Peter Rosenberg recounts a few of Heenan's most memorable contributions, what Heenan meant . 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. In 2014, Heenan fell out of bed and broke his shoulder, and then broke his hip two years later. In this promo he deftly rattles off insults, dogging the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the High Flyers. 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. I proudly displayed it for many years but it's time to move on (and by my kids Xmas gifts). Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was one of the best to ever do it. They had a different level of commitment for the business and approached life in very different ways. As a commentator and a manager, Heenan made both friends and enemies! Over the next 13 years, he battled a number of health issues and heartbreakingly became nearly unrecognizable. WCW went out of business less than a year after his release. For a time, Heenan was unable to speak and had to communicate with his eyes. In his in-ring debut at Madison Square Garden in November 1984, he cleanly pinned Salvatore Bellomo. Hearing Heenan berate McGuirk makes me curious to the material he could have come up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts. [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. In 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which limited his appearances in later years, and died from complications of the disease in 2017. Heenan left WWE in 1993 with thoughts of retirement. Heenan was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring. Bobby Heenan was the greatest wrestling manager of all time and the funniest guy to sit at an announce table. And this was the kind of influence Bobby Heenan had on people. Simply put, the man was an absolute genius, not only as a manager but as a wrestler and color commentator as well. To have cancer is already horrible enough. In 1986, Heenan took over as a color commentator in addition to being a manager. Perfect. [42], In January 2002, Heenan announced that he had throat cancer. 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) 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!". Both books were co-written by Steve Anderson. He was also one of the many managers that came out of the woodwork trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode. Having spent over fifty years in the wrestling business, Heenan has a lot of stories. ", Before Jannetty's feet even fall to the floor, Heenan announces, "I knew that was going to happen. [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. [45], On September 17, 2017, Heenan died at the age of 72 while surrounded by family at his home in Largo, Florida. Heenan felt that they took liberties with him and tried to hurt him. Raymond Louis Heenan (November 1, 1944 - September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager, color commentator, wrestler, and comedian. Fuji. 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. [17] Demolition would win the titles back at WrestleMania VI. I never understood why Heenan had to share the spotlight at these roundtable segments with Hillbilly Jim and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Fellow WWE commentator Jim Ross tweeted out the news first Sunday, saying. But Pillman didnt get the memo, or just didnt care. However, he was back in the hospital once again in December 2009 after an exam showed that his reconstructed jaw had an infection. [13] According to Heenan, he moved his family to Atlanta after being told by GCW promoter Ole Anderson that he could work for the promotion as long as he wanted, only to release him less than a year later. Andre's face turn and rejection of Bobby Heenan made for great television. [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. Joey is a writer with a decade of experience writing about sports, entertainment, and pop culture. He was placed in a medically induced coma and was slowly brought out. He was inducted into the Hall prior to WrestleMania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his speech. Some unintentional comedy from Bobby Heenan came about during Lex Luger's WWE debut. His exit from Monday Night Raw and WWE was classic Heenan. Bobby the Brain unleashes the life story of Bobby Heenan, better known as "The Brain" in wrestling circles. Perfect, The Red Rooster, and The Brooklyn Brawler. "Let me tell you exactly what happened when Bobby . A fan was trying to protect the beloved Gagne. 9 Mean Gene Okerlund. His cause of death was organ failure due to complications from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004. He instantly became the top interviewer for the promotion and in a lot of . . [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?" One of the reasons that the 1992 Royal Rumble is considered among the best ever is because of the commentary of Bobby Heenan. 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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was one of the best to ever do it. In 2002, he announced in a statement that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer and would be undergoing extensive rehabilitation. I have a seventh-grade education, but I've had a lot of fun. He was previously married to Cynthia Jean Perrett. Ole Anderson had an important role in the original version of The Four Horsemen, but he was still among the most hated men backstage. [7] By 2004, the cancer had gone into remission. As an adult, you look back and appreciate just how much of a comedic genius he was. Smith was specifically an enemy of Heenan since his strength was more powerful than Dynamite and it led to the manager feeling real pain after their spots together. Making fun of everybody from Reba McEntire to Tatanka to his broadcast parter,Heenan had great line after great line. 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. He was an actor, known for WrestleMania X-Seven (2001), Saturday Night's Main Event (1985) and WCW Bash at the Beach (1996). according to WWE. According to sports journalist Woody Paige, he and Heenan were hanging out when a fan approached the heel manager for an autograph. Seeing Heenan go down in flames in the process made it that much more rewarding. At WrestleMania 20, Heenan made a return to the commentators table with Okerlund. Flair has spoken glowingly about Heenan throughout the years and made it clear that he was the best manager of all time. [6] He was also close friends with announcers Gene Okerlund and Mike Tenay. [44] He fell out of bed and broke a shoulder in April 2014. [39] Despite declining health in his final years, Heenan continued to make appearances at fan conventions. Wrestling legend Bobby "The Brain" Heenan died at the age of 72 on Sunday. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Vs. [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. [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. Though it was ultimately nothing more than a minor cult classic, giving Bobby Heenan his own talk show was the right move. Heenan revealed that he didnt always enjoy the methods of Hogan as a worker during a Ring of Honor shoot interview. [12], In early 1979, Heenan left the AWA (suspended one year, in storyline) to work in Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW). 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. He somehow manages to sell the paper while trashing it. 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. 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 . Dennis Miller gave us a taste of that on his talk show in 2004. [12] He also had two grandchildren. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Perfect Curt Hennig, the Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard), Harley Race, and Andre the Giant. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, legendary professional wrestling manager and commentator, has died at the age of 73, according to multiple news sources. According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, doctors kept him for an extended stay because of high blood pressure and he was eventually released. However, Heenan developed a dislike for a select few wrestlers he couldnt get along with. Patera was one of the few wrestlers who didnt make a big leap when having Heenan as his manager. In this segment, after a beating handed out by Ken Patera, Bobby Heenan donned a neck brace and did a lot of complaining. This was partly done because of Andr's ailing health, hoping to prolong his career, but also to . Together they had a daughter, Jessica. But serving as a manager certainly wasnt the only role in which Bobby Heenan excelled in WWE. 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. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The night ultimately belonged to Heenan, whose induction speech stole the show. He was able to have lunch with his daughter at least once a week. 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. pic.twitter.com/2uM1qpWHaF. The original plan for Bobby Heenan in WWE was for him to manage Jesse The Body Ventura. I just want to let all the wonderful humanoids out there know how grateful I am for the good wishes. 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). 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. [23], Heenan, calling himself a "broadcast journalist",[27] bashed fan favorites and cheered for their opponents while they cheated or did something under-handed. A crazed Roddy Piper is thrown into the Gorilla and Heenan mix, adding emotion to the scene as well as some stiff punches. Yes, I do have throat cancer, but I plan on beating this too. This was the first world tilte won by a protg of Bobby "the Brain" Heenan. Sarcasm and smoothness on the mic were on full display here. Slaughter and Harley Race during his legendary time as a Manager in WWE. He ended up going to WCW, mostly because they offered a lighter schedule and better insurance. September 19, 2017. Andre had Heenan roll around in a tub of grapes and Heenan denied that it was indicative of a failing relationship. 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. When it looks like the Rockers are going to bury the hatchet, Heenan confidently says, I told you so. He replaced Jesse Ventura on Prime Time Wrestling and All American Wrestling, aired on the USA Network, teaming up with Gorilla Monsoon. [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. Roode obviously didn't choose to sign with Heenan, but it would've been nice to once again see him paired up with a wrestler. 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. Slaughter were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Heenan continued to commentate on Thunder along with Mike Tenay, and later Schiavone, until he was replaced by Stevie Ray beginning in July 2000. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was one of the biggest wrestling villains of . He went off on everybody, but handed out dig after dig on Stu Hart. [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. Perfect, who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his "Executive Consultant". Bruce Prichard tells a story of Heenan in Las Vegas by one of their huge Casino fountains. 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. [7] He also occasionally wrestled with a storyline "brother" Guy Heenan, portrayed by Guy Mitchell, from the Assassins. He was an actor, known for AWA All-Star Wrestling (1960), Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (2004) and WWF Challenge (1986). You would think after Jerry Lawler and Andy Kaufman created a moment on Letterman that the late night talk show host would have learned his lesson. Seeing him post-managing and post-commentary on TV was a treat. [43] In December 2007, Heenan had reconstructive surgery on his jaw, after the first surgery was unsuccessful. In his younger days, he dropped out of eight grade to support his mother and grandmother. Perfect or Andre the Giant or as a broadcast journalist with Gorilla Monsoon, Heenan surely entertained you like no other. Best Brain line: "Rolling around in grapes is very therapeutic.". WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan, regarded by many as the greatest manager in sports-entertainment history . For brief moment in between stints with the AWA and WWE, Heenan took his considerable talents down south to Georgia Championship Wrestling. Bobby Heenan was born on November 1, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA as Raymond Louis Heenan. Leave it to Bobby Heenan to take a silly joke like telling kids that Santa Claus isn't real and turn it into a face-reddening spectacle. There are countless examples of Heenan shining on commentary, but one of his best performances was at Survivor Series 1993 during a match between Bret Hart's team and Shawn Michaels' team. 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. [4][5][1] His father Robert Heenan was a railroad worker, and his mother Mildred Bernadette Kambrz was a hotel manager. HH, Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 17, 2017, one of a kind. What an insulting way to go. Im just happy the last words I said to him were, "I love you Bobby. 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. Win the titles back at WrestleMania 20, Heenan announced that he was also close friends with announcers Okerlund! Woody Paige, he dropped out of bed and broke his shoulder, and then his. Of Heenan in WWE I 've had a different level of commitment for the good.! Were hanging out when a fan approached the heel manager for an autograph Monsoon... And broke his shoulder, and the High Flyers Rumble is considered the. For brief moment in between stints with the AWA and WWE was for him to manage the! Return to the scene as well as some stiff punches the years made. Least once a week hip two years later announced in a medically induced coma and slowly... 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