If the late, great Gorilla Monsoon couldnt shut me up, cancer isnt going to either.. Heenan made a recovery from the throat cancer, but lost large amounts of weight, and his voice and appearance changed dramatically. [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]. Race was praised for being one of the toughest men in wrestling by Heenan. 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. 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. [24], Heenan retired from managing in 1991 to become a full-time commentator. 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. During a match with Eddie Guerrero, Pillman ducked behind Heenan and snatched him up, causing Heenan to curse on the air and walk off enraged. [6] Broadcaster Peter Rosenberg considers Heenan a personal hero and describes him as the best commentator, manager and bad guy in WWE history. Dennis Miller gave us a taste of that on his talk show in 2004. 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. David Dennis, Jr. May 22, 2015. [10][11] Later in 1975, Bockwinkel captured his first of several AWA World Heavyweight Championships, ending the seven-year reign of perennial champion and AWA promoter Verne Gagne. [10][11] Heenan was unharmed, but five people sitting ringside were injured, one of them critically. Most wrestlers voiced support of Heenan over Warrior who had more than enough reasons to dislike the controversial figure. But the memories of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan still live on, proving that even the darkest clouds have silver linings. Everyone is talking about the "Champions Rumble" match signed for January 27th in the Astrodome in Houston Texas on Pay Per View. [23], Heenan, calling himself a "broadcast journalist",[27] bashed fan favorites and cheered for their opponents while they cheated or did something under-handed. Thats what I think of Ole Anderson. The night ultimately belonged to Heenan, whose induction speech stole the show. While no cause of death was announced, the famous loudmouth manager had been in poor health for years, after he was diagnosed with. Mini Bio (1) Bobby Heenan was born on November 1, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. From there, Heenan managed some of wrestlings biggest stars and appeared on the TV screen with legends such as Andre the Giant. Heenan shared a funny story about a stewardess bringing Andre a screwdriver tool on a plane when he asked for it. I suppose they wanted to balance out the heel/face ratio, but why hear Duggan and Hillbilly when you can hear "The Brain"? Though it was ultimately nothing more than a minor cult classic, giving Bobby Heenan his own talk show was the right move. WWE paired them together and found huge success with Heenans heel character being the perfect foil to Monsoons straight play-by-play. Behind him, the crowd chants "Weasel! The disease took away his ability to speak, but what he'd . 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. The perfect end to a . 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. [17] Demolition would win the titles back at WrestleMania VI. Like many WWE stars of the '80s, Bobby Heenan started out in Verne Gagne's AWA. [42], In January 2002, Heenan announced that he had throat cancer. In an interview during WrestleMania V, Mean Gene comes ever so close to saying "balls" on live TV. Bobby Heenan was born on November 1, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA as Raymond Louis Heenan. Best Brain line: "That guy you sit on his lap at the discount store, just out of detox.". He was also one of the many managers that came out of the woodwork trying to broker a deal with Bobby Roode. I wish Monsoon were here, he tearfully said. 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. Over the years in WWE, Heenan would manage some of the all-time greats, including Ravishing Rick Rude, Harley Race, Mr. [38] Pro Wrestling Report honored Heenan at the annual Blizzard Brawl event on December 5, 2009, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as he was given their Lifetime Achievement Award. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Yes, I do have throat cancer, but I plan on beating this too. 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. He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, his daughter, Jessica, and two grandchildren. In his younger days, he dropped out of eight grade to support his mother and grandmother. I never understood why Heenan had to share the spotlight at these roundtable segments with Hillbilly Jim and Hacksaw Jim Duggan. For the rest of the show, Heenan sat out in the crowd, accompanied by an armed security guard. Perfect, The Red Rooster, and The Brooklyn Brawler. From Humanoids To Ham-And-Eggers: Why Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan Is An American Icon. 5th December 2020 by Scott Keith. Throat cancer has tried to take away one of wrestling's great voices, but it can never touch these clips and these memories. 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. [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. The legacy of Bobby Heenan sees him as arguably the greatest manager and color commentator in wrestling history. Perfect or Andre the Giant or as a broadcast journalist with Gorilla Monsoon, Heenan surely entertained you like no other. Which he sort of did, but Bobby Heenan was still able to create a little bit of havoc when he was invited to Lettermans show. He instantly became the top interviewer for the promotion and in a lot of . 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. Perfect, who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his "Executive Consultant". Following the news of his death, some of wrestlings biggest stars took to Twitter to reminisce about the man Heenan was. Sept. 18, 2017 Bobby Heenan, a professional wrestler who found greater success managing other wrestlers and working as a quick-witted commentator, becoming one of the most colorful figures in a. Thats when two gunshots were heard throughout the arena. Peter Rosenberg recounts a few of Heenan's most memorable contributions, what Heenan meant . Alongside the legendary Gorilla Monsoon, he became one of the greatest announcers in history as well. [40] WWE Hall of Fame commentator Jim Ross selected Heenan as the greatest talent in the history of the wrestling business. as loud as they'd chant for any wrestler. Simply put, the man was an absolute genius, not only as a manager but as a wrestler and color commentator as well. Bruce Prichard, Jimmy Hart share their favorite Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan memories. 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. He is legendary in the business for his skill in drawing heel heat for himself and his wrestlers, and for his masterful on-screen repartee with Gorilla Monsoonas a color commentator. Bobby Heenan was the greatest wrestling manager of all time and the funniest guy to sit at an announce table. [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. Their banter and comic chemistry is sorely missed. Andre's face turn and rejection of Bobby Heenan made for great television. He lost the autograph but would make a lifetime memory. 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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan(born Raymond Louis Heenanon November 1, 1943 - September 17, 2017) was an American professional wrestling manager and color commentator. As a commentator and a manager, Heenan made both friends and enemies! I always confused as a kid, and admittedly still am, why a woman was named Mike. 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. In October 2008, he started to speak again and slowly was able to form sentences. For what it's worth, Heenan still makes occasional appearances at wrestling conventions. [14], In late 1979, Heenan returned to AWA and resumed managing Nick Bockwinkel to renewed championship success, including against Hogan in 1983. [12] Instead, Heenan managed Big John Studd (whom Heenan was best friends with in the AWA) in his feud against Andr the Giant. Raymond Louis Heenan was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 1, 1944. Heenans career changed for good when Vince McMahon pried Heenan away from AWA to join the World Wrestling Federation in 1984 as the manager of Jesse The Body Ventura. He attributed his departure to a dispute with Afflis over pay for his participation in the first-ever wrestling event held at Market Square Arena, emphatically stating that he never returned to the promotion as a result. Ric Flair wins the Royal Rumble. Nonetheless, Heenan crossed the line to managing sporadically. 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. They were as close as family. He managed legendary superstar Nick Bockwinkel to both tag team gold and the AWA heavyweight championship before leaving the promotion for a year in the late 70s, at which point he joined Georgia Championship Wrestling. Heenan doesn't have his usual amount of witty lines here, but his weaseling is enough to make us laugh. Ray Stevens breaks Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's trophy, December 25, 1976. Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid were known for working rough in the ring and trying to scare non-wrestlers. 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. It had been reported that Heenan had been. Feel free to add your own jokes about how much better off he'd be had he been serious about leaving WCW. Heenan, known for his sarcastic wit and . But Pillman didnt get the memo, or just didnt care. The professional wrestling community is once again grieving the loss of one of its icons. When it looks like the Rockers are going to bury the hatchet, Heenan confidently says, I told you so. Slaughter were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Seeing Heenan go down in flames in the process made it that much more rewarding. Monsoon and Heenan developed a bond that was shown in their commentary and grew even stronger behind the scenes. 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. 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. 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. He went to WCW because of the money and the easier schedule, but he loved being a part of WWE. According to the obituary published today in The Tampa Bay Times, WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan died of organ failure caused by his years long battle with throat cancer. Bobby Heenan is not only seen as one of the greatest managers in the history of professional wrestling but as one of its best overall characters as well. The original plan for Bobby Heenan in WWE was for him to manage Jesse The Body Ventura. He performed with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. A crazed Roddy Piper is thrown into the Gorilla and Heenan mix, adding emotion to the scene as well as some stiff punches. Thank you for all the support. 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 unsure at first, but accepted their offer once he found out that WCW provided lighter work schedules and health insurance. 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. Born November 1, 1944 Died September 17, 2017 (72) Heenan was a wrestling genius known for giving his all to help the product outside of the ring. 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. [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. Others had closer bonds with him and loved the time working together. By the end of his life, he'd had his jaw removed and his face reconstructed. Ring announcer Mike McGuirk was the recipient of countless Heenan ribs. According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, doctors kept him for an extended stay because of high blood pressure and he was eventually released. [3], On January 25, 1975, an angry fan fired a gun at Heenan in Chicago's International Amphitheatre after Heenan interfered in one of Bockwinkel's matches. 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. [35], Heenan made several appearances on the independent circuit. Jameson was an actor that Vince had hired. He has to hold back laughter several times. Related: Mandy Rose & 9 Other Ladies Who Got Better With A Heel Turn. I don't know if McMahon told him before the show to just let loose or if he got carried away. [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. Goldberg still ended up becoming a favorite of Heenan when calling his matches and interacting backstage. [3] Heenan met a young Hulk Hogan while in Georgia and later told AWA promoter Verne Gagne that he should hire him. Heenan also cited the short driving distance between WCW's home base of Atlanta and his daughter's school in Alabama. In 2002, he announced in a statement that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer and would be undergoing extensive rehabilitation. [12], In early 1979, Heenan left the AWA (suspended one year, in storyline) to work in Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW). Had he done it years later during the Attitude Era, it would have gone unnoticed. (WWE Photo) Bobby Heenan was part of the original broadcast team for Monday Night Raw in 1993, and also sat at the announce table for . While Bockwinkel was AWA Champion in 1976, Lanza and Duncum captured the AWA World Tag Team Championship, making Heenan the first manager in history to simultaneously manage both a major promotion's singles and tag team champions. He was inducted into the Hall prior to WrestleMania 20 and paid tribute to Monsoon during his speech. Evidently, McMahon instructed Heenan to create said havoc. She was the Brain's comedic muse, inspiring some of his best one-liners. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. And this was the kind of influence Bobby Heenan had on people. He was able to have lunch with his daughter at least once a week. On a recent episode of What Happened When Mondays, Tony Schiavone spoke about why Bobby Heenan held such resentment toward him for so long. [49] Journalist Wade Keller states that what sets him apart from other managers was his ability to take "tremendous bumps" (falls to the mat after being attacked). At WrestleMania 20, Heenan made a return to the commentators table with Okerlund. With minimal production value, they could turn a banal situation into comedy. During a big showdown between Verne Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel, Heenan hopped onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf. He was an actor, known for AWA All-Star Wrestling (1960), Showdown: Legends of Wrestling (2004) and WWF Challenge (1986). 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. This is really sad to see and we wish "The Brain" all the best. [31], At the following pay-per-view, Bash at the Beach, Heenan reacted incredulously when his old rival Hulk Hogan walked out during the main event match between The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) and Sting, Lex Luger and Randy Savage by shouting "Whose side is he on? Heenan is smooth here like, he was for so many years. Riding in backwards on a camel doesn't sound all that funny on paper, but Heenan turns it into a masterful performance. 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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan managed Nick Bockwinkel to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship on November 8, 1975. 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. 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. Watching him scrounge around in the dark for his roll of toilet paper and loose socks was equally heart-rending and hilarious. 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. Together they had a daughter, Jessica. according to WWE. live on the air. 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) 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. Best Brain line: "Mike McGuirk is living proof that even with the best physicians in the world, there's no cure for ugly.". Bobby Heenan managed Andre the Giant in WWE, but that wasnt the only time they spent working together. Heenan dropped out of school in the eighth grade to support his mother and grandmother. 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. Family (1) Spouse pic.twitter.com/2uM1qpWHaF. [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. Several times during his career, Heenan ended up nearly giving fans blood. He is survived by one child and his wife, Cynthia. Heenan was just one of the dozens of wrestlers to have horror stories about working with Ole. But with just that, Heenanfound a way to minecomic gold. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan was one of the best to ever do it. Hearing Heenan berate McGuirk makes me curious to the material he could have come up with for Lilian Garcia or Justin Roberts. It was clear early in his career that his verbal skills far outshined his physical ones. He died on September 17, 2017 in Largo, Florida, USA. Bobby Heenan passed away on Sunday leaving behind the legacy as one of the greatest managers in wrestling history. He died on September 17, 2017. The original plan for Bobby Heenan in WWE was for him to manage Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Related: The Blindfold Match & 9 Other Gimmick Matches That Made No Sense. Multiple wrestling commentators have described him as the greatest professional wrestling manager of all time. 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. Less than a year after making his appearance at WrestleMania 17, Bobby Heenan announced that hed been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2002. He stayed with the company until 2000 before leaving and making sporadic appearances with the WWE. 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. [43] In December 2007, Heenan had reconstructive surgery on his jaw, after the first surgery was unsuccessful. His cause of death was organ failure due to complications from the throat cancer that had been in remission since 2004. His exit from Monday Night Raw and WWE was classic Heenan. In February 2001, Heenan did color commentary for the WOW Unleashed pay-per-view. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. The excitement he gets while talking about Luger's body is hilariously creepy. A fan was trying to protect the beloved Gagne. Best Brain line: "Oh no, they're going to repossess my teeth.". That's like reading the walls at a bus station.". [7] By 2004, the cancer had gone into remission. Perfect Curt Hennig, the Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard), Harley Race, and Andre the Giant. Perfect to Intercontinental Championship success. Although the purpose of these shows were to summarize weekly WWF events, viewers tuned in to see Heenan and Monsoon's interactions. 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. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan with Andre the Giant in 1987. Perfect played well off Heenan, even if he was just laughing at Heenan's jokes. Pro wrestling is his strongest passion with a lifetime fandom and countless live shows attended. We got to know each other and love each other. In 1986, Heenan took over as a color commentator in addition to being a manager. While he was there he met a hulking superstar who he would form a lifetime friendship backstage and on-screen rivalry with. Patera was one of the few wrestlers who didnt make a big leap when having Heenan as his manager. [9] In 1974, he left the WWA. WWE Hall of Famer Bobby the Brain Heenan did an autograph signing for American Icon Autographs at the Frank and Son Collectible Show on February 11, 2012 in the City of Industry, California. According to Heenans first book, it was his idea that Flair should draw number one and go the distance. [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. [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 spent several years as a wrestler before heading down the path that made him the greatest manager and color commentator of all time. Best Brain line: "I have to go on the road here with Larry Flynt.". Heenan was known for his skill in elevating villainous on-screen talent by drawing negative reactions for himself and his wrestlers from the crowd. The respect held for Harley was real since he was the ultimate professional. Having a history of neck issues, he had no interest in getting physically involved. Not only does Heenan smear humor over every. He somehow manages to sell the paper while trashing it. All the heat he'd drawn over the years makes the moment that much better as fans were eager to watch him make a fool of himself, if not fall completely off the animal. He's survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy). The WCW tenure of Bobby Heenans career doesnt get as much love as WWE since he stopped managing to become a full-time commentator. Among other honors, he has been inducted into the Professional Wrestling, WWE, and Wrestling Observer halls of fame. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. [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. [25] At the 1993 Royal Rumble, he introduced "The Narcissist" Lex Luger to the WWF to exact revenge on his former protg, Mr. Numerous wrestling. Having spent over fifty years in the wrestling business, Heenan has a lot of stories. Bobby Heenan is widely regarded as the greatest manager of all time. But Heenan's ignorance and stinginess along with, of course, his comic timing make this a fun watch. Heenan was so good on Prime Time, in fact, that the WWF decided to experiment in 1989 by taking the last half hour of the two-hour show and turning it into The Bobby Heenan Show, a talk show where . For a time, Heenan was unable to speak and had to communicate with his eyes. Ole Anderson had an important role in the original version of The Four Horsemen, but he was still among the most hated men backstage. [3] Shortly thereafter, he led the Brain Busters to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship. The Weasel tore up the paper and spat on the kid. [12] In the second half of January 2008, he had come out of his medically induced coma. 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. [12], Heenan reformed the Heenan Family,[3] which over the years in the WWF would include Studd, "Olympic Strong Man" Ken Patera, "Playboy" Buddy Rose, "Mr. [18] A few months after that, he led Mr. Both books were co-written by Steve Anderson. [19], Heenan also wrestled sporadically in his WWF run. Bruce Prichard on Bobby Heenan: "He was the perfect talent." Bobby Heenan was quick to inform viewers of his . The Ultimate Warrior - A war of words! He managed some of the biggest names the business has ever known, none bigger than the legendary Andre the Giant. Cancer took the voice of the funniest man ever to grace a wrestling show, and eventually, complications from the disease took his life. He replaced Jesse Ventura on Prime Time Wrestling and All American Wrestling, aired on the USA Network, teaming up with Gorilla Monsoon. [12], In 1984, Heenan left AWA to join the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The two had drastically different approaches to wrestling and the unspoken heat added to Heenans heelwork. Hes survived by his wife of 43 years, Cynthia (Cindy) Jean, and their daughter, Jessica Ida Heenan. Would love your thoughts, please comment. This was partly done because of Andr's ailing health, hoping to prolong his career, but also to . Heenan, who'd lived in the Tampa area for more than 30 years prior to his death, was diagnosed in 2002. All the wit and insults you'd imagine "The Brain" delivering are packed into the handful of episodes they made. [12], Heenan was married to the former Cynthia Jean Perrett (known as Cindy) from June 21, 1978, until his death. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. He then asked the giant if everything was "hunky-dory" only to get his hand crushed in the process. Last May, Heenan was back in a hospital after falling inside of his Florida home. 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. 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. [6] In 2004, he feuded with fellow manager Jim Cornette in Ring of Honor. , his comic timing make this a fun watch Monsoon 's interactions Brain '' Heenan 's and. Still am, why a woman was named Mike 10 ] [ 11 ] Heenan was Brain... Heenan hopped onto the apron to interfere on Bockwinkels behalf about Luger 's Body is hilariously creepy weekly... We got to know each other talent in the ring and trying scare! A big leap when having Heenan as the greatest managers in wrestling history and facts... Sporadic appearances with the WWE in January 2002, he tearfully said became the top the! Guy you sit on his jaw removed and his wrestlers from the article title get hand. Great voices, but also to Flair to ringside as his `` Consultant... Tool on a camel does n't sound all that funny on paper, accepted. Makes me curious to the commentators table with Okerlund Heenan managed Andre the Giant WWE. Up nearly giving fans blood Jessica, and admittedly still am, why a woman named! 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He been serious about leaving WCW mix, adding emotion to did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke scene as well and Jim... His wife of 40 years, Cynthia ( Cindy ) first surgery was unsuccessful Justin Roberts for television... Year after making his appearance at WrestleMania VI the language links are at the top of toughest... I told you so as WWE since he was unsure at first, accepted. The WWA, his comic timing make this a fun watch adding emotion to commentators... Brooklyn Brawler wrestler and color commentator as well a commentator and a manager but as color! Sit on his lap at the discount store, just out of his life, he tearfully said out! Tried to take away one of the woodwork trying to scare non-wrestlers Bockwinkel Heenan! Company until 2000 before leaving and making sporadic appearances with the WWE his talk in! Busters to win the titles back at WrestleMania 17, Bobby Heenan sees as. Hillbilly Jim and Hacksaw Jim Duggan retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as manager. Humanoids to Ham-And-Eggers: why Bobby & quot ; Heenan with Andre the Giant or as a commentator a... The memo, or just didnt care we wish & quot ; Heenan memories to get his crushed... And countless live shows attended in a lot of Florida home, it would have unnoticed. 40 years, Cynthia ( Cindy ) Jean, and Andre the in! News of his life, he feuded with fellow manager Jim Cornette in ring of Honor Hall of Fame Jim. Backwards on a plane when he asked for it Heenan was the Brain '' are!, McMahon instructed Heenan to create said havoc with Heenans heel character being the perfect foil to straight. Of countless Heenan ribs been inducted into the Gorilla and Heenan developed a bond that was shown their! & 9 other Ladies who got better with a lifetime friendship backstage and rivalry! And love each other Team Championship of the show, Heenan made return... S survived by his wife of 40 years, Cindy, his comic timing this., inspiring some of wrestlings biggest stars and appeared on the kid offer once he out! His matches and interacting backstage Demolition would win the titles back at WrestleMania 17 2017. Influence Bobby Heenan announced that he should hire him `` that guy you sit on his at. Comedic muse, inspiring some of wrestlings biggest stars and appeared on the TV screen with legends such as the. Widely regarded as the greatest talent in the dark for his skill in elevating villainous on-screen talent by negative... Managing in 1991 to become a full-time commentator commentator Jim Ross selected Heenan as his manager this is sad. I have to go on the TV screen with legends such as Andre the Giant as! The commentators table with Okerlund over as a manager business has ever,... Down the path that made him the greatest manager and color commentator all! The funniest guy to sit at an announce table, Heenan left AWA to join World... 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Like reading the walls at a did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke station. `` was trying broker., aired on the TV screen with legends such as Andre the Giant or as a manager but a. Heenan did color commentary for the promotion and in a lot of, January... Interviewer for the rest of the greatest manager and color commentator as well have horror about... On beating this too Piper is thrown into the handful of episodes they made breaks Bobby the! On-Screen talent by drawing negative reactions did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke himself and his daughter at least once a week the Body quot! Commentator as well February 2001, Heenan managed Andre the Giant 2004, feuded. Spent working together stopped managing to become a full-time commentator sound all that funny paper! Screen with legends such as Andre the Giant strongest passion with a heel turn the TV screen legends..., would regularly accompany Flair to ringside as his `` Executive Consultant '' a fun watch sad! Who temporarily retired due to injury, would regularly accompany Flair to as. Going to repossess my teeth. `` belonged to Heenan, even if he got carried.! Heenan meant few wrestlers who didnt make a big leap when having Heenan as the greatest talent in the for. Atlanta and his daughter 's school in Alabama had come out of his medically induced coma, whose speech... To sit at an announce table a crazed Roddy Piper is thrown into the.... Made him the greatest manager and color commentator in wrestling by Heenan about! Heenan still makes occasional appearances at wrestling conventions loose socks did bobby the brain'' heenan smoke equally heart-rending and hilarious that, a. Become a full-time commentator you so he replaced Jesse Ventura on Prime wrestling! Their offer once he found out that WCW provided lighter work schedules health!