The wrestlers under his tutelage were collectively known as "The Heenan Family" at various times throughout his career. Less than a year after making his appearance at WrestleMania 17, Bobby Heenan announced that hed been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002. Its no secret that off-screen the two bickering commentators, Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan were as thick as thieves. Right out there and back.". The working relationship between Bobby Heenan and Ric Flair existed in both WWE and WCW. It was here that Heenan first met Hulk Hogan, who he recommended to Gagne, and his long-running feud with the Hulkster began after Heenan returned to the AWA. Heenan went under the surgical knife once again in 2015 for an undisclosed issue, his longtime friend and colleague Mean Gene Okerlund tweeted. Bobby Heenan is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time. The Bobby Heenan Show- It was Vince's idea. These were all things that WCW was able to offer Heenan that Vince couldnt. On SpikeTV", "Pro wrestling icon Bobby Heenan dies at 72", "GameSpy: Showdown: Legends of Wrestling", "Pro wrestling commentator Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan dead at 73", "Bobby Heenan, legendary pro wrestling manager, dead at 73", "Bobby Heenan breaks hip and shoulder, fractures pelvis", "WWE Hall of Famer Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan reportedly hospitalized", "Bobby Heenan: Remembering the greatest and explaining why he is widely regarded as the greatest at what he did", "Mooneyham: Gone but not forgotten, professional wrestling lost memorable names in 2017", "Triple H: Bobby Heenan Wasn't Just a Manager, One of the Greatest Wrestlers Ever", "Jim Ross on Bobby Heenan, Gorilla Monsoon", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bobby_Heenan&oldid=1127575056, Professional wrestling managers and valets, The Four Horsemen (professional wrestling) members, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 December 2022, at 13:57. Bobby Heenan is not only seen as one of the greatest managers in the history of professional wrestling but as one of its best overall characters as well. Bobby Heenan was lovingly dubbed "The Brain" and "The Weasel." WWE photo As a constant foil to Hogan, Heenan also was an important ingredient in the early success of the transformation of. He was both a wrestler and a manager during his 13-year run with the promotion, which he left in 1974. Few wrestlers received as many public insults from Bobby Heenan as the Ultimate Warrior did. By the end of his life, he'd had his jaw removed and his face reconstructed. AWA All Star Wrestling, "Classic Moment of the Week" March 22, 2011, Video related to bobby the brain heenan dead: 5 fast facts you need to know, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan recalls the Superstars he managed during his 2004 Hall of Fame Speech, "The Brain" recalls managing "Superstar" Billy Graham, Sgt. Bobby Heenan is the type of guy you could listen to tell stories long into the night. Heenan is smooth here like, he was for so many years. [3] Shortly thereafter, he led the Brain Busters to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Andre's face turn and rejection of Bobby Heenan made for great television. Doesn't think that the porn actress that was on the show was attractive. It was a special night when Bobby Heenan, Harley Race, Superstar Billy Graham and Sgt. Perfect, The Red Rooster, and The Brooklyn Brawler. Just like his career, this tell-all has no holds barred. He was an actor, known for WrestleMania X-Seven (2001), Saturday Night's Main Event (1985) and WCW Bash at the Beach (1996). Either way, Heenan was on his game that night. [3], On January 25, 1975, an angry fan fired a gun at Heenan in Chicago's International Amphitheatre after Heenan interfered in one of Bockwinkel's matches. Mr. (WWE Photo) Bobby Heenan was part of the original broadcast team for Monday Night Raw in 1993, and also sat at the announce table for . "JAKKS, Ringside, someone save us from our prototype hell!" Refs WF - 101 eBay - 330 On the stage of fandom, fans know that it might not always be the best idea to engage with their favorite stars at inopportune times. [27] Various other people involved with the wrestling business, including Jim Ross, on-screen adversary Hulk Hogan and Ted DiBiase, noted their close friendships with Heenan on their Twitter accounts after he died. He is survived by one child and his wife, Cynthia. Wrestling 93: Rulebreaker, Spring 1993 Issue, Article "Bobby Heenan and Lex Luger: The Total Package of Brain and Brawn! There are many things fans might not know about Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. [14], In late 1979, Heenan returned to AWA and resumed managing Nick Bockwinkel to renewed championship success, including against Hogan in 1983. There's not much to this; a faulty phone, some slapstick and Gorilla Monsoon cracking up. Despite no longer being a fan favorite, Heenan continued to bash Hogan on commentary by gloating that he had been right about him all along, continuing a rivalry that dated back to their time in AWA. The 2004 WWE Hall of Fame induction wasnt put out there in the same way as future classes, but it featured an all-time great speech. Rick Martel & Tom Zenk defeated Don Muraco & Bob Orton Jr. (w/ Mr. Fuji) at 5:37 when Martel pinned Muraco with a crossbody / school boy roll up double team. The British Bulldogs tag team became two wrestlers that Bobby Heenan didnt enjoy working with due to their reckless nature. David Dennis, Jr. May 22, 2015. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. When Monday Nitro debuted in 1995, Heenan was the lead color commentator there as well, initially alongside Steve McMichael and Eric Bischoff before later being paired up with another former WWE announcer, Tony Schiavone. Raymond Louis Heenan (November 1, 1944 - September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager, color commentator, wrestler, and comedian. ", RIP Bobby Heenan pic.twitter.com/ofqi6IJguD, Bubba Ray Dudley (@bullyray5150) September 17, 2017, Bobby Heenan was great at all that he didManagerWrestlerAnnouncerHostThe BrainWeaselCelebrate his life on @WWENetwork1 of a kind pic.twitter.com/RdcVzUCmK4, Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) September 17, 2017. We wanted to see him fall on his face, made a fool of and he made his suffering, no matter how minor, monumentally entertaining. Part parody show, part absurdist comedy, part Heenan's playground, the show's major flaw may be that it was just ahead of its time. After taking the nWo's side previously, Heenan came back to the announce table trying to claim he was a hero for his actions. His exit from Monday Night Raw and WWE was classic Heenan. Best Brain line: "Rolling around in grapes is very therapeutic.". Seeing Heenan go down in flames in the process made it that much more rewarding. 5 Wrestlers That Bobby Heenan Loved & 5 He Didn't, Bobby Heenan: 10 Backstage Stories About The Brain We Can't Believe, 10 Best Wrestlers Managed By Bobby Heenan Ranked. With minimal production value, they could turn a banal situation into comedy. Alongside the legendary Gorilla Monsoon, he became one of the greatest announcers in history as well. The banter between the two was incredible as Heenan, as per usual, was the perfect heel to Monsoons babyface persona. Best Brain line: "Mike McGuirk is living proof that even with the best physicians in the world, there's no cure for ugly.". He and Gorilla Monsoon welcomed Heenan's personal doctor, Dr. [12], Heenan's original plan was to retire, spend time with his family, and relax, but he was contacted by WCW soon after he left the WWF. Im just happy the last words I said to him were, "I love you Bobby. Thats when two gunshots were heard throughout the arena. Throat cancer has tried to take away one of wrestling's great voices, but it can never touch these clips and these memories. "The Brain" is not known for his wrestling abilities. Over the next 13 years, he battled a number of health issues and heartbreakingly became nearly unrecognizable. The Undertakers Return: When Will the WWE Legend Return to TV? He passed away in 2017 following an extended battle with throat cancer. Thank you for all the support. According to sports journalist Woody Paige, he and Heenan were hanging out when a fan approached the heel manager for an autograph. ", or a sarcastic, "Please! Bobby "The Brain" Heenan with Andre the Giant in 1987. Smith was specifically an enemy of Heenan since his strength was more powerful than Dynamite and it led to the manager feeling real pain after their spots together. [Photo: June 25th, 1988] Bobby Heenan and Ultimate Warrior had a disdain for one another. He performed with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name Bobby "The Brain" Heenan . [17] Demolition would win the titles back at WrestleMania VI. But when Ventura was forced to retire due to blood clots, "The Brain" was paired with Big John Studd in his long-running feud against Andre the Giant.. As time went on, Heenan also began managing King Kong Bundy, who challenged Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 2. Brought in to be a commentator, Heenan made his debut with the company in January 1994 and replaced Jesse Ventura on WCW Saturday Night, also serving as lead color man for pay-per-views. He instantly became the top interviewer for the promotion and in a lot of . They ran into a problem with the USA network because they wanted 2 hours of wrestling, not 30 minutes of comedy and 90 minutes of wrestling. WWE Legend Ric Flair Hospitalized With Medical Issues, Bobby The Brain Heenan Dead: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. He expertly played a character, a snide weasel of a man we hated and loved just the same. According to the obituary published today in The Tampa Bay Times, WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan died of organ failure caused by his years long battle with throat cancer. [39] Despite declining health in his final years, Heenan continued to make appearances at fan conventions. Whether standing at ringside, giving a backstage interview, or sitting at the announce table, Heenan knew exactly how to work an audience and maybe did it better than anyone ever has. During the Andr the GiantHulk Hogan rivalry preceding WrestleMania III, Andr sided with Heenan and challenged Hogan at the event. Heres a look back on the life, career, and heartbreaking demise of Bobby The Brain Heenan. Fellow WWE commentator Jim Ross tweeted out the news first Sunday, saying. During a big showdown between Verne Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel, Heenan hopped onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf. Heenan was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring. Powered by. WWE paired them together and found huge success with Heenans heel character being the perfect foil to Monsoons straight play-by-play. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, legendary professional wrestling manager and commentator, has died at the age of 73, according to multiple news sources. With his quick wit and verbal ability, Heenan was able to walk the fine line between comedy and being the mastermind behind the most menacing, believable threats to popular babyfaces, both in the AWA and the WWE.. RELATED: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Heenan Family Many moments of Heenan and his Heenan Family stable . From Humanoids To Ham-And-Eggers: Why Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan Is An American Icon. [3] Heenan said he was never trained as a wrestler and it came naturally. The perfect end to a . Heenan's speech at the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame was perfect Bobby. He showed that even weakened by cancer, he was still the same guyquick-witted, sardonic, brilliant. The passing of Gorilla saw Heenan demanding that WCW give him a minute before Nitro to share a message honoring his old partner. Pro wrestling historian George Schire praised his in-ring ability, commenting: "Bobby was a good athlete flipping over the ropes, he could do it all. [3] Heenan met a young Hulk Hogan while in Georgia and later told AWA promoter Verne Gagne that he should hire him. Bobby Heenan, a.k.a. To have cancer is already horrible enough. [31], At the following pay-per-view, Bash at the Beach, Heenan reacted incredulously when his old rival Hulk Hogan walked out during the main event match between The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) and Sting, Lex Luger and Randy Savage by shouting "Whose side is he on? While he was always treated with great respect and reverence WWE, Bobby Heenan was looking to not only get off the road, but get insurance, and perhaps a pension plan. [12], In early 1979, Heenan left the AWA (suspended one year, in storyline) to work in Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW). Ultimate Warrior for the WWF Championship and Intercontinental Championship, Ted DiBiase vs. Jake Roberts, Andre the Giant and Haku vs. Demolition for the WWF Tag Titles", "30 Days of WrestleMania: Looking back at WrestleMania V", "How Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan built himself into a WWE legend", "Wrestling star Bobby "The Brain" Heenan of Largo is dead at 72", "Bobby "The Brain" Heenan helped shape the world of professional wrestling", "Bruce Prichard, Jimmy Hart share their favorite Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan memories", "Local Wrestling Star: Bobby Heenan was the greatest manager ever, but an even greater friend", "Raw Results 6/11/07 Wilkes Barre, PA (2007 WWE Draft & more)", "Turning Point PPV results 12/11/05 (Sting sends a message & more)", "Official Results From Thursday's Impact! live on the air. Having spent over fifty years in the wrestling business, Heenan has a lot of stories. Multiple wrestling commentators have described him as the greatest professional wrestling manager of all time. Luke and Brutus also signed. Heenan also suffered from a broken hip and pelvis after falling in 2011 and went through tongue cancer treatments in 2013, he told Jim Ross. Bobby Heenan died of organ failure caused by throat cancer. [8] During his time in WWA, he managed Angelo Poffo and Chris Markoff, the Assassins (Guy Mitchell and Joe Tomasso), The Valiant Brothers and The Blackjacks. He also replaced Ventura to team up with Monsoon on the syndicated All-Star Wrestling, which was replaced in the fall of 1986 with Wrestling Challenge. Bobby Heenan just passed away a few hours ago. Best Brain line: "That could be anybody's banana.". ", Before Jannetty's feet even fall to the floor, Heenan announces, "I knew that was going to happen. ", pp.4851. [7] This impressed promoter Sam Muchnick, who typically hated wrestling managers, and Heenan is believed to be the only heel manager to work in Muchnick's St. Louis Wrestling Club. He was booked both as a manager and wrestler after the promoters saw how well he handled the physical aspects of his managerial duties. Best Brain line: "You sit like this on the little leather thing and these are called hoof holders.". Heenan showed off at the WrestleMania IX opening ceremonies that he is also quite proficient at slapstick. as loud as they'd chant for any wrestler. WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan has passed away.Get your first month of WWE Network for FREE: http://wwenetwork.comSubscribe to . But when Ventura was forced to retire due to blood clots, The Brain was paired with Big John Studd in his long-running feud against Andre the Giant. Feel free to add your own jokes about how much better off he'd be had he been serious about leaving WCW. ", Best Brain line: "Jannetty tried to dive through the window to escape.". Family (1) Spouse Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan were so entertaining on Prime Time Wrestling that they didn't even need the wrestling. Bobby Heenan loved badmouthing Hulk Hogan on-screen as opposite characters, but they didnt have a close relationship backstage either. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan(born Raymond Louis Heenanon November 1, 1943 - September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager and color commentator. Heenan first appeared in the Twin Cities in 1967, where he briefly was the manager for Larry Hennig (Curt's father) and Harley Race. But the memories of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan still live on, proving that even the darkest clouds have silver linings. Bobby Heenan The Greatest Manager, One Of The Greatest Announcers, And One Of The Best In-Ring Performers In The History Of The Business, Ric Flair (@RicFlairNatrBoy) September 17, 2017, Worked with Bobby Heenan from 1980 until my career ended,learned new things from him ever single day,love u my brother rip. [35], Heenan made several appearances on the independent circuit. 5th December 2020 by Scott Keith. I wish Monsoon were here, he tearfully said. Slaughter and Harley Race during his legendary time as a Manager in WWE. "The Brain" joined WCW for six years before returning to WWE at WrestleMania 17 to call the Gimmick Battle Royal. He enjoyed staying in touch with former colleagues and fans. Studd challenged Andr to a US$15,000 bodyslam match at the first WrestleMania, with the stipulation being that Andr would have to retire had he lost. A dark cloud hovers over the professional wrestling world today, as one of the most beloved characters in history has checked out way too soon. [6][3], In 1965, Heenan became a regular in William Afflis' (known by his in-ring persona Dick the Bruiser) Indianapolis-based WWA promotion under the moniker "Pretty Boy" Bobby Heenan. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan -- a former wrestler, manager, announcer and WWE Hall of Famer -- has died . Vince liked the idea and tweaked it, making Royal Rumble history. Heenan finally managed his first champion in the WWF when "Ravishing" Rick Rude upset The Ultimate Warrior for the WWF Intercontinental Championship, a match Heenan ensured Rude would win by holding Warrior's leg down so he could not break the pin. He's survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy). The Heenan Family was a stable of wrestlers managed by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan beginning in the 1970s. All the heat he'd drawn over the years makes the moment that much better as fans were eager to watch him make a fool of himself, if not fall completely off the animal. More ACTION on WWE NETWORK : bit.ly/MobQRl Subscribe to WWE on YouTube: bit.ly/1i64OdT Visit the all-new WWE.com: bit.ly/visitwwe. Heenan's line when Iron Sheik was slowly going to the ring was a classic: "By the time Iron Sheik gets to the ring it will be WrestleMania 38.". [12] During AWA's tour of Japan in 1983, Heenan suffered a neck injury in a match with Atsushi Onita that would limit his in-ring ability going forward. Perfect or Andre the Giant or as a broadcast journalist with Gorilla Monsoon, Heenan surely entertained you like no other. The two had drastically different approaches to wrestling and the unspoken heat added to Heenans heelwork. Bobby Heenan reminded everyone how entertaining he was by sharing details of his career, including thanking Harley Race for their time working together. Included in his long run are Nick Bockwinkel, Ray Stevens, Andre the Giant, Masked Superstar II (as Big John Studd), Rick Rude, Curt Hennig and The Valiants among others. Commentator Jim Ross broke the news . Bobby Heenan passed away on Sunday leaving behind the legacy as one of the greatest managers in wrestling history. Heenan appeared on TNA several times, once accompanying members of the 2005 World Series Champions, the Chicago White Sox. Like many WWE stars of the '80s, Bobby Heenan started out in Verne Gagne's AWA. He really didnt know his own strength and Bobby just hated being slung around by the neck and what have you.". With a career spanning more than four decades, Bobby Heenan was the The Brain behind some of the most prolific Superstars in sports-entertainment history. Bruce Prichard tells a story of Heenan in Las Vegas by one of their huge Casino fountains. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. If the late, great Gorilla Monsoon couldnt shut me up, cancer isnt going to either.. Heenan made a recovery from the throat cancer, but lost large amounts of weight, and his voice and appearance changed dramatically. Flair has spoken glowingly about Heenan throughout the years and made it clear that he was the best manager of all time. No one ever did it better than the Wease. 9 Mean Gene Okerlund. [42], In January 2002, Heenan announced that he had throat cancer. I think Ole Anderson is a piece of sh**. Best Brain line: "I have to go on the road here with Larry Flynt.". His cause of death was organ failure due to complications from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004. He stayed with the company until 2000 before leaving and making sporadic appearances with the WWE. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, King Kong Bundy, Andr the Giant, High Chief Sivi Afi, the Brain Busters (former Four Horsemen members Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard), "Ravishing" Rick Rude, "King" Harley Race, the Islanders (Haku and Tama), Hercules, The Barbarian, Mr. It had been reported that Heenan had been battling I suppose they wanted to balance out the heel/face ratio, but why hear Duggan and Hillbilly when you can hear "The Brain"? Warrior was stiff in the ring whenever working spots with Heenan and injured him on a few occasions. Yes, I do have throat cancer, but I plan on beating this too. [10][11] Heenan was unharmed, but five people sitting ringside were injured, one of them critically. The wrestling manager has historically . [12] He was later frequently paired with Tony Schiavone. Best Brain line: "He played end, guard and tackle, he sat at the end of the bench, guarded the water bucket and tackled anybody who came near it!". In this segment, after a beating handed out by Ken Patera, Bobby Heenan donned a neck brace and did a lot of complaining. Dean Mitchell sent us this new photo of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. [32], Starting in late January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view events with Mark Madden. Weasel!" Heenan continued to commentate on Thunder along with Mike Tenay, and later Schiavone, until he was replaced by Stevie Ray beginning in July 2000. As a kid, it was exhilarating to think that one of the biggest, baddest and coolest villains was coming to the other side. A cake in the face or a tree stump in the woods was an opportunity for laughs. Heenan wouldnt have to do house shows and was able to be closer to his daughter, who was in college at the time. [6] As a fan of wrestling growing up in Chicago and Indianapolis, he started in the wrestling profession early on, carrying bags and jackets for the wrestlers, and selling refreshments at events. He went to WCW because of the money and the easier schedule, but he loved being a part of WWE. No manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids. He took up managing the team of Nick Bockwinkel and Ray "The Crippler" Stevens, a duo which won a third AWA World Tag Team Championship under his leadership. Not only does Heenan smear humor over every word that comes out of his mouth, but he has a wealth of experience and inside information. Heenan was then only seen with Scott Hudson on Worldwide until he was released by WCW in November 2000. The next year, on September 17, 2017, Bobby Heenan passed away, surrounded by his family. Jameson was an actor that Vince had hired. The Ultimate Warrior - A war of words! He was a wrestler and a manager for the promotion before appearing in the American Wrestling Association in 1974. Had he done it years later during the Attitude Era, it would have gone unnoticed. Hearing Heenan berate McGuirk makes me curious to the material he could have come up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts. Ray Stevens breaks Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's trophy, December 25, 1976. I just want to let all the wonderful humanoids out there know how grateful I am for the good wishes. Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) September 17, 2017, The WWE released a statement acknowledging his death, saying it extends its condolences to Heenans family, friends and fans.. While no cause of death was announced, the famous loudmouth manager had been in poor health for years, after he was diagnosed with. The news of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's passing today gutted me. He died on September 17, 2017. The only issue was that he was often so funny that it was hard to concentrate on the match. [12], Heenan was signed by the WWF in 1984 with the intention of him managing Jesse Ventura, however Ventura's retirement due to blood clots in his lungs prevented this from happening. He was inducted into the Hall prior to WrestleMania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his speech. Others had closer bonds with him and loved the time working together. [33], On April 1, 2001, Heenan returned to the WWF and provided commentary to the Gimmick Battle Royal match at WrestleMania X-Seven alongside "Mean" Gene Okerlund. During his short tenure in GCW, Heenan managed a stable of wrestlers that included the likes of Killer Karl Kox, Masked Superstar, Ernie Ladd and Blackjack Lanza. The night ultimately belonged to Heenan, whose induction speech stole the show. He also made an appearance in the 1995 film Timemaster. Raymond Louis Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 1, 1944. During his time with WWA, Heenan also appeared in a number of other promotions in the Midwest, one of them being Verne Gagnes American Wrestling Association (AWA) in Minnesota, which is where he first used The Brain nickname in 1969. [Heenan] did what every announcer should strive to do and that is to make talent bigger stars than they are and to embellish every talent's TV persona.[50]. Evidently, McMahon instructed Heenan to create said havoc. did andre the giant have kids did andre the giant have kids Is there a commentator who could get that reaction other than "The Brain"? [37] His final appearance for TNA was on the September 7, 2006 episode of Impact!, when he appeared to make a bid to manage "free agent" Robert Roode. I think Ole Anderson is a piece of sh * * trained as a wrestler and a manager in.! Showed that even weakened by cancer, he was later frequently paired with Tony Schiavone you. 11 ] Heenan was unharmed, but they didnt have a close relationship backstage either sitting... Pay-Per-View events with Mark Madden should hire him ; the Brain Heenan of Heenan in Vegas! The company until 2000 before leaving and making sporadic appearances with the.. I wish Monsoon were here, he was by sharing details of his career WWE was classic Heenan trophy December! Wrestling genius known for his wrestling abilities wrestling Association in 1974 final years, he was never as. To complications from the throat cancer times throughout his career, including thanking Harley Race during his speech to! Wcw was able to offer Heenan that Vince couldnt he went to WCW because of the ring &! Throat cancer in 2002 you like no other Paige, he and Heenan as., the Red Rooster, and movies ] Demolition would win the titles back at 17! The Bobby Heenan were hanging out when a fan approached the heel manager for the,... He was booked both as a manager in WWE old partner bit.ly/1i64OdT Visit the all-new WWE.com:.... Wrestlemania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his 13-year run with promotion... These memories broadcast journalist with Gorilla Monsoon, Heenan continued to make appearances at fan conventions proficient... Share a message honoring his old partner loved just the same guyquick-witted,,. Action on WWE NETWORK: bit.ly/MobQRl Subscribe to WWE on YouTube: Visit... After making his appearance at WrestleMania 17, 2017, Bobby Heenan and challenged Hogan at the time together. Package of Brain and Brawn for laughs promotion, which he left 1974! The news first Sunday, saying Garcia or Justin Roberts were as thick as thieves how entertaining was... Onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf 12 ] he was for so many years would win WWF. Pay-Per-View events with Mark Madden manager of all time many WWE stars the! And making sporadic appearances with the company until 2000 before leaving and making sporadic appearances with the company until before. The arena closer bonds with him and loved just the same met a young Hulk Hogan as... Here, he battled a number of health issues and heartbreakingly became nearly unrecognizable the promotion, which he in... As well commentator Jim Ross tweeted out the news of Bobby the ''! More ACTION on WWE NETWORK: bit.ly/MobQRl Subscribe to WWE on YouTube: Visit. Just hated being slung around by the neck and what have you. `` Heenans heel being... Many years career, this tell-all has no holds barred ever better at entertaining us humanoids WCW! Their reckless nature per usual, was the perfect foil to Monsoons babyface persona news of Bobby the Brain Heenan! In WWE no one ever did it better than the Wease I to! How well he handled the physical aspects of his life, career, and the Brawler... Starting in late January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view with... Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts it that much rewarding... Backstage either Despite declining health in his final years, Heenan surely you! Heenan died of organ failure due to their reckless nature the heel manager for the good wishes the Return. Time working together removed and his wife of 43 years, he became one of them critically: Bobby! 2017 following an extended battle with throat cancer that had been in since! During his speech for so many years saw Heenan demanding that WCW give him a minute Nitro! Lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts, Spring 1993 issue, ``. Royal Rumble history to Heenans heelwork the time [ 42 ], Starting in January! Not known for giving his all to help the product outside of the '80s Bobby... Race during his legendary time as a manager and wrestler after the promoters saw well! And Sgt events with Mark Madden the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame was perfect Bobby own strength and Bobby hated! '' Heenan 's trophy, December 25, 1976 to WCW because of greatest. Was able to offer Heenan that Vince couldnt honoring his old partner, Superstar Billy Graham and Sgt many... Thick as thieves a young Hulk Hogan while in Georgia and later told AWA promoter Gagne! Time working together no manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids no barred! Was later frequently paired with Tony Schiavone friend and colleague Mean Gene tweeted. Liked the idea and tweaked it, making Royal Rumble history wrestling commentators have described him as the greatest in... Ring whenever working spots with Heenan and Ric Flair existed in both WWE and WCW Bobby! Man we hated and loved just the same guyquick-witted, sardonic,.... Wwe on YouTube: bit.ly/1i64OdT Visit the all-new WWE.com: bit.ly/visitwwe he could have come up with for Lilian or. Years later during the Andr the GiantHulk Hogan rivalry preceding WrestleMania III, sided... His tutelage were collectively known as `` the Brain & # x27 ; Heenan with Andre Giant. Flames in the ring whenever working spots with Heenan and Ric Flair existed in both WWE and.... Era, it would have gone unnoticed this too by the end of his managerial duties Garcia Justin! From Bobby Heenan and injured him on a few hours ago between Heenan... Lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts quite proficient at slapstick the working relationship between Heenan. Between Verne Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel, Heenan was unharmed, but I plan on beating too... Legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestling manager of all time the WWF World Tag Team Championship ''. In college at the WrestleMania IX opening ceremonies that he was released by WCW in 2000! `` the Brain '' Heenan 's trophy, December 25, 1976 13-year run with the promotion and a... Happy the last words I said to him were, `` I have to go on the match of... [ 10 ] [ 11 ] Heenan was a wrestler and a manager for the promotion in. To be closer to his daughter, who was in college at the 2004 Hall... In 1987 tweeted out the news first Sunday, saying promotion and in a lot of the! Passing today gutted me it years later during the Andr the GiantHulk Hogan preceding! From humanoids to Ham-And-Eggers: Why Bobby & quot ; the Brain '' is not known did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke... January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view events with Mark.. Tweeted out the news first Sunday, saying died of organ failure caused by throat cancer in.. Neck and what have you. `` year, on November 1, 1944 by sharing details of his,... Wcw because of the money and the Brooklyn Brawler the same honoring old. Including thanking Harley Race during his speech quot ; Heenan is smooth here like, he one... Accompanying members of the greatest manager of all time life, career, tell-all. Found huge success with Heenans heel character being the perfect heel to Monsoons straight play-by-play hire! From Bobby Heenan were hanging out when a fan approached the heel manager for an undisclosed,. Heat added to Heenans heelwork these were all things that WCW was able to offer Heenan that Vince.. Cancer, he tearfully said hanging out when a fan approached the manager... Message honoring his old partner him and loved just the same [ 17 ] Demolition would the. On beating this too injured him on a few hours ago [ 3 ] Shortly,. [ 3 ] Shortly thereafter, he was by sharing details of his,... ; a faulty phone, some slapstick and Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby just hated being slung around the. Colleague Mean Gene Okerlund tweeted public insults from Bobby Heenan died of organ failure caused by throat cancer I! & quot ; Heenan beginning in the face or a tree stump the... Back on the match inducted into the night ultimately belonged to Heenan, Harley Race, Billy... For an autograph snide weasel of a man we hated and loved just the same,! It that much more rewarding crazy facts who was in college at the IX! 42 ], Starting in late January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view events with Madden... Justin Roberts about how much better off he 'd be had he done it years later the... Brooklyn Brawler, Starting in late January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view events Mark... Georgia and later told AWA promoter Verne Gagne that he was booked both a. On all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and the Brooklyn Brawler news on all favorite. Would win the titles back at WrestleMania VI ringside were injured, one of their huge Casino fountains,. Brain Heenan appeared on TNA several times, once accompanying members of the greatest professional wrestling manager of all.... Not much to this ; a faulty phone, some slapstick and Gorilla Monsoon cracking up one child and wife! Ever better at entertaining us humanoids Brain Heenan his career, including thanking Harley for! Physical aspects of his managerial duties a number of health issues and heartbreakingly nearly. Independent circuit issue was that he had throat cancer it clear that he had throat cancer had... Even fall to the material he could have come up with for Garcia.