Updated at 09.51
One of the greatest managers and announcers in WWE history. Our thoughts are with the Heenan family. pic.twitter.com/r9A3IJlSoP
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) September 18, 2017
LEGENDARY WRESTLING STAR Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan has passed away at the age of 73, it has been confirmed.
The star was best known in the industry as a much-loved co-commentator and manager, accompanying some legendary wrestlers to ringside, including Big John Studd, King Kong Bundy, Ric Flair, Mr Perfect, Rick Rude and Andre The Giant, all of whom were part of a ‘Heenan Family’ stable he formed.
The Hall of Famer’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed, though his appearances in wrestling had been limited in recent years, as he had suffered from various health problems over the past two decades.
Owner Vince McMahon along with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) stars past and present have since taken to social media to pay tribute to the late star.
Heenan was involved in the wrestling business for over four decades, garnering a reputation as a witty heel, who was a much-loved co-commentator along with Gorilla Monsoon during the late ’80s and early ’90s, when professional wrestling’s popularity was arguably at its peak.
The wrestling legend, who had been battling throat cancer since 2002, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
He had been with the World Wrestling Federation (as the WWE was previously known) since 1984, having initially gained popularity working with both the World Wrestling Association (WWA) and the American Wrestling Association (AWA).
Heenan left the WWF for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1994, where he maintained his reputation as one of the best commentators and most entertaining personalities in the business.
He was reunited with a number of former WWF colleagues after McMahon bought WCW in 2001 and merged the two companies, with Heenan memorably working alongside a fellow legendary personality, Mean Gene Okerlund, for the Gimmick Battle Royal at Wrestlmania 17, which featured a number of cult characters from bygone years.
One of the main reasons I grew up loving wrestling and the WWE. An absolute legend. Thank u for the memories fella. #RIPBobbyTheBrainHeenan
— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) September 18, 2017
Our thoughts go out to the family of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. No manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids.
— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) September 17, 2017
...one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/2uM1qpWHaF
— Triple H (@TripleH) September 17, 2017
"I don't look at myself as a hero or smart person. I have a seventh-grade education, but I've had a lot of fun."-#RIPBobbyTheBrainHeenan pic.twitter.com/YwZcMpSOAt
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) September 17, 2017
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. I was truly blessed to know him. RIP my friend!🙏
— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) September 17, 2017
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) September 17, 2017
Bobby Heenan died today and it has left me very sad. He was the best of the best in the biz and a friend. RIP Bobby. Praying for you Cindy pic.twitter.com/T8wuFAYuST
— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) September 17, 2017
The news of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's passing today gutted me.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) September 17, 2017
I loved our time together.
No one ever did it better than the Wease.
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here: