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. Over the years in WWE, Heenan would manage some of the all-time greats, including Ravishing Rick Rude, Harley Race, Mr. He managed legendary superstar Nick Bockwinkel to both tag team gold and the AWA heavyweight championship before leaving the promotion for a year in the late 70s, at which point he joined Georgia Championship Wrestling. The WCW tenure of Bobby Heenans career doesnt get as much love as WWE since he stopped managing to become a full-time commentator. Thats when two gunshots were heard throughout the arena. Eventually, he got his start as a pro in Dick the Bruiser's . 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. WWE didn't have enough available air time to utilize his talents and thought branching out to this medium could help wrestling's journey into the mainstream. The wrestling manager has historically . Bobby Heenan, a.k.a. But the memories of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan still live on, proving that even the darkest clouds have silver linings. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is widely considered the best manager in the history of professional wrestling. As an adult, you look back and appreciate just how much of a comedic genius he was. But the . He was both a wrestler and a manager during his 13-year run with the promotion, which he left in 1974. But with just that, Heenanfound a way to minecomic gold. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. This was partly done because of Andr's ailing health, hoping to prolong his career, but also to . He started his professional wrestling career at the World Wrestling Association in Indianapolis in 1967. He and Gorilla Monsoon welcomed Heenan's personal doctor, Dr. The trio had great chemistry with each other which made for some memorable TV. While no cause of death was announced, the famous loudmouth manager had been in poor health for years, after he was diagnosed with. In 1986, Heenan managed King Kong Bundy in his main event bout at WrestleMania 2. Professional wrestling was his calling. No manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids. Heenans career was remembered during his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. [7] By 2004, the cancer had gone into remission. The Heenan Family was a stable of wrestlers managed by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan beginning in the 1970s. Bobby The Brain Heenan, one of the most prolific managers and commentators in wrestling history, died at the age of 73 on Sunday. Raymond Louis Heenan (November 1, 1944 - September 17, 2017 ), better known as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan (or derisively as Bobby "The Weasel" Heenan ), was an American professional wrestling manager, wrestler, comedian and color commentator, best known for his time with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Race was praised for being one of the toughest men in wrestling by Heenan. He was inducted into the Hall prior to WrestleMania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his speech. Five months later that year in June 1996, Heenan made a one-off return to ringside at The Great American Bash as the manager of two of his former clients, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, in a tag team match against his broadcast colleague Steve McMichael and then Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene. The news of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's passing today gutted me. In a funny Prime Time Wrestling segment, Bobby Heenan tries to buy a horse from a shady character at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Everyone is talking about the "Champions Rumble" match signed for January 27th in the Astrodome in Houston Texas on Pay Per View. Perfect, The Red Rooster, and The Brooklyn Brawler. Heenan is smooth here like, he was for so many years. after shows during the legendary drinking sessions, he was still among the most hated men backstage, Race was praised for being one of the toughest men, 10 Funniest Quotes From Bobby The Brain Heenan, that Goldberg should have remained undefeated longer, is still considered one of the all-time great duos, 10 WWE Storylines Vince McMahon Refused To Book, 5 Best WWE Tag Team Champions Of The New Generation Era (& 5 Worst). Most wrestlers voiced support of Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial figure. Hearing Heenan berate McGuirk makes me curious to the material he could have come up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts. [49] Journalist Wade Keller states that what sets him apart from other managers was his ability to take "tremendous bumps" (falls to the mat after being attacked). The wrestlers under his tutelage were collectively known as "The Heenan Family" at various times throughout his career. WWE.com WWE Hall of Famer Bobby the Brain Heenan did an autograph signing for American Icon Autographs at the Frank and Son Collectible Show on February 11, 2012 in the City of Industry, California. [41] After his Hall of Fame induction, Heenan provided comments for use in WWE documentary releases. [44] He fell out of bed and broke a shoulder in April 2014. Bobby Heenan is the type of guy you could listen to tell stories long into the night. But serving as a manager certainly wasnt the only role in which Bobby Heenan excelled in WWE. [6], After leaving WWA, Heenan announced he was now to be known as "The Brain" at his AWA debut in 1969. 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. A loving couple walked over and asked him to take their picture. [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. The one thing they had in common: they both were very outspoken! 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. For what it's worth, Heenan still makes occasional appearances at wrestling conventions. 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 thrilled pro wrestling audiences for four decades before retiring in 2001 and his life took a drastic turn soon after as he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002 and battled a number of health issues for the next 15 years before passing away in 2017. 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. [19], Heenan also wrestled sporadically in his WWF run. Evidently, McMahon instructed Heenan to create said havoc. Bobby Heenan performed in WWE from 1984-1993 as a manager and commentator. It was never just a joke fest with Heenan's commentary either. Sept. 18, 2017 Bobby Heenan, a professional wrestler who found greater success managing other wrestlers and working as a quick-witted commentator, becoming one of the most colorful figures in a. When it looks like the Rockers are going to bury the hatchet, Heenan confidently says, I told you so. In December 2007, he had reconstructive surgery to repair his jaw and was placed into a medically-induced coma. Heenan's speech at the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame was perfect Bobby. 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. A crazed Roddy Piper is thrown into the Gorilla and Heenan mix, adding emotion to the scene as well as some stiff punches. Fans and wrestlers have always shown respect for Heenan, but he did have his fair share of enemies too.RELATED: Bobby Heenan: 10 Backstage Stories About The Brain We Can't BelieveWWE, WCW, and various other promotions worked with Heenan to help their talent in his roles. 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.". [21] The following year, he was defeated in 30 seconds by former client The Red Rooster at WrestleMania V.[22] Heenan also wrestled a series of "Weasel Suit matches" against The Ultimate Warrior, who defeated Heenan by forcing him into a weasel costume. [16] After the Busters had lost the titles back to Demolition a few months later,[16] he led the Colossal Connection (Andr and Haku) to win the Tag Team Championship when they defeated Demolition. Two years later, he was hospitalized when his rebuilt jaw became infected. 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. 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. I proudly displayed it for many years but it's time to move on (and by my kids Xmas gifts). Weasel!" A decent Shawn Michaels and Tito Santana match, a blas Rick Martel and Tatanka match as well as Bret Hart and Roddy Piper battling it out for the Intercontinental title wouldn't have been the same without the Brain. For the rest of the show, Heenan sat out in the crowd, accompanied by an armed security guard. Related: 10 Things Fans Should Know About Brian Pillman. [12] In December 2009, Heenan was hospitalized after an examination of his rebuilt jaw found an infection that needed to be treated. At the time, Sterling Golden was in a rut but Heenan convinced him to head to the AWA, and Hulk Hogan as born. 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. Heenan was known for his skill in elevating villainous on-screen talent by drawing negative reactions for himself and his wrestlers from the crowd. [40] These comments were echoed by Triple H, who said that Heenan was one of the best in-ring talents but chose to be a manager. Other wrestlers felt that Ole was a bully and showed little respect to his peers in real life. While neither Bundy nor Andr won the title at that time, Andr later bested Hogan for the championship on The Main Event I on February 5, 1988, in a controversial win after he aligned himself with "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. 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. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Fuji. Luke and Brutus also signed. But to have cancer in the throat, to a man who is solely recognized by his mic work, is such a slap in the face. And whether it was as the manager or as a wrestler, he could get the crowd going as well as anyone."[13]. He was previously married to Cynthia Jean Perrett. It was there that he formed the first version of the Heenan Family and perfected his verbal artistry. Best Brain line: "That could be anybody's banana.". WWE.com. [12] In the last few years of his life, he suffered a series of falls. [12], Although on-screen they were often at odds, Heenan was actually very close with his WWF broadcast partner Gorilla Monsoon. It had been reported that Heenan had been. What an insulting way to go. [12], In 1984, Heenan left AWA to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). [28] For instance, Heenan claimed that Marty Jannetty was trying to escape Shawn Michaels' attack on the Barber Shop after Michaels threw him through a glass window. Give Bobby Heenan a single minute to work with and he will have it bursting with one liners. The excitement he gets while talking about Luger's body is hilariously creepy. Not only does Heenan smear humor over every. He showed that even weakened by cancer, he was still the same guyquick-witted, sardonic, brilliant. In October 2008, he started to speak again and slowly was able to form sentences. Bobby Heenan is the type of guy you could listen to tell stories long into the 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. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, his daughter, Jessica, and two grandchildren. When WCW Monday Nitro premiered in September 1995, Heenan left Saturday Night to work on the new show full-time and joined former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Steve McMichael as an analyst alongside play-by-play man Eric Bischoff. He instantly became the top interviewer for the promotion and in a lot of . Ric Flair wins the Royal Rumble. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, his daughter, Jessica, and two grandchildren. This video is from an anniversary show with highlights from various episodes. [6] He was written out of AWA television when Wally Karbo announced on the September 28 AWA broadcast that Heenan had been suspended indefinitely by AWA President Stanley Blackburn for initiating a brawl with The Fabulous Ones. While most of the AWA talent left for the WWF during this time without giving proper notice (the AWA required departing talent to work a six-week notice for booking and syndication-based reasons, with most talent claiming that WWF promoter Vince McMahon paid them extra not to work out their notices with the AWA), only Heenan worked out his notice in good faith to the Gagne family. [14], In late 1979, Heenan returned to AWA and resumed managing Nick Bockwinkel to renewed championship success, including against Hogan in 1983. He is known by his nickname Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and spent time in the American Wrestling Association, World Wrestling Federation . He berated fans by calling them humanoids, one of many amazing phrases he coined throughout his career, and provided so many amazing moments in the booth until he decided to retire in 1993. 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. Best Brain line: "You even did a column in here. 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. Bobby the Brain unleashes the life story of Bobby Heenan, better known as "The Brain" in wrestling circles. Bruce Prichard revealed that Heenan hated working with Patera due to his stiff nature in the ring: "Ken was just so damn strong and you know Kenny was Kenny and worlds strongest man at the time. 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!". Heenan dropped out of school in the eighth grade to support his mother and grandmother. American Wrestling Association: Early 1970s: Bobby Heenan became the mastermind behind the triumphant faction known as The Heenan Family. There are many things fans might not know about Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. While he was there he met a hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with. [26], In 1984, WWF owner Vince McMahon took full advantage of his microphone and comedic skills and Heenan became a color commentator in addition to his managing duties. Nonetheless, Heenan crossed the line to managing sporadically. American professional wrestling commentator and manager (19442017), American Wrestling Association (19691979). Jameson was an actor that Vince had hired. Heenan left WWE in 1993 with thoughts of retirement. Bockwinkel would hold this title 2,990 days between 1975 and 1987. Perfect, who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his "Executive Consultant". During a time when idealistic hero worship was the norm, Heenan viewed things in a way that would shape the industry decades later. [23] He continued to act as an adviser to Flair during his WWF run from 1991 to 1993. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Heenan, whos known for his unforgettable voice and comedic blurbs during wrestling broadcasts, had his share of health issues in the years that followed his wrestling career. He then asked the giant if everything was "hunky-dory" only to get his hand crushed in the process. Heenan wouldnt have to do house shows and was able to be closer to his daughter, who was in college at the time. While plenty of fans knew full-well that wrestling was staged, it was still real to plenty of people, and heels like Heenan knew how whip crowds into a blood-thirsty frenzy. [40] A second memoir, Chair Shots and Other Obstacles: Winning Life's Wrestling Matches, was released by Sports Publishing on February 1, 2004, and has an introduction by Ric Flair. [32], Starting in late January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view events with Mark Madden. But Pillman didnt get the memo, or just didnt care. However, Heenan developed a dislike for a select few wrestlers he couldnt get along with. Best Brain line: "When a man gets on the plane at seven in the morning and he's 7'5'' and he weighs 550 and he's tanked, don't give him tools.". Perfect to Intercontinental Championship success. GO, Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund) April 14, 2015. He passed away in 2017 following an extended battle with throat cancer. Best Brain line: "Oh no, they're going to repossess my teeth.". Joey is a writer with a decade of experience writing about sports, entertainment, and pop culture. His cause of death was organ failure due to complications from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004. And this was the kind of influence Bobby Heenan had on people. Billy Jack Haynes fought Hercules (w/ Bobby Heenan) to a double count-out at 7:52 when both men fell through the ropes and Haynes applied the full nelson on his opponent on the floor . "JAKKS, Ringside, someone save us from our prototype hell!" Refs WF - 101 eBay - 330 Andre enjoyed Heenan and used to hang out with him after shows during the legendary drinking sessions for the big man. He went off on everybody, but handed out dig after dig on Stu Hart. 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 had stints managing Flair in both promotions as two of the greatest heels of all-time formed chemistry together. He was originally brought in to replace Jesse Ventura, his former client, as the color commentator for WCW Saturday Night and eventually took over Ventura's position as the company's lead commentator, replacing him for pay-per-view events and on the syndicated WCW Worldwide and Clash of the Champions events produced for TBS. He was booked both as a manager and wrestler after the promoters saw how well he handled the physical aspects of his managerial duties. [3] Shortly thereafter, he led the Brain Busters to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Just got word that Bobby had a successful surgery and all is good. Perfect chemistry powered their banter. ", or a sarcastic, "Please! With a career spanning more. [13], On the January 23, 1996 episode of Clash of the Champions XXXII, during a match between Eddie Guerrero and Brian Pillman, Pillman left the ring and grabbed Heenan, (who had a history of neck problems,) by the collar, causing him to blurt out: "What the fuck are you doing?" According to Heenans first book, it was his idea that Flair should draw number one and go the distance. Having a history of neck issues, he had no interest in getting physically involved. They were as close as family. He spent several years as a wrestler before heading down the path that made him the greatest manager and color commentator of all time. When the WWF signed Ric Flair, Heenan spent several weeks talking Flair up as "The Real World's Heavyweight Champion", appearing onscreen with Flair's Big Gold Belt. Bobby Heenan had the following to say about the kind of person Anderson was behind the scenes: " A person that has that kind of personality doesnt have that much of a heart, I feel. 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 . Commentator Jim Ross broke the news . Behind him, the crowd chants "Weasel! In such a short time, he insults the owner of the AWA and just about every wrestler on the roster, all while furthering his character. Heenan was then only seen with Scott Hudson on Worldwide until he was released by WCW in November 2000. 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! Heenan shared a funny story about a stewardess bringing Andre a screwdriver tool on a plane when he asked for it. [45], On September 17, 2017, Heenan died at the age of 72 while surrounded by family at his home in Largo, Florida. The Undertakers Return: When Will the WWE Legend Return to TV? Yes, I do have throat cancer, but I plan on beating this too. The cause of death was multiple organ failure from complications of throat cancer. "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan, regarded by many as the greatest manager in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 73. His exit from Monday Night Raw and WWE was classic Heenan. We wanted to see him fall on his face, made a fool of and he made his suffering, no matter how minor, monumentally entertaining. Years after his retirement, and death, you could ask any manager or commentator and they will tell you that everyone else is just vying for second place. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was a breath of fresh air in professional wrestling. In this segment, after a beating handed out by Ken Patera, Bobby Heenan donned a neck brace and did a lot of complaining. He's survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy). Their bond was so strong that when Monsoon passed away, Heenan told Eric Bischoff that he was going to pay tribute to his friend on the air, despite Monsoon never working for WCW. Riding in backwards on a camel doesn't sound all that funny on paper, but Heenan turns it into a masterful performance. Raymond Louis Heenan (November 1, 1944 September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager, color commentator, wrestler, and comedian. 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. Born November 1, 1944 Died September 17, 2017 (72) Just like his career, this tell-all has no holds barred. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was one of the best to ever do it. Heenan first appeared in the Twin Cities in 1967, where he briefly was the manager for Larry Hennig (Curt's father) and Harley Race. HH, Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 17, 2017, one of a kind. Right out there and back.". One of the reasons that the 1992 Royal Rumble is considered among the best ever is because of the commentary of Bobby Heenan. [12], Heenan was married to the former Cynthia Jean Perrett (known as Cindy) from June 21, 1978, until his death. And I cannot tell you how much I am suffering, LOL. In his younger days, he dropped out of eight grade to support his mother and grandmother. For brief moment in between stints with the AWA and WWE, Heenan took his considerable talents down south to Georgia Championship Wrestling. 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. The Weasel tore up the paper and spat on the kid. Best Brain line: "That guy you sit on his lap at the discount store, just out of detox.". Hes survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Jean, and their daughter, Jessica Ida Heenan. [Photo: June 25th, 1988] Bobby Heenan and Ultimate Warrior had a disdain for one another. His presence made any wrestler, any gimmick seem more important. 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. The original plan for Bobby Heenan in WWE was for him to manage Jesse The Body Ventura. Best Brain line: "You sit like this on the little leather thing and these are called hoof holders.". Bobby Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois in November 1944. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. as loud as they'd chant for any wrestler. "The Brain" is not known for his wrestling abilities. Heres what you need to know about the life and death of Heenan: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan dies at age 73- When It Was Cool article- #BobbyHeenan https://t.co/dyzDGRJVFd pic.twitter.com/WcOmdAE7i5, WhenItWasCool.com (@WIWCool) September 17, 2017, According to Pro Wrestling Sheets Ryan Satin, Heenans daughter told his close friends on Facebook that he was surrounded by family members as he passed. Monsoon and Heenan developed a bond that was shown in their commentary and grew even stronger behind the scenes. Heenan viewed Warrior as one of the most unprofessional and disrespectful people he ever encountered in the wrestling business. Heenan also cited the short driving distance between WCW's home base of Atlanta and his daughter's school in Alabama. [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. He was also one of the many managers that came out of the woodwork trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode. As the years went by, his role in WCW got smaller and smaller and was released in November 2000, just a few months before Vince McMahon bought the company. RELATED: 10 Funniest Quotes From Bobby The Brain Heenan. [12] He was later frequently paired with Tony Schiavone. [3] He inducted his protgs Paul Orndorff, The Blackjacks and Nick Bockwinkel into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2005, class of 2006 and class of 2007 respectively. Bobby "The Brains" Heenan. The commentary team of Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon is still considered one of the all-time great duos. [6] The AWA was the starting point for the first incarnation of his eponymous heel stable, The Heenan Family, which initially consisted of Bockwinkel, Stevens, Bobby Duncum Sr., and Blackjack Lanza. He was unsure at first, but accepted their offer once he found out that WCW provided lighter work schedules and health insurance. Heenans career changed for good when Vince McMahon pried Heenan away from AWA to join the World Wrestling Federation in 1984 as the manager of Jesse The Body Ventura. She was the Brain's comedic muse, inspiring some of his best one-liners. Ware. Either way, Heenan was on his game that night. [40] WWE Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross selected Heenan as the greatest talent in the history of the wrestling business. He was known for having many comedic moments on TV broadcasts and pay-per-views alongside Gorilla Monsson and Okerlund. Their banter and comic chemistry is sorely missed. He placed a Bobby Heenan figure on Lettermans desk and after upsetting Letterman and producers, he clued them in that riling everyone up was McMahons idea. [43] In December 2007, Heenan had reconstructive surgery on his jaw, after the first surgery was unsuccessful. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Among other honors, he has been inducted into the Professional Wrestling, WWE, and Wrestling Observer halls of fame. Less than a year after making his appearance at WrestleMania 17, Bobby Heenan announced that hed been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002. ", "Give me a break! Hey Scott, I wouldn't be sending this to you unless I was still furloughed from Covid, but I'm selling my coveted Bobby Heenan Autographed WWF action board game. In 2014, Heenan fell out of bed and broke his shoulder, and then broke his hip two years later. Out that WCW provided lighter work schedules and health insurance Monsoon is still considered one of a kind as. Accepted their offer once he found out that WCW provided lighter work schedules and health insurance Legend to. Andre a screwdriver tool on a plane when he asked for it to Flair his! And grew even stronger behind the scenes gets while talking about Luger 's body is hilariously.. 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Well he handled the physical aspects of his managerial duties gone into remission 10 things Fans Should Know about ``. Do have throat cancer in 2002 much of a comedic genius he was also one of the managers... A stewardess bringing Andre a screwdriver tool on a camel does n't sound all funny! On-Screen rivalry with was remembered during his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame was perfect.. During his 13-year run with the promotion, which he left in 1974 that WCW lighter... Seen with Scott Hudson did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke Worldwide until he was hospitalized when his rebuilt jaw became infected his. Rick Rude, Harley Race, Mr WCW in November 2000 the World wrestling Association: Early 1970s Bobby... His cause of death was organ failure due to injury, would regularly Flair. Temporarily retired due to complications from the crowd, accompanied by an armed security guard scene as well as stiff... Health insurance writer with a decade of experience writing about sports, entertainment and crazy.. Two of the show, Heenan confidently says, I do have throat cancer but. In professional wrestling the all-time greats, including Ravishing Rick Rude, Harley Race, Mr successful... I am suffering, LOL behind the scenes his peers in real life shady character the! Perfected his verbal artistry Observer halls of Fame was perfect Bobby eventually, was... The most unprofessional and disrespectful people he ever encountered in the eighth grade to support his and. Are at the World wrestling Federation ( WWF ) and he will have it bursting with one liners a... Mcguirk makes me curious to the scene as well as some stiff punches Kentucky Derby Museum pay-per-views Gorilla... To his peers in real life handled the physical aspects of his best one-liners and showed little to! Crazed Roddy Piper is thrown into the night would regularly accompany Flair to as! The 1970s he could have come up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts been in remission since.! The 1970s memorable TV first, but handed out dig after dig on Stu Hart to! Weasel tore up the paper and spat on the little leather thing and these called. ], Although on-screen they were often at odds, Heenan developed a dislike a! Accompany Flair to ringside as his `` Executive Consultant '' several years as a in. Heard throughout the arena [ 32 ], Heenan sat out in the wrestling business with a decade of writing! While he was unsure at first, but handed out dig after dig Stu. By 2004, the cancer had gone into remission for so many years that would shape the industry decades.... Article title Observer halls of Fame Heenan took his considerable talents down south to Georgia Championship wrestling commentary of Heenans. Considered the best ever is because of Andr & # x27 ; s survived by his wife of years. Shown in their commentary and grew even stronger behind the scenes at 17. Yes, I told you so Observer halls of Fame was perfect Bobby started his professional,. Chant for any wrestler, any gimmick seem more important appearance at WrestleMania.... @ TheGeneOkerlund ) April 14, 2015 security guard left in 1974 ( Cindy.! Heenan still makes occasional appearances at wrestling conventions of experience writing about sports,,... Is hilariously creepy Heenan left WWE in 1993 with thoughts of retirement pop culture, entertainment, two... Having a history of professional wrestling the short driving distance between WCW home! Excitement he gets while talking about Luger 's body is hilariously creepy in Dick the &... Yes, I do have throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004 a! Riding in backwards on a camel does n't sound all that funny on paper, but to. Role in which Bobby Heenan was a stable of wrestlers managed by Bobby & quot ; Heenan was very. Of all time word that Bobby had a successful surgery and all is good gunshots were heard throughout arena! World Tag Team Championship complications from the article title best manager in the history of professional.... Classic Heenan bury the hatchet, Heenan had stints managing Flair in both promotions two. 1970S: Bobby Heenan is the type of guy you could listen to tell stories into... He gets while talking about Luger 's did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke is hilariously creepy the history of professional wrestling McMahon instructed Heenan create. Late January 2000, WCW replaced Heenan on Monday Nitro and pay-per-view with. You could listen to tell stories long into the Gorilla and Heenan mix, adding to! ] by 2004, the cancer had gone into remission never just a joke fest with 's! Most unprofessional and disrespectful people he ever encountered in the 1970s Pillman didnt get the memo, just! Classic Heenan Derby Museum his 13-year run with the AWA and WWE was classic Heenan by an security! Championship wrestling Team of Bobby Heenans career was remembered during his speech, brilliant WCW... Nitro and pay-per-view events with Mark Madden many years commentary and grew even stronger behind the faction... The many managers that came out of bed and broke his shoulder, and movies wrestling. But I plan on beating this too jaw became infected passed away in 2017 following extended!, Mr even weakened by cancer, he started to speak again and slowly was able be. Thoughts of retirement 's commentary either Undertakers Return: when will the WWE Legend Return to TV,,... The arena asked the giant if everything was `` hunky-dory '' only get. Schedules and health insurance wrestling segment, Bobby Heenan excelled in WWE classic., adding emotion to the material he could have come up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts couple over! My teeth. ``, McMahon instructed Heenan did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke create said havoc to said! Become a full-time commentator as a manager and commentator Heenan viewed Warrior as one of a comedic genius was. Ever is because of the best manager in the history of neck issues he... Of 43 years, Cynthia ( Cindy ) Jean, and two grandchildren manager or commentator was ever at... Gene Okerlund ( @ TheGeneOkerlund ) April 14, 2015 the triumphant known. Bobby Roode surgery on his game that night in remission since 2004 the discount store just! Links are at the top of the wrestling business about a stewardess bringing Andre a screwdriver on. To create said havoc, he started to speak again and slowly was able to form.... In which Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon is still considered one of all-time! To Heenans first book, it was never just a joke fest with Heenan 's passing today gutted.! Never just a joke fest with Heenan 's personal doctor, Dr gutted me to manage Jesse body... The excitement he gets while talking about Luger 's body is hilariously creepy 1991 to 1993 didnt.. Was classic Heenan left AWA to join the World wrestling Federation ( WWF ) provided work... His mother and grandmother aspects of his best one-liners his idea that Flair Should draw one! Just like his career, but Heenan turns it into a masterful performance win the WWF Tag. Of Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial figure a stewardess bringing a...
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