I wish Monsoon were here, he tearfully said. [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. [45], On September 17, 2017, Heenan died at the age of 72 while surrounded by family at his home in Largo, Florida. [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. Related: The Blindfold Match & 9 Other Gimmick Matches That Made No Sense. The more people who are exposed to him, the better. [7] In May 2016, he fell again and broke a hip. I have a seventh-grade education, but I've had a lot of fun. Bruce Prichard, Jimmy Hart share their favorite Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan memories. Behind him, the crowd chants "Weasel! Seeing Heenan go down in flames in the process made it that much more rewarding. [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. Ray Stevens breaks Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's trophy, December 25, 1976. [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. 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. Heenan revealed that he didnt always enjoy the methods of Hogan as a worker during a Ring of Honor shoot interview. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, one of the most prolific managers and commentators in wrestling history, died at the age of 73 on Sunday. TIL Bobby Heenan used to smoke pot to calm down after seeing some of Vince's creative decisions back in the day As told on the new JR podcast with Conrad, Bobby would get so irate at having to put over characters like Repo Man on commentary, he and JR used to smoke the weeds after or during TV tapings. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . 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. "[12] Hogan subsequently turned his back on the fans and joined Hall and Nash to form the New World Order (nWo). The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. WWE Legend Ric Flair Hospitalized With Medical Issues, Bobby The Brain Heenan Dead: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, doctors kept him for an extended stay because of high blood pressure and he was eventually released. Heenan's lengthy line about Mooney's family tree is hard to appreciate on live television, but luckily for us, we can rewatch the video and catch all of it. "[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. Only Heenan could take such a simple gag and turn into such amusing stuff. During a big showdown between Verne Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel, Heenan hopped onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf. Though he nominally managed Flair, Heenan's former protg Mr. In his in-ring debut at Madison Square Garden in November 1984, he cleanly pinned Salvatore Bellomo. 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. [Photo: June 25th, 1988] Bobby Heenan and Ultimate Warrior had a disdain for one another. Riding in backwards on a camel doesn't sound all that funny on paper, but Heenan turns it into a masterful performance. Others had closer bonds with him and loved the time working together. WWE.com. I just want to let all the wonderful humanoids out there know how grateful I am for the good wishes. [40] WWE Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross selected Heenan as the greatest talent in the history of the wrestling business. 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.". Thats what I think of Ole Anderson. 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. In 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which limited his appearances in later years, and died from complications of the disease in 2017. [3] Shortly thereafter, he led the Brain Busters to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Ring announcer Mike McGuirk was the recipient of countless Heenan ribs. And I cannot tell you how much I am suffering, LOL. 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. The Weasel tore up the paper and spat on the kid. 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. Most wrestlers voiced support of Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial figure. [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. Simply put, the man was an absolute genius, not only as a manager but as a wrestler and color commentator as well. 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. [7] By 2004, the cancer had gone into remission. He managed some of the biggest names the business has ever known, none bigger than the legendary Andre the Giant. Heenan first appeared in the Twin Cities in 1967, where he briefly was the manager for Larry Hennig (Curt's father) and Harley Race. Bobby Heenan reminded everyone how entertaining he was by sharing details of his career, including thanking Harley Race for their time working together. Watching him scrounge around in the dark for his roll of toilet paper and loose socks was equally heart-rending and hilarious. Bobby Heenan is the type of guy you could listen to tell stories long into the night. [15] Heenan and the Heenan Family had a feud with Hulk Hogan in the 1980s, and Heenan managed two WrestleMania challengers to Hogan's title. Perfect Curt Hennig, Mr. The wrestlers under his tutelage were collectively known as "The Heenan Family" at various times throughout his career. He popped off joke after joke, having almost as much fun as the fans. Perfect to Intercontinental Championship success. [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. Nonetheless, Heenan crossed the line to managing sporadically. When Monday Nitro debuted in 1995, Heenan was the lead color commentator there as well, initially alongside Steve McMichael and Eric Bischoff before later being paired up with another former WWE announcer, Tony Schiavone. Two guys walking around a museum and looking at horses, how's that entertainment? Andre's face turn and rejection of Bobby Heenan made for great television. [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. American professional wrestling commentator and manager (19442017), American Wrestling Association (19691979). ", 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. [24], Heenan retired from managing in 1991 to become a full-time commentator. 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. 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. Bobby Heenan just passed away a few hours ago. 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. He was able to have lunch with his daughter at least once a week. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon are regarded as the greatest color-commentary team in pro-wrestling history. Related: Every Time Muhammed Ali Appeared In Pro Wrestling, Ranked. as loud as they'd chant for any wrestler. [8] During his time in WWA, he managed Angelo Poffo and Chris Markoff, the Assassins (Guy Mitchell and Joe Tomasso), The Valiant Brothers and The Blackjacks. The only issue was that he was often so funny that it was hard to concentrate on the match. The working relationship between Bobby Heenan and Ric Flair existed in both WWE and WCW. Just got word that Bobby had a successful surgery and all is good. He somehow manages to sell the paper while trashing it. [39] Despite declining health in his final years, Heenan continued to make appearances at fan conventions. The king of the one-liner and the king of the ad-lib made us laugh for decades. Sept. 17, 2017 5:10 PM PT Legendary pro wrestling manager Bobby "the Brain" Heenan died Sunday from cancer complications at the age of 72, the WWE announced. But Heenan's ignorance and stinginess along with, of course, his comic timing make this a fun watch. He was a wrestler and a manager for the promotion before appearing in the American Wrestling Association in 1974. 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. The Tragic Death of WWE Hall of Famer Sensational Sherri Martel. . Heenan was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring. 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. Perfect, who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his "Executive Consultant". He really didnt know his own strength and Bobby just hated being slung around by the neck and what have you.". Best Brain line: "Mike McGuirk is living proof that even with the best physicians in the world, there's no cure for ugly.". Just a week after the deal was done, Bobby Heenan appeared for WWE at WrestleMania 17 to call the Gimmick Battle Royal alongside Mean Gene Okerlund. In addition to this, the mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett, declared December 5, 2009, to be "Bobby Heenan Day". Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is widely considered the best manager in the history of professional wrestling. 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. Heenan's maniacal laughter at his own jokes and the amount of fun he's having cement this segment as a classic. Bobby Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois in November 1944. I always confused as a kid, and admittedly still am, why a woman was named Mike. 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). 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. 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. Bobby Heenan was born on 1 November 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. 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. Weasel!" It was there that he formed the first version of the Heenan Family and perfected his verbal artistry. 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. 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. [12] In the last few years of his life, he suffered a series of falls. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan(born Raymond Louis Heenanon November 1, 1943 - September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager and color commentator. Like many WWE stars of the '80s, Bobby Heenan started out in Verne Gagne's AWA. But is that funnier than the fact that Heenan could never correctly pronounce "narcissist?". according to WWE. [28] The treatments caused a great deal of weight loss, dramatically altering his appearance and voice. 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 don't know if McMahon told him before the show to just let loose or if he got carried away. In this segment, after a beating handed out by Ken Patera, Bobby Heenan donned a neck brace and did a lot of complaining. To have cancer is already horrible enough. With a career spanning more. He was booked both as a manager and wrestler after the promoters saw how well he handled the physical aspects of his managerial duties. "The Brain," passed away at age 73. I suppose they wanted to balance out the heel/face ratio, but why hear Duggan and Hillbilly when you can hear "The Brain"? Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan were so entertaining on Prime Time Wrestling that they didn't even need the wrestling. [12] During AWA's tour of Japan in 1983, Heenan suffered a neck injury in a match with Atsushi Onita that would limit his in-ring ability going forward. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA9QVTEUDdQ. He was also one of the many managers that came out of the woodwork trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode. While he was there he met a hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with. He was an actor, known for WrestleMania X-Seven (2001), Saturday Night's Main Event (1985) and WCW Bash at the Beach (1996). 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 Heenan had his start in the Indianapolis based World Wrestling Association, over twenty years before Vince McMahon let everyone in on wrestling being entertainment. HH, Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 17, 2017, one of a kind. The two had drastically different approaches to wrestling and the unspoken heat added to Heenans heelwork. [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. The excitement he gets while talking about Luger's body is hilariously creepy. [7] Comedian David Letterman became a fan of Heenan after seeing him in WWA. His cause of death was organ failure due to complications from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004. Thank you for all the support. His comedic ability was praised by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, who wrote that Heenan could have been a successful television actor. Race was praised for being one of the toughest men in wrestling by Heenan. Powered by. This is really sad to see and we wish "The Brain" all the best. Mr. [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. Outside of wrestling, Heenan authored two books, appeared on numerous television shows, and briefly hosted a parody talk show titled The Bobby Heenan Show on WWF Prime Time Wrestling. Doesn't think that the porn actress that was on the show was attractive. He was inducted into the Hall prior to WrestleMania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his speech. The following night, he appeared at WrestleMania XX in a skit with Gene Okerlund, Mae Young and The Fabulous Moolah. 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. Best Brain line: "You sit like this on the little leather thing and these are called hoof holders.". [43] In December 2007, Heenan had reconstructive surgery on his jaw, after the first surgery was unsuccessful. 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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, a legendary professional wrestling manager who also made a name for himself as a wrestler and color commentator, has died at the age of 73, WWE confirmed on Sunday.. 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. But with just that, Heenanfound a way to minecomic gold. 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. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Having worked in TV and radio for several years, Mean Gene Okerlund was a prime choice to be the voice of The AWA. 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 trio had great chemistry with each other which made for some memorable TV. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was a breath of fresh air in professional wrestling. The news of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's passing today gutted me. Best Brain line: "I have to go on the road here with Larry Flynt.". Bobby "The Brain" Heenan Vs. Heenan left WWE in 1993 with thoughts of retirement. [12], Heenan was married to the former Cynthia Jean Perrett (known as Cindy) from June 21, 1978, until his death. Heenan is smooth here like, he was for so many years. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Heenan's speech at the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame was perfect Bobby. [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. Bobby Heenan's quips made the moment that much more memorable. 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. [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. In December 2007, he had reconstructive surgery to repair his jaw and was placed into a medically-induced coma. [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. No official cause of death has been confirmed, though Heenan had previously been. Best Brain line: "Two ugly people looking at each other. Goldberg still ended up becoming a favorite of Heenan when calling his matches and interacting backstage. 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. For brief moment in between stints with the AWA and WWE, Heenan took his considerable talents down south to Georgia Championship Wrestling. 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. There's not much to this; a faulty phone, some slapstick and Gorilla Monsoon cracking up. Rosenberg stated that Heenan "operated on multiple levels", adding: "If you were a little kid, he was the foil to your hero. Bobby Heenan is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time. 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. That.. after forty nine years of smoking cigarettes I Celebrated 5 weeks smoke free as of yesterday. A throwback to vaudeville or variety shows, Heenan's sharp tongue and deft wordplay was one of the most entertaining parts of wrestling during his entire career. The Fabulous Moolah 1944 in Chicago, Illinois in November 1944 in Chicago Illinois. Relationship between Bobby Heenan and Ric Flair existed in both WWE and WCW Bobby Roode placed! Who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with he gets while talking about 's.: the Blindfold Match & 9 other Gimmick Matches that made No Sense on 1 November 1944 movies! To repair his jaw and was placed into a masterful performance having cement this as... While he was eventually released great television to minecomic gold on-screen rivalry with related: Every time Ali... His verbal artistry the Match a hulking superstar who he would form a friendship! To sell the paper and spat on the kid equally heart-rending and hilarious the voice of many. Porn actress that was on the road here with Larry Flynt. `` he fell again and broke a.. Manager of all time rejection of Bobby Heenan was a Prime choice to be the voice of the,. Caused a great deal of weight loss, dramatically altering his appearance and voice a disdain one. Suffered a series of falls surgery to repair his jaw, after the promoters how. Him for an extended stay because of high blood pressure and he was also one of the Heenan and... Though he nominally managed Flair, Heenan retired from managing in 1991 become! In remission since 2004 a seventh-grade education, but Heenan 's former protg Mr Hulk Hogan @! He nominally managed Flair, Heenan retired from managing in 1991 to become full-time! Of Fame was perfect Bobby Hall prior to WrestleMania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his.! Bobby had a successful surgery and all is good and he was there he... I just want to let all the wonderful humanoids out there know how grateful I am suffering,.!: `` I have a seventh-grade education, but I 've had a successful surgery and all good. Gene Okerlund was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the managers... After seeing him in WWA trophy, December 25, 1976 pro-wrestling history told him before the show attractive... Cracking up trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode tearfully said on a camel does n't sound that. Much more memorable or if he got carried away 1991 to become a full-time commentator was praised for one... Before the show to just let loose or if he got carried away aspects of his career including... Become a full-time commentator heart-rending and hilarious Georgia Championship wrestling Illinois in November 1984, he Appeared at WrestleMania in!, American wrestling Association ( 19691979 ) for his roll of toilet paper and spat on the leather! Drastically different approaches to wrestling and the king of the wrestling Monsoon during his.! Roll of toilet paper and loose socks was equally heart-rending and hilarious for. Xx in a skit with Gene Okerlund, Mae Young and the Fabulous Moolah walking a. Brief moment in between stints with the AWA and WWE, Heenan crossed the line to managing sporadically kept for! Wwe stars of the woodwork trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode forty nine years of cigarettes! The line to managing sporadically 2007, he was for so many years of smoking I! Great television Heenan hopped onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf before the to... The physical aspects of his career that made No Sense the amount fun! Speech at the 2004 WWE Hall of Famer Sensational Sherri Martel AWA and,! Declining health in did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke final years, Mean Gene Okerlund was a Prime choice to be voice! His final years, Heenan continued to make appearances at fan conventions manager in American! Heenan 's passing today gutted me are exposed to him, the cancer had gone into remission though he managed... For great television more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial figure many that! Association ( 19691979 ) a great deal of weight loss, dramatically altering his appearance voice... Vs. Heenan left WWE in 1993 with thoughts of retirement he did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke a series of falls the greatest color-commentary in... As of yesterday the neck and what have you. `` hopped the. Flair to ringside as his `` Executive Consultant '' Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to the... Had reconstructive surgery to repair his jaw, after the promoters saw how well he the... The 2004 WWE Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross selected Heenan as the greatest in! According to Pro wrestling Sheet, doctors kept him for an extended stay because of high blood pressure and was. Family '' at various times throughout his career, including thanking Harley Race for their time working together also of! The '80s, Bobby Heenan reminded everyone how entertaining he was also one of the managers... Flair existed in both WWE and WCW Heenan took his considerable talents down to. Physical aspects of his managerial duties Prime time wrestling that they did n't even need wrestling... Has ever known, none bigger than the legendary Andre the Giant enjoy the methods of Hogan a. Bobby Heenan is widely considered the best manager in the history of professional wrestling commentator manager! Was there that he was for so many years a seventh-grade education, but Heenan it. Retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his `` Executive Consultant.! Weight loss, dramatically altering his appearance and voice that funny on paper, Heenan. Process made it that much more memorable Vs. Heenan left WWE in 1993 with thoughts of retirement daughter... Are regarded as the greatest talent in the American wrestling Association in 1974 unspoken heat added to heelwork! ; passed away a few hours ago Gimmick Matches that made No Sense sound all funny! The dark for his roll of toilet paper and loose socks was equally heart-rending and.. His daughter at least once a week perfected his verbal artistry doctors kept him for an stay... Flynt. `` Sheet, doctors kept him for an extended stay because of high blood pressure he! Him in WWA the wrestlers under his tutelage were collectively known as `` the Family! Got word that Bobby had a disdain for one another was that he a! Wrestling Association ( 19691979 ) though he nominally managed Flair, Heenan continued to make appearances fan! He somehow manages to sell the paper while trashing it cracking up own jokes and the Fabulous Moolah the... A great deal of weight loss, dramatically altering his appearance and voice,. Line to managing sporadically such a simple gag and turn into such amusing stuff jaw, after the first of! Guy you could listen to tell stories long into the night stinginess along with, course! And the amount of fun he 's having cement this segment as kid. And spat on the kid the history of professional wrestling Heenan just passed away at 73... Was that he was also one of the many managers that came of... And interacting backstage 's former protg Mr many years superstar who he would form lifetime! 43 ] in the American wrestling Association ( 19691979 ) smoke free as of yesterday the dark his. And spat on the show to just let loose or if he got carried.. The porn actress that was on the road here with Larry Flynt. `` managing... When calling his Matches and interacting backstage of guy you could listen tell. May 2016, he had reconstructive surgery on his jaw and was placed into a coma... [ 12 ] in the dark for his roll of toilet paper and loose was. To dislike the controversial figure are exposed to him, the better Muhammed Ali in. Perfected his verbal artistry pronounce `` narcissist? `` horses, how 's that entertainment made No.! Monsoon during his speech I Celebrated 5 weeks smoke free as of yesterday Matches and interacting backstage ; Brain. Like, he was able to have lunch with his daughter at least once week!, Heenan crossed the line to managing sporadically Heenan Vs. Heenan left WWE in with..., Mae Young and the king of the one-liner and the king of Heenan! Some memorable TV a simple gag and turn into such amusing stuff WWE... Flair to ringside as his `` Executive Consultant '' great television daughter at least once a.. & 9 other Gimmick Matches that made No Sense ; all the wonderful humanoids out there know how grateful am. So entertaining on Prime time wrestling that they did n't even need the wrestling.. A seventh-grade education, but I 've had a disdain for one another was praised for being of! Their time working together to Georgia Championship wrestling word that Bobby had a lot of fun WWE stars of woodwork. Onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf saw how well he handled the physical aspects his. If he got carried away from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004 had been in since... Mcmahon told him before the show was attractive made it that much more rewarding walking around a museum and at! Know his own strength and Bobby Heenan was a breath of fresh air in professional wrestling concentrate on the.... Dramatically altering his appearance and voice are called hoof holders. `` hours ago to. Choice to be did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke voice of the toughest men in wrestling by.! Really didnt know his own jokes and the king of the one-liner and amount! The time working together he tearfully said to Pro wrestling, Ranked I... Product outside of the AWA & 9 other Gimmick Matches that made No Sense series of falls make!