Rocky - whose real name was Wayde Douglas Bowles - was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008 after a prolific career which spanned 25 years.
The star wrestled for numerous territories in his career and challenged NWA Worlds champions like Harley Race and Terry Funk in the 1970s, before finding his calling in tag team wrestling.
After holding several regional NWA tag belts, he joined the then-WWF in 1982 and was paired with Tony Atlas, and the pair became the first black WWF Tag champions in 1983 when they defeated The Wild Samoans.
Following the news of his passing, several of his industry pals have shared their condolences on social media, including former wrestler Mick Foley.
He wrote: "I am so sorry to hear of the passing of the great Rocky Johnson. Always a gentleman, I always enjoyed talking with him. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the fans who loved him. A very sad day for wrestling.
#RIPRockyJohnson (sic)"
Rocky is survived by his son Dwayne, his widow Dana Martin - whom he married in 2004 - and his two other children, Curtis and Wanda.
-Bang! Showbiz
