampa Tribune. Wonderful ," one of the greats from the World Wrestling Federation's 1980s heyday, has died. "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Rey Mysterio leg drop-to-the-crotches Reno at 10:08 and the pony-tailed one is gone. Many will remember his intensity. "I couldve signed a two or three-year contract, but we decided that a 1-year contract would be better because if I make it, I can get more money the next time I sign," Orndorff said. World Championship Wrestling still has some kinks to work out like maintaining uniform angles and breaking out of the put-everyone-in-a-gang mentality that led to the WWFs downfall in the nineties (Anyone remember The Nation, D.O.A. Stevie Ray would hit his Slapjack finisher, which is a variation of the pedigree, but in an effort to protect his knee, Martel took the move awkwardly and landed on his head, injuring his neck. The unbelievable finally happened. Orndorff left the WWF in 1988 with an untreated neck injury, yet continued to wrestle in the WCW and won the World Television Championship and the WCW World Tag Team Championship. He was inducted into the WWE . I was extremely lucky to have had him on so many Southeastern cards. Orndorff closed the famed Superdome show in a match against Bruiser Brody, which drew 33,000. "I got Hiro back, and I mauled his ass. WE RIDE TOGETHER. WWE Hall of Fame member Eric Bischoff tweeted out his condolences after announcements of Paul Orndorff's death. I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. But if I could only get you to understand and see his heart. Paul Orndorff defeated Flyin' Brian to win the tournament and to become #1 contender for the TV title. At one meet, his shot put of 54 -9" broke all local records. "All I did was work people out until they dropped. He . Why did Paul Orndorff quit wrestling? Reno does the same to Vito at 8:04. Despite the uncertainty about the position change, Orndorff looked like a natural, as Tampa finished with a 10-2 record and earned a berth in the Tangerine Bowl, the first bowl game for Tampa since 1954. A neck injury suffered during a match at the 2000 Fall Brawl pay-per-view led to his retirement, with the lasting effects of the injury causing significant muscle loss in his arm. Sting retrieves his baseball bat and clobbers them. Paul Orndorff, known to wrestling fans around the world as "Mr. Wonderful," died this week at age 71. As . Paul Orndorff, 71, suffered an arm and neck injury during a wrestling match with Hulk Hogan. Despite Earles explanation, Orndorff thought the position change was punishment for his two fumbles in the prior game against Louisville. It seems that his spirits are up, but his health is not great. "As some of you may know we are preparing for Paul 'Mr Wonderful' Orndorff's final farewell. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. Great tag team action as the underrated Three Count (WCWs answer to the Hardy Boyz) showcase some really innovative moves. Paul Orndorff set new records while competing in track and field events at Brandon High School. "Just heard about the passing of Paul Mr 1derfulOrndorff. After retiring, he trained . Sadly, at the age of 71, he now appears to be in ill health at a medical facility as his son Travis has shared a heartbreaking video of the WWE Hall of Famer where he is unrecognizable and appears to be confused. WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, who once fought in Wrestlemania, has died at the age of 71. including in the main events of the first WrestleMania and Survivor Series. For the majority of the match, Orndorff stayed on the outside. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. Goldberg breaks The Steiner Recliner twice. On his scores, Orndorff beat future NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Jack Lambert, as Tampa grabbed an early 14-0 lead, on its way to a 21-18 victory. Jarrett (wearing a Tennessee Titans jersey) harasses the Buffalo Bills players at ringside [what, it wasnt enough that the Bills lost to the Jets Sunday?]. He wrote: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr.". and Los Boricuas?) "They hurt Hogan, and they tried to do it to me, but I was a different type of horse. Bah. "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. . He finally got the surgery but was never back in the main event picture. . > Photo Galleries
Paul Orndorff, a bronzed, brawny star of professional wrestling during its boom period of the 1980s and '90s who became known for athleticism in . The move was botched, and Edges leg came down on top of Estradas head instead of around it. Whether its a compilation of nagging injuries or a severe injury in the ring, many wrestlers find their careers shortened or at a shocking end from the abuse they put their bodies through. > Books
Throughout his career, Orndorff excelled out of the backfield and appeared on track to eclipse his goal of 1,000 rushing yards that season. A stud," he wrote on Twitter. Plus Paul was having a lot of injury problems at the time due to his neck and didn't really re-emerge until, what, 1990 WCW? Whether it was amateur wrestling, bodybuilding, football, track and field, or even arm wrestling, Paul Orndorff displayed a wide-ranging athletic aptitude that exceeded most mens capabilities. Fellow WWE wrestler known by his wrestling name "The Natural" tweeted in response to Orndorff's death. His career was ended abruptly after a neck injury that . WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, who was known as "Mr. Wonderful," has died at the age of 71. . Orndorff had dealt with health issues in recent years, including cancer and dementia. Paul Orndorff was legitimately one of WWE's top stars in the mid-1980s. He was inducted into theWWE Hall of Fame in 2005and theNational Wrestling AllianceHall of Famein 2009. His debut match was in Fort Myers, Florida, against Gordon Nelson. "I didnt like Bruce at all," Orndorff said. After all, Austin would suffer a neck injury in the ring that almost ended his career. Updated: 13th July 2021, 12:58 pm. "When youre tired, theres not a whole lot you can do about it," Orndorff said in a shoot interview with Boston Wrestling. Gene continues to spew forth rude comments in his subsequent Fall Brawl interviews. Once the Filthy Animals were behind in numbers, a fired-up Orndorff tagged in. Standard, uneventful brawling until Ron Harris pulls out a baseball bat with a steel chain wrapped around it. After Rick Rude was outside of the ring, Sting dove over the top rope for a suicide dive. Later, this game would be known as the Citrus Bowl and frequently hosted high-profile SEC, Big Ten, or ACC programs. Orndorff was the surprise tag team partner of The Filthy Animals in their elimination match against The Natural Born Killers. Orndorff far surpassed that prediction as he once won a meet with a discus throw of 177 feet 11 feet more than his closest competitor. He suffered a neck injury, and Orndorff was immediately pinned, marking the rare occasion in which a wrestler eliminated himself after performing his own move. Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff Hate to see this, but know he's not in pain anymore. "Paul Orndorff had more class, talent, athletic ability than almost anyone I ever knew. Paul Orndorff was suffering from dementia, believed to have been caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). pic.twitter.com/h7crlyHme6, WRESTLING WORLD COMMENTS AFTER PAUL ORNDORFF'S DEATH. The incident is a tragedy none the less and one that many wouldnt expect from a dropkick into the ropes. YOU WERE THE TOUGHEST. Instead, Orndorff chose to play college football at his hometown University of Tampa and remain close to his wife and young son. Russo rips off his shirt and stands triumphant on Goldbergs chest. They have been together for over 50 years as she was his high school sweetheart. Orndorff trained a lot with Backlund, and they had many matches together. The technique is said to have been innovated by Wild Bill Longson.. "It looked like he was chiseled out of marble. The move looked perfect as both Samoa Joe and Tyson Kidd executed and took the move perfectly. I know hes a good coach, but I still dont like him. He suffered another neck injury after delivering a piledriver at the 2000 Fall Brawl, which led to his final retirement. Kronik level Silverman with High Time. May God rest his soul! "I told myself then that there was no way I wasnt going to play," Orndorff told The Tampa Tribune before leaving for a week of training with the NFL team. Some of the other guardians of the business actually made it their business to seriously hurt these people. Great Guy, Legit Tough!" "And, believe me, being an ironworker is hard work.". Smith earned the equivalent of a Masters Degree in bodybuilding by pumping iron alongside A-Listers such as fitness guru Jack LaLanne, bodybuilder Steve Reeves, who famously portrayed Hercules in several films, and Joe Gold, who founded legendary fitness chains Worlds Gym and Golds Gym. He gave me the chance.. The man has exceptional musical taste. He plans on making no comments in the near future. Thank you for all of them Paul. At one meet, his shot put of 54' -9" broke all local records. "Paul was a bad ass. The pair became thick as thieves, which isnt surprising when you consider Smiths athletic background, which, with the benefit of hindsight, mirrors much of how Orndorffs athletic and professional career played out. As Rection goes up for his No Laughing Matter finishing move, Duggan whacks him over the back with his 2/4! At age 38, he was the oldest contestant ever to earn that distinction. FANS 'SADDENED' AT NEWS OF PAUL ORNDORFF'S DEATH. Perro Aguayo Jr. was wrestling a tag team match involving Rey Mysterio. Jan 28: WWE Royal Rumble One of the most sickening injuries ever seen on pro wrestling television occurred to one of themost famous big men in the business, Sid Vicious. Paul Orndorff was married to Ronda Maxwell. "I had to block him all night. The condition happens when someone suffers repeated head trauma, however, it can only be diagnosed once someone has passed away. Unfortunately, it was in the heat of his marquee issue with Hulk Hogan that he suffered a catastrophic injury. "He was an amazing father that showed me more love than I ever deserved. Standing at a muscular 6-feet, 195-pounds, Orndorff thrived at Brandon High School, where he lettered three times in football and track and field. Check out his Binge News site for all of your streaming, binge-watching news. His career highlights included competing alongside the likes of Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Paul Orndorff's son Travis confirmed in a statement that his father suffered from dementia. Ha. As a youngster, Orndorff was a star high school football player. I went to a wcw house show at the uic pavilion once. Sting's win-loss record in All Elite Wrestling is 13-0 as of this writing. After being put through a table, A-Wall rules the roost. Orndorff was about to do the same to the 66 Mark Jindrak. ", "Years later the morning before WrestleMania 21, I trained with him and Hulk. 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff Dies, WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler Was 71 By Anthony Lund Published Jul 12, 2021 The world of pro-wrestling mourned the loss of one of its greats as news broke of. "He says no one has a job won for himself at this point that only the best man stays. Most people probably dont remember Jose Estrada Jr., but they definitely should rememberEdge. #1. The reason was that his entire right side was beginning to atrophy (causing his arm and leg muscles to shrink). For other inquiries, Contact Us. The news of the wrestler's death came through the Instagram post made by Paul's son Travis Orndorff. Paul Parlette Orndorff Jr. (October 29, 1949 - July 12, 2021), nicknamed "Mr. Wonderful", was an American professional wrestler and college football player, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Orndorff initially retired due to a neck injury at the 'Fall Brawl' event in 2000, but he managed to wrestle one last match in 2017 at the age of 67. . In a match involving the Filthy Animal and The Natural Born Thrillers, Paul Orndorff hit his patented piledriver on Mark Jindrak and suddenly went limp. While. Wonderful. Many will remember his intensity. I was at the Big Event in Toronto. Furthermore, it happened after "Mr. Wonderful" applied his own finisher, the. Bitten by the bug, Smith began entering bodybuilding competitions. He will never be forgotten. May God rest his soul! 3 min read. Coleman does a run-in low-blowing Jarrett. Heartbreaking Video Shows Paul Orndorffs Failing Health, Mystery Hand At WWE Hell In A Cell Was Disposing Of Crash Pad Evidence, AEW Dynamite Sees Nice Viewership Increase In Final Week On Fridays, Ric Flair Apologized To Triple H After Bitter Dispute, WWE CEO Nick Khan Says Vince McMahon Is Ready To Sell The Company, Ric Flair Is Not A Fan Of Women Bleeding In Pro Wrestling Matches, Eric Bischoff Roasted Over Tone-Deaf Tweet After Jay Briscoes Passing, Nick Khan Always Expected Vince McMahons WWE Return, Bray Wyatt & JoJo Offerman Finally Pick A Wedding Date, WWE NXT Changed Funeral Segment During The Show After News Of Jay Briscoes Passing. "I went through hell that night," Orndorff said. While Tyson will never wrestle again, the fact that he can still walk and is still alive is as close to a miracle as one can come. Mike Awesome arrives with Gary Coleman from Different Strokes fame. A Scorpion Death Drop on Muta ends the match. He lands like Madusa did. The 5-11, 230-pound Orndorff was in tremendous shape from his football days and years of weightlifting with Harry Smith. "God gave me a good body; I should use it make a living with it.". Ron (who is already busted open but the official is knocked out and cant call it) hits a double braining both Adams and Clark. He will never be forgotten. Hacksaw Jim Duggan is the special ringside enforcer. It is a hard-hitting, stiff contest as most would have thought. Maybe 95ish. Eventually, a trainer and EMTs were called to the ring and the match was declared a No Contest. Paul Orndorff had suffered from numerous issues in recent years, including throat cancer in 2011 and memory loss. The position change was unpopular, as Orndorff averaged nearly 100-yards per game before the move, including a 169-yard, three-touchdown effort against Eastern Michigan. Wicked! While the ref is distracted, Mike Sanders punks Kwee-wee with a stick to the knee. Changed my life. Not surprisingly, in 1976, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the National Football League as an expansion team, Smith was hired as the strength and conditioning coach. On the second he did but either his back gave out or Jindraks weight was more than he could handle as Orndorff dropped to the mat hard finishing the move. Corey Graves had a great look, great in-ring skills, was good on the mic and had all the potential to be a star in WWE. While teaming with Big Vito, Rey Mysterio, Disco Inferno & Juventud Guerrera against The Natural Born Thrillers, Orndorff suffered a neck injury while trying to execute a piledriver and the match was stopped. In 1969, Orndorff finished second on the team in rushing as a freshman and carried over his high-school reputation as a punishing runner to the collegiate level. #RIPPaulOrndorff . We lost another great one," one fan wrote. "Him and Sherri were the best on that show with working the crowd. Orndorff worked at the WCW Power Plant and was brought back for a ten-man elimination tag at the Fall Brawl event in September 2000. A mailman happily greets David. > WrestleMania, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Three weeks after that, Orndorff showed up for his tryout, where he met Hiro Matsuda, Robert Fuller, Bob Backlund, Bob Roop, and Jack Brisco. Ha. Even in those times, it stands to reason he might have remained in or around the main event picture for another five-to-ten years. Goldberg was always regarded as a passionate worker, who sometimes let his intensity get in the way of the safety of his opponents. With an untreated neck injury, he left the WWF for WCW in early 1988 . 0 comments. He was 71. The schools football history dated back to 1933, and once Paul arrived, the Spartans were two seasons into playing their home games at Tampa Stadium, which had a capacity of more than 40,000. Paul Orndorffs path to a career in the squared circle was non-descript. Paul Orndorff was named "Mr. Wonderful" by Roddy Piper. Martel was supposed to retain, but the match had to be reworked with Booker T improvising and winning the match instead. ", My heart is saddened again. "Man, I had so many matches and learned a ton with #PaulOrndorff," he wrote. `` it looked like he was given the name of Mr Wonderful by his wrestling ``. The WWE Championship owe everything to Eddie Graham for giving me a good body ; I should use make. Have thought his arm and leg muscles to shrink ) most would have thought the oldest contestant ever earn... His shot put of 54 -9 '' broke all local records most people wouldnt survive that first with. 860 out of marble commission at no extra cost to you contributing writer for pro wrestling career anyone ever! ; one of WWE & # x27 ; s 1980s heyday, has died Harry.! Been innovated by Wild Bill Longson.. `` it is a contributing writer pro... So long as a passionate worker, who sometimes let his intensity in! 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Path to a career in the mid-1980s our Privacy & Cookie Policy at age,... Things, but his ego as well heat of his opponents knew how to wrestle, All-State... Failed to take the move looked perfect as both Samoa Joe and Tyson Kidd executed took!, `` I got Hiro back, and All-State honors, and movies defeated Jim Duggan in the video throat! Pro beachballs at pro wrestling shows, pro dives if someone catches, anti bullies, olives, and could., uneventful brawling until ron Harris pulls out a baseball bat with a steel chain wrapped around it..., talent, athletic ability than almost anyone I ever knew 1995 - Saturday:! He left the WWF for wcw in early 1988 out his ass circle was non-descript him a. Had a connection and gave his son-in-law a phone number to call an Hour for the Championship! Drop on Muta ends the match instead: Mike Awesome at 9 and... A donation page has been set up by his wrestling name `` Natural. 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