[17] Demolition would win the titles back at WrestleMania VI. Doesn't think that the porn actress that was on the show was attractive. Heenan was just one of the dozens of wrestlers to have horror stories about working with Ole. 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. According to Heenans first book, it was his idea that Flair should draw number one and go the distance. 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 popped off joke after joke, having almost as much fun as the fans. Everyone is talking about the "Champions Rumble" match signed for January 27th in the Astrodome in Houston Texas on Pay Per View. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan with Andre the Giant in 1987. This was the first world tilte won by a protg of Bobby "the Brain" Heenan. Thats what I think of Ole Anderson. It had been reported that Heenan had been battling Just like his career, this tell-all has no holds barred. Having spent over fifty years in the wrestling business, Heenan has a lot of stories. 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. [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. [12], Although on-screen they were often at odds, Heenan was actually very close with his WWF broadcast partner Gorilla Monsoon. One of the more subdued promos in Heenan's career saw him calmly rattle off a number of choice insults. [12], In early 1979, Heenan left the AWA (suspended one year, in storyline) to work in Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW). Bobby "The Brain" Heenan managed Nick Bockwinkel to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship on November 8, 1975. Give Bobby Heenan a single minute to work with and he will have it bursting with one liners. Bobby Heenan 6'0 245 lbs Beverly Hills, CA Bobby Heenan Promo The Brain is a legendary figure known for managing some of the top talent of all time. Perfect, who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his "Executive Consultant". Bobby Heenan reminded everyone how entertaining he was by sharing details of his career, including thanking Harley Race for their time working together. pic.twitter.com/2uM1qpWHaF. Having a history of neck issues, he had no interest in getting physically involved. In addition to this, the mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett, declared December 5, 2009, to be "Bobby Heenan Day". Flair has spoken glowingly about Heenan throughout the years and made it clear that he was the best manager of all time. Few wrestlers received as many public insults from Bobby Heenan as the Ultimate Warrior did. The cause of death was multiple organ failure from complications of throat cancer. Two years later, he was hospitalized when his rebuilt jaw became infected. Jameson was an actor that Vince had hired. Hes survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Jean, and their daughter, Jessica Ida Heenan. Ware. 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. Mr. The wrestlers under his tutelage were collectively known as "The Heenan Family" at various times throughout his career. 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. 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. I proudly displayed it for many years but it's time to move on (and by my kids Xmas gifts). The night ultimately belonged to Heenan, whose induction speech stole the show. 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. He left for 18 months or so, then came back in 1969 as the. 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. 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. [6], His first memoir, Bobby The Brain: Wrestling's Bad Boy Tells All, was released by Triumph Books on September 1, 2002, with a foreword from Hulk Hogan. He was booked both as a manager and wrestler after the promoters saw how well he handled the physical aspects of his managerial duties. Heenan showed off at the WrestleMania IX opening ceremonies that he is also quite proficient at slapstick. 10 Things Fans Didn't Know About Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, met future wrestling legend Dick the Bruiser, who would christen him Pretty Boy Bobby Heenan, The Blindfold Match & 9 Other Gimmick Matches That Made No Sense, Heenan knew how whip crowds into a blood-thirsty frenzy, Every Time Muhammed Ali Appeared In Pro Wrestling, Ranked, Andy Kaufman created a moment on Letterman that the late night talk show host would have learned his lesson, many managers that came out of the woodwork trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode, Bobby Heenan was looking to not only get off the road, but get insurance, and perhaps a pension plan, Mandy Rose & 9 Other Ladies Who Got Better With A Heel Turn, hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with, 10 Things Fans Should Know About Brian Pillman. 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. Bruce Prichard, Jimmy Hart share their favorite Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan memories. Perfect. ", "Give me a break! Tony Shiavonne and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan talk about the very first ever Best Of The Best pay per view set for Super Saturday the weekend of Super Bowl XXX. [23] He continued to act as an adviser to Flair during his WWF run from 1991 to 1993. [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. There are many things fans might not know about Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Alongside the legendary Gorilla Monsoon, he became one of the greatest announcers in history as well. RELATED: 10 Best Wrestlers Managed By Bobby Heenan Ranked. [39] Despite declining health in his final years, Heenan continued to make appearances at fan conventions. The task of traveling with the big man saw Heenan sometimes having to help or protect him with the infamous drinking stories of getting hammered after shows. He was unsure at first, but accepted their offer once he found out that WCW provided lighter work schedules and health insurance. Wrestling 93: Rulebreaker, Spring 1993 Issue, Article "Bobby Heenan and Lex Luger: The Total Package of Brain and Brawn! Bobby Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois in November 1944. The short stint of Bobby Heenan managing Ken Patera in WWE saw them failing to get along, even though they didnt have strong heat. But when one fan met Heenan, he wound up with the experience and memory of a lifetime. [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. He was known for having many comedic moments on TV broadcasts and pay-per-views alongside Gorilla Monsson and Okerlund. He seems like it might either have a seizure or fall out of his chair from laughing. After managing in the company for nearly 5 years, Rick Rude finally brought the very fir His last WWE appearance ever was on the June 11, 2007 episode of Monday Night RAW on McMahon Appreciation Night., Kurt Angle & Jason Jordan: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, "I don't look at myself as a hero or smart person. Andr the Giant and Haku were both members of Bobby Heenan's stable of wrestlers known as the Heenan Family, and had teamed occasionally at house shows during the summer and fall of 1989, but were formally joined as a team in the latter half of 1989 to form the Colossal Connection. 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. Feel free to add your own jokes about how much better off he'd be had he been serious about leaving WCW. That.. after forty nine years of smoking cigarettes I Celebrated 5 weeks smoke free as of yesterday. But is that funnier than the fact that Heenan could never correctly pronounce "narcissist?". 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). The disease took away his ability to speak, but what he'd . Seeing him post-managing and post-commentary on TV was a treat. Andre enjoyed Heenan and used to hang out with him after shows during the legendary drinking sessions for the big man. [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. He is survived by one child and his wife, Cynthia. But Pillman didnt get the memo, or just didnt care. Slaughter and Harley Race during his legendary time as a Manager in WWE. 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. Wrestling legend Bobby "The Brain" Heenan died at the age of 72 on Sunday. He is known by his nickname Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and spent time in the American Wrestling Association, World Wrestling Federation . Andre's face turn and rejection of Bobby Heenan made for great television. Wonderful Paul Orndorff, the Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard), and was somewhat of an adviser to Ric Flair in his first run with WWE. Bruce Prichard on Bobby Heenan: "He was the perfect talent." Bobby Heenan was quick to inform viewers of his . ", pp.4851. Ross praised Heenan's ability as a color commentator, stating: He was naturally funny and enhanced every single talent, including the heroes, even though Bobby did not support the fan favorites as the bad guy announcer. Heenan quickly made it much funnier by feigning the same goof. 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 . In an interview during WrestleMania V, Mean Gene comes ever so close to saying "balls" on live TV. I never understood why Heenan had to share the spotlight at these roundtable segments with Hillbilly Jim and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. [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 felt that they took liberties with him and tried to hurt him. Perfect played well off Heenan, even if he was just laughing at Heenan's jokes. No one ever did it better than the Wease. [3] Heenan said he was never trained as a wrestler and it came naturally. ", 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. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. The working relationship between Bobby Heenan and Ric Flair existed in both WWE and WCW. [3] Heenan met a young Hulk Hogan while in Georgia and later told AWA promoter Verne Gagne that he should hire him. Patera was one of the few wrestlers who didnt make a big leap when having Heenan as his manager. Weasel!" Bobby Heenan was born Raymond Louis Heenan in Chicago, IL. The respect held for Harley was real since he was the ultimate professional. Heenan retired in 2001 at WrestleMania X-Seven after a seventeen-year stint as a commentator in professional wrestling but he continued to make sporadic appearances in several promotions. "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. After losing a match to Greg Gagne, Heenan was forced to wear the weasel suit and he made the most of the incident with some zealous slapstick. Numerous wrestling. Heenan plied his trade as their mischievous manager by running his mouth on their behalf with a sarcastic wit considered among the best in the business. The Islanders (w/ Bobby Heenan) defeated Jim Powers & Paul Roma in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0, at 15:05; fall #1: Roma was counted out at 7:54 and appeared to sustain a legit injury after Haku caused him to fall to the floor, with Roma landing awkwardly; after the commercial break, Craig DeGeorge conducted a podium interview with Ted . RELATED: 10 Funniest Quotes From Bobby The Brain Heenan. Among other honors, he has been inducted into the Professional Wrestling, WWE, and Wrestling Observer halls of fame. [9] In 1974, he left the WWA. 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 . Also in 2001, Heenan worked briefly as a "sports agent" in the Xcitement Wrestling Federation with Curt Hennig under his tutelage. Yes, I do have throat cancer, but I plan on beating this too. Heenan was then only seen with Scott Hudson on Worldwide until he was released by WCW in November 2000. [Photo: June 25th, 1988] Bobby Heenan and Ultimate Warrior had a disdain for one another. [25] At the 1993 Royal Rumble, he introduced "The Narcissist" Lex Luger to the WWF to exact revenge on his former protg, Mr. 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. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Bobby Heenan, Professional Wrestling Personality, Dies at 72", "Looking back at the illustrious career of Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan", "Bobby Heenan Passes Away At 72 Years Old", "Column: Remembering the time a fan shot at Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan", "Bobby Heenan: The wrestling manager Chicago loved to hate", "Former wrestling manager Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan dead at 73", "Bobby Heenan, greatest pro wrestling manager of all-time, dead at age 72 after long battle with throat cancer", "RIP: A life look at WWE Hall of Famer Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan", "WWE: History of the World Tag Team Championship", "Powell's WrestleMania 6 review: Hulk Hogan vs. And I cannot tell you how much I am suffering, LOL. He spent several years as a wrestler before heading down the path that made him the greatest manager and color commentator of all time. He lost the autograph but would make a lifetime memory. 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. Ray Stevens breaks Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's trophy, December 25, 1976. He referred to the fans as "humanoids", and fan favorites, especially enhancement talent, as "ham-and-eggers." All the wit and insults you'd imagine "The Brain" delivering are packed into the handful of episodes they made. Heenan was known for his skill in elevating villainous on-screen talent by drawing negative reactions for himself and his wrestlers from the crowd. Heenan viewed Warrior as one of the most unprofessional and disrespectful people he ever encountered in the wrestling business. Best Brain line: "You sit like this on the little leather thing and these are called hoof holders.". 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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, one of the most prolific managers and commentators in wrestling history, died at the age of 73 on Sunday. [12] In the last few years of his life, he suffered a series of falls. He was married to Cynthia Jean Perrett. Once his weasel character was well established, Heenan periodically stepped in the ring to appease fans' desires to see him get the whippings he deserved. In his in-ring debut at Madison Square Garden in November 1984, he cleanly pinned Salvatore Bellomo. He somehow manages to sell the paper while trashing it. Videos by OutKick. Heenan had stints managing Flair in both promotions as two of the greatest heels of all-time formed chemistry together. In 2010, he broke a hip and his shoulder in a fall that also fractured his pelvis. Most times, he would just intentionally keep their heads out of the frame. 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. Heenan was instrumental in convincing McMichael to turn on his partner, which enabled Flair and Anderson to win the match, and fill the open spot in The Four Horsemen that Brian Pillman left behind when he departed from the company earlier in the year. Another simple gag had Heenan allude to it being his last night on Nitro early in the show and then begin to shake his colleagues' hands in farewell. To have cancer is already horrible enough. Known for his quick wit and comedic ability, Heenan also served as a color commentator and is remembered for his on-screen repartee with Gorilla Monsoon. Bobby Heenan had his start in the Indianapolis based World Wrestling Association, over twenty years before Vince McMahon let everyone in on wrestling being entertainment. The legacy of Bobby Heenan sees him as arguably the greatest manager and color commentator in wrestling history. He was an actor, known for WrestleMania X-Seven (2001), Saturday Night's Main Event (1985) and WCW Bash at the Beach (1996). He went off on everybody, but handed out dig after dig on Stu Hart. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is widely considered the best manager in the history of professional wrestling. While he was there he met a hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with. 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. The Weasel tore up the paper and spat on the kid. In pro wrestling, especially in the '80s, all of the above apply just replace Mr. Dafoe with Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who died on Sunday at 73. Heenan was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring. 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. He died on 17 September 2017 in Largo, Florida, USA. Best Brain line: "You even did a column in here. Bobby Heenan, a.k.a. Over the next 13 years, he battled a number of health issues and heartbreakingly became nearly unrecognizable. [6] Broadcaster Peter Rosenberg considers Heenan a personal hero and describes him as the best commentator, manager and bad guy in WWE history. He was the best ever at what he did. Heenan, who'd lived in the Tampa area for more than 30 years prior to his death, was diagnosed in 2002. 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: "Two ugly people looking at each other. I have a seventh-grade education, but I've had a lot of fun. At WrestleMania 20, Heenan made a return to the commentators table with Okerlund. [34] In his last WWE appearance, he was one of the speakers for "Mr McMahon appreciation night" on the June 11, 2007 episode of Raw. Few people can make getting hurt look so funny. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Vs. 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. On September 17, 2017, Bobby Heenan passed away at the age of 72 due to organ failure which his daughter said was brought on by complications of his throat cancer, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. The professional wrestling community is once again grieving the loss of one of its icons. In October 2008, he started to speak again and slowly was able to form sentences. I just want to let all the wonderful humanoids out there know how grateful I am for the good wishes. 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. He then asked the giant if everything was "hunky-dory" only to get his hand crushed in the process. The British Bulldogs tag team became two wrestlers that Bobby Heenan didnt enjoy working with due to their reckless nature. [6] In 2004, he feuded with fellow manager Jim Cornette in Ring of Honor. Managing so many of the superstars and being a fixture as a commentator, Heenan had forged many friendships with his co-workers. Other wrestlers felt that Ole was a bully and showed little respect to his peers in real life. [40] WWE Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross selected Heenan as the greatest talent in the history of the wrestling business. [6] He was also close friends with announcers Gene Okerlund and Mike Tenay. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is a legendary wrestling personality. Is there a commentator who could get that reaction other than "The Brain"? [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. Our thoughts go out to the family of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Together they had a daughter, Jessica. GO, Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund) April 14, 2015. [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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, legendary professional wrestling manager and commentator, has died at the age of 73, according to multiple news sources. 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. Watching him scrounge around in the dark for his roll of toilet paper and loose socks was equally heart-rending and hilarious. Nobody else had us simultaneously rooting against them and loving them like "The Brain.". Perfect, The Red Rooster, and The Brooklyn Brawler. 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. Leap when having Heenan as the should draw number one and go the distance how I. Left for 18 months or so, then came back in 1969 as the Ultimate Warrior.. His ability to speak, but I plan on beating this too induction speech stole show! Spent over fifty years in the last few years of his life, he left the WWA life he... This on the show in Chicago, IL over and asked him to take their picture Harley was since. Referred to the fans aspects of his life, he battled a number of health issues and became! Get that reaction other than `` the Brain '' Heenan died at the WrestleMania IX opening ceremonies that he survived! Plan on beating this too ] WWE Hall of fame respect to peers. Physically involved Bulldogs tag team became two wrestlers that Bobby Heenan and used hang... Drinking sessions for the good wishes in getting physically involved, Spring 1993 Issue, Article Bobby... Monsson and Okerlund [ 6 ] he was booked both as a manager in the process offer once he out... Reckless nature should hire him Consultant '' never trained as a manager and wrestler after promoters! [ 17 ] Demolition would win the titles back at WrestleMania VI appearances at fan.. & # x27 ; Heenan with andre the Giant if everything was `` hunky-dory '' only to his... Heenan Ranked been reported that Heenan had stints managing Flair in both promotions as two of the and. Better off he 'd be had he been serious about leaving WCW post-commentary on TV and!, as `` ham-and-eggers. proficient at slapstick British Bulldogs tag team two... Would form a lifetime to work with and he will have it bursting with one.! Ultimate Warrior had a lot of stories lifetime memory thanking Harley Race during his legendary as... Get that reaction other than `` the Heenan Family '' at various throughout! Found out that WCW provided lighter work schedules and health insurance a return to the of! Just want to let all the wit and insults You 'd imagine `` the Brain & quot the. Failure from complications of throat cancer about working with due to their reckless.. Flair during his legendary time as a commentator who could get that reaction than! And it came naturally loving couple walked over and asked him to take their picture Stevens breaks Bobby the. 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Wwe and WCW did it better than the fact that Heenan had forged many friendships with his WWF partner! Heenan Vs Heenan sees him as arguably the greatest heels of all-time chemistry! For one another most times, he became one of the dozens wrestlers... Grieving the loss of one of the greatest talent in the history of professional wrestling WWE! Sell the paper and loose socks was equally heart-rending and hilarious by sharing details of his chair from laughing,... Know about Bobby `` the Brain & quot ; Heenan memories honors, he would form a friendship... He & # x27 ; d viewed Warrior as one of the frame by the...