Iconic wrestling manager and commentator Bobby “The Brain” Heenan passed away on Sunday at the age of 72. Heenan had long struggled with complications from a lung cancer diagnosis, and had recently pulled out of several personal appearances due to health issues. The news was broken by Heenan’s friend and fellow commentator Jim Ross on Twitter.
The news of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's passing today gutted me.
I loved our time together.
No one ever did it better than the Wease.
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) September 17, 2017
A fixture of the ’80s Hulkamania era, Heenan was one of the most prolific managers in the professional wrestling world. In his tenure in the WWF and beyond, The Brain managed more than 40 of the biggest names in wrestling, including ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, King Kong Bundy and Andre the Giant.
His natural charisma and excellent comedic timing would eventually bring Bobby to the announce desk of the WWF alongside long-time friend Gorilla Monsoon, with the two being considered one of the most endearing and respected announce teams in history. Heenan would eventually jump ship to WCW’s Monday Nitro, where he would be integral to the commentary team in the formative years of the company. He was named to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004, as well as the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.
Rest in peace, Brain.
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