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Written by: A. Smith
Published June 9, 2025 @ 10:26 AM ET
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. – The son of late professional wrestling star Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff was arrested after leading Peachtree City police on a high-speed chase that ended with the deployment of a K-9 unit, echoing a similar encounter with law enforcement in 2019.
Paul Orndorff III, a convicted felon, is facing numerous felony charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Officers also found a handgun in the glove compartment of his vehicle.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 29, when police received information that Orndorff was wanted on outstanding charges and may be armed with stolen firearms. When officers tried to pull him over, Orndorff allegedly took off, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph as he sped through a busy shopping center parking lot.
Police body camera footage captured what officers described as a nearly identical repeat of a 2019 incident in which Orndorff also fled and was apprehended by a police dog after crashing.
Officers said Orndorff eventually stopped the car but refused to exit and was seen reaching under the seat. After ignoring multiple commands, a K-9 was released into the vehicle. The dog reportedly latched onto Orndorff’s arm before officers pulled him out and took him into custody.
Orndorff served prison time following the 2019 chase. His latest arrest marks yet another serious legal issue involving Peachtree City authorities.
His father, Paul Orndorff Sr., rose to fame in the 1980s as a professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Wonderful.” He competed in the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985, teaming with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T in the main event. Known for his muscular physique and explosive in-ring style, Orndorff Sr. was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He died in 2021 after a battle with dementia.
While his father left behind a celebrated wrestling legacy, Orndorff III’s name has become increasingly tied to criminal charges and high-speed police pursuits.
This case is currently pending in court.