Remembering a true legend, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, a professional wrestling icon, has passed away (WWE.com)

One of the most polarizing and celebrated figures in professional wrestling has passed away. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan died last night (Sunday, September 17th) at the age of 73. Jim Ross announced the news in a heartfelt message on Twitter.

It’s rare to find someone that is called the greatest manager and commentator of all time, but that was how to describe Heenan. He worked for the AWA, later on WCW and most notably in the old WWF. During his time as a wrestler and manager, he made alliances with a who’s who of wrestlers. The stars he tried to help elevate became just a little better because he was there. Some of the members of the “Heenan Family” include Nick Bockwinkel, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, Harley Race, Ric Flair and of course, Andre the Giant. Heenan had a special bond with Andre, and the two made history, culminating in a picture-perfect entrance at WrestleMania 3 against Hulk Hogan.

Just by being next to Heenan, you knew something magical was about to happen. He elevated talent just by speaking into the microphone and his expressions were priceless. When he had to stop his managerial duties due to injury, he was golden on commentary. It’s like he was born to entertain. Heenan’s heel mannerisms helped balance a great act he had with close friend Gorilla Monsoon. Always the instigator, Heenan was never shy to get his opinion on any matter, no matter how out there it could have been. When he left WWE in 1993 and joined WCW, that’s when the real war began.

Heenan was the perfect blueprint on how to be a successful figure in the professional wrestling world.  There aren’t that many managers today, which is really disappointing. If there was ever one who you could compare to “The Weasel”, it would be Paul Heyman. There is only one Bobby Heenan however.

Unfortunately, Heenan’s health was under attack ever since he was diagnosed with throat cancer in the early 2000’s. That did not stop him from giving a fantastic speech during his WWE Hall of Fame induction. He did end up needing several surgeries for various ailments over the years. It was reported by Pro Wrestling Sheet that while his health was deteriorating, his passing was sudden, according to his family.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zljCbgON3Ac

Professional wrestling is what it is today thanks to the efforts of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Having access to the WWE Network, I have taken full advantage when it comes to watching classic clips from the past. That includes every situation “The Weasel” was in. If you are able to watch, you may just even learn a thing or two.

And so, we humanoids bid farewell to a man who could have had his own TV show. Now he will reunite with his dear friend Gorilla and create magic once again.