Legendary Commentator And Manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan Passes Away

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, A legendary commentator, and manager whose Hall of Fame career spanned four decades, has died.

Heenan was one of the most iconic managers in the 1980s. Managing everyone from Andre The Giant, and King Kong Bundy to Mr. Perfect, and Ric Flair. He also was the leading commentary voice on WWF programming, revolutionizing the position. After leaving the WWF, Heenan was a signature member of the commentary team for WCW during the Monday Night Wars. He created what it meant to be a “heel” commentator.

From Wrestler to Manager to Commentator

Heenan, born Raymond Louis Heenan, started his career wrestling and managing in the outlaw territories ran by the Poffo Family in Indianapolis and Kentucky.

Heenan then moved onto the AWA and became a fixture of the mid-west promotion. Moving to the WWF, Heenan managed virtually every one of the big monsters who would challenge Hulk Hogan. A group dubbed the “Heenan Family” that formed early in his career moved with him from promotion to promotion. Members are a “Who’s Who” of premier heels and wrestling bad guys. Heenan then transitioned to commentary and formed an iconic team with fellow legend Gorilla Monsoon. Heenan continued to commentate and manage until leaving the WWF in 1993.

Brain moved onto the commentary table at rival WCW. His signature comedic timing, wrestling knowledge, and sarcasm were a fixture of the Attitude Era. He commentated during the Monday Night Wars and late 90s before leaving WCW in 2000.

Here are a few of his signature moments:

In 2002 Heenan announced he had throat cancer. Cancer ravaged his face and body and led to his lower jaw being removed. In the last years of his life, Heenan suffered several health mishaps and broken bones.

Wrestling World Pays Tribute

Jim Ross broke the news of Heenan’s passing.

The tributes poured in.

We will miss you, Brain. Share your memories of Bobby Heenan in the comments below.