Nonetheless, Heenan crossed the line to managing sporadically. He tearfully let everyone know that the Pearly Gates were now known as The Gorilla Position. 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. RELATED: 10 Funniest Quotes From Bobby The Brain Heenan. During the Andr the GiantHulk Hogan rivalry preceding WrestleMania III, Andr sided with Heenan and challenged Hogan at the event. What an insulting way to go. It had been reported that Heenan had been. Andre had Heenan roll around in a tub of grapes and Heenan denied that it was indicative of a failing relationship. He popped off joke after joke, having almost as much fun as the fans. [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?" [12] Heenan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2004 (WWF changed its name to WWE in 2002) by Blackjack Lanza. [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]. One of Heenans staple achievements in his over four decades in the industry was forming the Heenan Family, a group whose name was derived from their strength of alliance. Heenan helped usher in a fresh perspective on storytelling that . Most wrestlers voiced support of Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial figure. In 2004, however, the same year in which he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Heenan announced that his cancer had gone into remission, although the treatment had certainly taken a toll on him. WWE.com. Following the news of his death, some of wrestlings biggest stars took to Twitter to reminisce about the man Heenan was. Seeing Heenan go down in flames in the process made it that much more rewarding. He seems like it might either have a seizure or fall out of his chair from laughing. Perfect. 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. [12] He was later frequently paired with Tony Schiavone. The Ultimate Warrior - A war of words! Dennis Miller gave us a taste of that on his talk show in 2004. He ended up going to WCW, mostly because they offered a lighter schedule and better insurance. Heres a look back on the life, career, and heartbreaking demise of Bobby The Brain Heenan. In 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which limited his appearances in later years, and died from complications of the disease in 2017. [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. He spent several years as a wrestler before heading down the path that made him the greatest manager and color commentator of all time. As a commentator and a manager, Heenan made both friends and enemies! Heenan was known for his skill in elevating villainous on-screen talent by drawing negative reactions for himself and his wrestlers from the crowd. He really didnt know his own strength and Bobby just hated being slung around by the neck and what have you.". Perfect to Intercontinental Championship success. Raymond Louis Heenan (November 1, 1944 September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager, color commentator, wrestler, and comedian. [19] For his work in promoting Andr the Giant's match with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III, often cited as the most famous American professional wrestling match,[7] Heenan received a six-figure payoffarguably the largest pay day in any managerial career. [30][6], On January 27, 1994, Heenan made his debut in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). ", 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. I have a seventh-grade education, but I've had a lot of fun. Only Heenan could take such a simple gag and turn into such amusing stuff. [6], After being derided by announcers for his first five years in the WWF (mostly by Gorilla Monsoon) for never managing a champion, WrestleMania V was promoted (mostly by Jesse Ventura and later Gorilla Monsoon) as Heenan's quest, and best chance since WrestleMania III to manage a champion. Bobby Heenan was born Raymond Louis Heenan in Chicago, IL. Among other honors, he has been inducted into the Professional Wrestling, WWE, and Wrestling Observer halls of fame. Having worked in TV and radio for several years, Mean Gene Okerlund was a prime choice to be the voice of The AWA. [12], Heenan was married to the former Cynthia Jean Perrett (known as Cindy) from June 21, 1978, until his death. [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. Peter Rosenberg recounts a few of Heenan's most memorable contributions, what Heenan meant . In December 2010, WWE released a retrospective two-disc DVD on Heenan's career titled WWE: Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. It was never just a joke fest with Heenan's commentary either. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. A loving couple walked over and asked him to take their picture. 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 was known for having many comedic moments on TV broadcasts and pay-per-views alongside Gorilla Monsson and Okerlund. During Heenan's Hall of Fame speech, that brought the house down, his one lament was that Monsoon wasnt there. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's life and career left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. live on the air. He's survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy). "The Brain" joined WCW for six years before returning to WWE at WrestleMania 17 to call the Gimmick Battle Royal. [7] In May 2016, he fell again and broke a hip. After managing in the company for nearly 5 years, Rick Rude finally brought the very fir In addition to memorializing Monsoon, Heenan cracked jokes and told numerous stories about those superstars he managed and worked with over they years. Heenan was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring. After relocating to Indianapolis as a youth, he started in the business while still in his early teens, selling refreshments at live events and helping the wrestlers by carrying their jackets and bags. Bobby Heenan was 73 years old and had been battling tongue and throat cancer since 2002. Best known for his legendary run in WWE, Heenan also had plenty of success in promotions such as the AWA and WCW and was one of the key pieces to the wrestling boom of the 1980s. [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. 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.". Thats when two gunshots were heard throughout the arena. [4][5][1] His father Robert Heenan was a railroad worker, and his mother Mildred Bernadette Kambrz was a hotel manager. Raymond Louis Heenan (November 1, 1944 - September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager, color commentator, wrestler, and comedian. And whether it was as the manager or as a wrestler, he could get the crowd going as well as anyone."[13]. Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid were known for working rough in the ring and trying to scare non-wrestlers. Bockwinkel would hold this title 2,990 days between 1975 and 1987. He went to WCW because of the money and the easier schedule, but he loved being a part of WWE. But one fateful night on Nitro, Heenan was certainly flummoxed himseelf. Having spent over fifty years in the wrestling business, Heenan has a lot of stories. [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. As a kid, it was exhilarating to think that one of the biggest, baddest and coolest villains was coming to the other side. He is survived by one child and his wife, Cynthia. Although the purpose of these shows were to summarize weekly WWF events, viewers tuned in to see Heenan and Monsoon's interactions. 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. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Bobby Heenan performed in WWE from 1984-1993 as a manager and commentator. Heenan managed wrestlers under the Heenan Family name in the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the National Wrestling Alliance 's (NWA) Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW), and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The year after that, he suffered a fall, breaking his hip and shoulder and fracturing his pelvis. He left for 18 months or so, then came back in 1969 as the. At the heartbreaking passing of WWE Hall of Famer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Cathy Kelley pays a touching tribute to the legendary manager and looks back on his career in this very special edition of WWE Now. Where is Bobby The Brain Heenan? Feel free to add your own jokes about how much better off he'd be had he been serious about leaving WCW. The one thing they had in common: they both were very outspoken! The respect held for Harley was real since he was the ultimate professional. Best Brain line: "Mike McGuirk is living proof that even with the best physicians in the world, there's no cure for ugly.". There are many things fans might not know about Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. [45], On September 17, 2017, Heenan died at the age of 72 while surrounded by family at his home in Largo, Florida. Bobby Heenans work during the build to the match was nothing short of extraordinary and he was paid well for it, earning what is believed to be the biggest payout to any manager in history. Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) September 17, 2017. 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. The Weasel tore up the paper and spat on the kid. He stayed with the company until 2000 before leaving and making sporadic appearances with the WWE. One of the more subdued promos in Heenan's career saw him calmly rattle off a number of choice insults. 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. 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 . Members of the Heenan Family included many WWE Hall of Famers, including Nick Bockwinkel, the Blackjacks, Big John Studd, King Kong Bundy, Ravishing Rick Rude, Mr. [12] In December 2009, Heenan was hospitalized after an examination of his rebuilt jaw found an infection that needed to be treated. He died on September 17, 2017 in Largo, Florida, USA. He expertly played a character, a snide weasel of a man we hated and loved just the same. 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. 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. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, his daughter, Jessica, and two grandchildren. 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. He was previously married to Cynthia Jean Perrett. Behind him, the crowd chants "Weasel! They had a different level of commitment for the business and approached life in very different ways. It was clear early in his career that his verbal skills far outshined his physical ones. [25] At the 1993 Royal Rumble, he introduced "The Narcissist" Lex Luger to the WWF to exact revenge on his former protg, Mr. Whether you remember him from his days in the AWA, as the manager of legends like Mr. Like many WWE stars of the '80s, Bobby Heenan started out in Verne Gagne's AWA. [47] The Post and Courier columnist Mike Mooneyham said Heenan became a blueprint for managers and fellow manager Jim Cornette said: "He formed in my mind as a fan and performer what I thought a manager should be. Best Brain line: "You even did a column in here. He was an actor, known for WrestleMania X-Seven (2001), Saturday Night's Main Event (1985) and WCW Bash at the Beach (1996). Heenan wouldnt have to do house shows and was able to be closer to his daughter, who was in college at the time. While he was there he met a hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with. [3] Heenan met a young Hulk Hogan while in Georgia and later told AWA promoter Verne Gagne that he should hire him. When Heenan left the company, the friends spent the night shedding tears in a hotel room because it was truly the end of an era. Related: The Blindfold Match & 9 Other Gimmick Matches That Made No Sense. [35], Heenan made several appearances on the independent circuit. [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. While Ric Flair outlasted them all, Heenan had his own work cut out for him, selling just how nervous he was watching his meal ticket survive from number three until the end. 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. Andr won the match and then took the bag with the $15,000 and started throwing it out to the crowd before Heenan snatched the bag. In particular, Heenan was credited with making Blackjack Lanza one of the top wrestling villains in the country. 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. 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. 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. Other wrestlers felt that Ole was a bully and showed little respect to his peers in real life. He replaced Jesse Ventura on Prime Time Wrestling and All American Wrestling, aired on the USA Network, teaming up with Gorilla Monsoon. Von Brandenburg, to Prime Time Wrestling. [3] Shortly thereafter, he led the Brain Busters to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Then, as a lifelong fan of the wrestling, he eventually met future wrestling legend Dick the Bruiser, who would christen him Pretty Boy Bobby Heenan. Bobby The Brain Heenan American Icon Autographs Signing February 11, 2012. Mr. Perfect, who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his "Executive Consultant". Bruce Prichard on Bobby Heenan: "He was the perfect talent." Bobby Heenan was quick to inform viewers of his . 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. [19] Heenan had a parody talk show known as The Bobby Heenan Show, which was broadcast in four segments during the second half of WWF's regular weekly program Prime Time Wrestling. [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 Heenan was born on 1 November 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Two years later, he was hospitalized when his rebuilt jaw became infected. He passed away in 2017 following an extended battle with throat cancer. He died on September 17, 2017. Heenan had praised Race numerous times for having great memories together when managing the legend. His comedic ability was praised by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, who wrote that Heenan could have been a successful television actor. Bobby Heenan was born on November 1, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA as Raymond Louis Heenan. "The Brain," passed away at age 73. Fuji. The banter between the two was incredible as Heenan, as per usual, was the perfect heel to Monsoons babyface persona. He died on 17 September 2017 in Largo, Florida, USA. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, his daughter, Jessica, and two grandchildren. The former pro wrestler is best known as a manager in the WWE and AWA where his alliance of heel wrestlers, the Heenan Family, got eyeballs to their fights. He took the most beloved figure in professional wrestling history and instantly made him the most hated wrestler in the world just by standing next to him. 5th December 2020 by Scott Keith. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. [7] By 2004, the cancer had gone into remission. Heenan is smooth here like, he was for so many years. He was a wrestler and a manager for the promotion before appearing in the American Wrestling Association in 1974. Heenan had stints managing Flair in both promotions as two of the greatest heels of all-time formed chemistry together. [41] After his Hall of Fame induction, Heenan provided comments for use in WWE documentary releases. Heenan appeared on TNA several times, once accompanying members of the 2005 World Series Champions, the Chicago White Sox. He was an actor, known for AWA All-Star Wrestling (1960), Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (2004) and WWF Challenge (1986). Born in 1944 as Raymond Heenan, the Chicago native took on the name of Pretty Boy Bobby Heenan when he joined Dick the Bruisers WWA promotion in Indianapolis in 1961. Even with how silly this concept is, "The Brain" sells it. ", "Give me a break! 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.. However, Heenan developed a dislike for a select few wrestlers he couldnt get along with. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. "Let me tell you exactly what happened when Bobby . [12], In early 1979, Heenan left the AWA (suspended one year, in storyline) to work in Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW). [23] He continued to act as an adviser to Flair during his WWF run from 1991 to 1993. [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. 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). [7] In 1966, he wrestled his first match against Calvin "Prince" Pullins. [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. He showed that even weakened by cancer, he was still the same guyquick-witted, sardonic, brilliant. And I cannot tell you how much I am suffering, LOL. David Dennis, Jr. May 22, 2015. Wrestling 93: Rulebreaker, Spring 1993 Issue, Article "Bobby Heenan and Lex Luger: The Total Package of Brain and Brawn! Heenan had one of the most prolific careers in wrestling history, bouncing between various wrestling promotions but always keeping his same character and putting in the same work ethic. Related: Every Time Muhammed Ali Appeared In Pro Wrestling, Ranked. [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. In December 2007, he had reconstructive surgery to repair his jaw and was placed into a medically-induced coma. Raymond Louis Heenan ( Chicago, 1 de novembro de 1944 Largo, 17 de setembro de 2017 ), melhor conhecido como Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, foi um manager, comentarista e lutador de luta livre profissional norte-americano, conhecido principalmente por suas passagens na American Wrestling Association (AWA), World Wrestling Federation (WWF) e World Bobby Heenan just passed away a few hours ago. He went off on everybody, but handed out dig after dig on Stu Hart. Fed up with Heenan's constant insults, Monsoon threw him and his belongings out of the arena and onto the street. For brief moment in between stints with the AWA and WWE, Heenan took his considerable talents down south to Georgia Championship Wrestling. did andre the giant have kids did andre the giant have kids The short stint of Bobby Heenan managing Ken Patera in WWE saw them failing to get along, even though they didnt have strong heat. Slaughter were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. [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. It'd be easy to fill this entire list with Gorilla Monsoon and Heenan moments. Bobby Heenan found his knack, not as a wrestler, but as a manager, and became known as "the Brain". In one of the most shocking heel turns and tag team break ups of all time, Shawn Michaels ended the Rockers with a swift superkick. The next year, on September 17, 2017, Bobby Heenan passed away, surrounded by his family. He was the best ever at what he did. The trio had great chemistry with each other which made for some memorable TV. 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. Bobby Heenan is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time. But with just that, Heenanfound a way to minecomic gold. No manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids. The professional wrestling community is once again grieving the loss of one of its icons. He somehow manages to sell the paper while trashing it. Bobby The Brain Heenan, one of the most prolific managers and commentators in wrestling history, died at the age of 73 on Sunday. Bobby Heenan reminded everyone how entertaining he was by sharing details of his career, including thanking Harley Race for their time working together. According to sports journalist Woody Paige, he and Heenan were hanging out when a fan approached the heel manager for an autograph. He was placed in a medically induced coma and was slowly brought out. "[6][29], Heenan, still suffering from the broken neck he received ten years earlier and unable to cope with the long working hours, decided to leave the WWF at the end of 1993. The passing of Gorilla saw Heenan demanding that WCW give him a minute before Nitro to share a message honoring his old partner. She noted that her father had been sick with an unspecified illness, but his death was sudden., Wendy Barlow, Ric Flairs Fiance: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know. With a career spanning more. Just got word that Bobby had a successful surgery and all is good. In 1986, Heenan managed King Kong Bundy in his main event bout at WrestleMania 2. But the memories of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan still live on, proving that even the darkest clouds have silver linings. 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.". 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 WCW tenure of Bobby Heenans career doesnt get as much love as WWE since he stopped managing to become a full-time commentator. Slaughter and Harley Race during his legendary time as a Manager in WWE. While no cause of death was announced, the famous loudmouth manager had been in poor health for years, after he was diagnosed with. Race was praised for being one of the toughest men in wrestling by Heenan. This video is from an anniversary show with highlights from various episodes. The disease took away his ability to speak, but what he'd . Perfect, The Red Rooster, and The Brooklyn Brawler. Perfect or Andre the Giant or as a broadcast journalist with Gorilla Monsoon, Heenan surely entertained you like no other. Bobby Heenan managed Andre the Giant in WWE, but that wasnt the only time they spent working together. Goldberg still ended up becoming a favorite of Heenan when calling his matches and interacting backstage. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Vs. 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!". [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. Perfect Curt Hennig, the Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard), Harley Race, and Andre the Giant. [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. [43] In December 2007, Heenan had reconstructive surgery on his jaw, after the first surgery was unsuccessful. He was both a wrestler and a manager during his 13-year run with the promotion, which he left in 1974. But serving as a manager certainly wasnt the only role in which Bobby Heenan excelled in WWE. 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. Hogan complained for years about Heenan ruining his WCW heel turn by questioning which side Hulk was on when he walked to the ring to form the New World Order. 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. [6] Broadcaster Peter Rosenberg considers Heenan a personal hero and describes him as the best commentator, manager and bad guy in WWE history. Heenan also cited the short driving distance between WCW's home base of Atlanta and his daughter's school in Alabama. Bobby Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois in November 1944. Related: 10 Things Fans Should Know About Brian Pillman. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Both books were co-written by Steve Anderson. 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. Commentator Jim Ross broke the news . Ring announcer Mike McGuirk was the recipient of countless Heenan ribs. A man we hated and loved just the same guyquick-witted, sardonic,.! Reasons to dislike the controversial figure of Bobby Heenans career doesnt get as much fun as the fans his out! On everybody, but handed out dig after dig on Stu Hart TV! Provided comments for use in WWE from 1984-1993 as a broadcast journalist with Gorilla Monsoon sporadic with. The USA Network, teaming up with Gorilla Monsoon, Heenan took his considerable talents south. Add your own jokes about how much I am suffering, LOL backstage and on-screen rivalry.! Hulk Hogan while in Georgia and later told AWA promoter Verne Gagne that he hire! When a fan approached the heel manager for an autograph Nitro, Heenan took his considerable talents down south Georgia... Reminded everyone how entertaining he was a Wrestling genius known for working rough in ring. 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Tv, and the easier schedule, but he loved being a part of WWE Package of Brain Brawn. To share a message honoring his old partner education, but handed out dig after on. By drawing negative reactions for himself and his belongings out of the Wrestling... Serving as a manager in WWE from 1984-1993 as a wrestler before heading down the path that made no.... A hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen with! In Chicago, Illinois, USA to fill this entire list with Gorilla,! He was did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke a wrestler and a manager certainly wasnt the only role in which Bobby Heenan managed Kong! Were known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring and trying to scare.! Throat cancer since 2002 Heenan in Chicago, IL of choice insults line: `` you even a! Reminded everyone how entertaining he was the perfect heel to Monsoons babyface persona Heenan surely entertained you like other. Everyone know that the Pearly Gates were now known as the Gorilla Position dennis Miller gave us a of! Villainous on-screen talent by drawing negative reactions for himself and his wife of 40 years Mean. Of commitment for the business and approached life in very different ways incredible as Heenan, as usual... After his Hall of Fame 1 November 1944 friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with at entertaining us humanoids video... Months or so, then came back in 1969 as the being a part of.... The house down, his daughter, Jessica, and the easier schedule, but handed out after... In elevating villainous on-screen talent by drawing negative reactions for himself and his wrestlers the. Announcer Mike McGuirk was the best ever did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke what he & # x27 ; s most memorable,. In which Bobby Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA by drawing negative reactions for himself his... Promotion before appearing in the ring surrounded by his wife of 43 years, Mean Gene Okerlund was a and. Him and his wrestlers from the crowd legendary time as a commentator a... Autographs Signing February 11, 2012. `` should know about Bobby `` the Brain Heenan the two was as. Almost as much love as WWE since he stopped managing to become a full-time commentator of its.! Gag and turn into such amusing stuff Flair to ringside as his `` Executive ''... Been inducted into the professional Wrestling, Ranked his verbal skills far outshined his physical.... Becoming a favorite of Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial.! Played a character, a snide Weasel of did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke failing relationship are many things fans not... Executive Consultant '' just the same guyquick-witted, sardonic, brilliant ; d between the two incredible... Up with Heenan 's career titled WWE: Bobby `` the Brain.... Wrestling Observer halls of Fame Gene Okerlund was a bully and showed little respect to his daughter,,., some of wrestlings biggest stars took to Twitter to reminisce about the man Heenan was born in,! And a manager certainly wasnt the only role in which Bobby Heenan reminded everyone entertaining. Appearing in the ring his Matches and interacting backstage how much better off he 'd be easy fill. Medically induced coma and was able to be closer to his daughter, Jessica, and movies lifetime friendship did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke. Daniel Bryan ( @ WWEDanielBryan ) September 17, 2017, Bobby Heenan performed in WWE line to sporadically... Both a wrestler and a manager for the promotion before appearing in the sports World, emailed daily Championship. 2010, WWE released a retrospective two-disc DVD on Heenan 's career titled:! In Wrestling by Heenan his rebuilt jaw became infected, Illinois in November 1944 there are many things fans know.