WWE and Others Pay Tribute to Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

As reported earlier, legendary manager and WWE Hall of Famer Bobby “The Brain” Heenan passed away today at the age of 73. Jim Ross was one of the first to break the news on Twitter revealing the personal impact Heenan had on his life.

Since then, the WWE and others have also commented on the passing of Heenan and paying tribute to both his life and career in wrestling.

Official statement from the WWE on Heenan’s passing:

WWE Hall of Famer Bobby “The Brain” Heenan passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Bobby Heenan, regarded by many as the greatest manager in sports-entertainment history, has passed away at age 73.

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. 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.

Heenan named competitors under his guidance as the Heenan Family, a moniker meant to show the strength of their alliance over any of their opposition. Members of the Heenan Family in the AWA and WWE read like the who’s who of sports entertainment, including legends and WWE Hall of Famers such as Nick Bockwinkel, the Blackjacks, Big John Studd, King Kong Bundy, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, the Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard), Harley Race, and of course, the first WWE Hall of Famer, Andre the Giant, whom Heenan led to the ring at WrestleMania III before 93,173 fans.

As impossible as it may seem, Heenan’s overwhelming success as a manager was matched by that of his announcing career. Heenan’s constant verbal jousts with fellow WWE Hall of Famers Gorilla Monsoon and “Mean” Gene Okerlund on USA Network remain among the most entertaining moments in sports-entertainment history. In fact, “The Brain” was so entertaining, that “The Bobby Heenan Show” had a brief run on USA Network as well.

WWE extends its condolences to Heenan’s family, friends and fans.

Selection of Tweets from those around the wrestling world honoring Heenan’s life:

RIP Bobby "The Brain" Heenan – one of the GREATEST and most influential personas our business has ever known. pic.twitter.com/BUDikV0z2X

— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 17, 2017

Today we lost one of our legends.

Im just happy the last words I said to him were, "I love you Bobby."

RIP Bobby Heenan pic.twitter.com/ofqi6IJguD

— Bubba Ray Dudley (@bullyray5150) September 17, 2017

Bobby Heenan died today and it has left me very sad. He was the best of the best in the biz and a friend. RIP Bobby. Praying for you Cindy pic.twitter.com/T8wuFAYuST

— Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) September 17, 2017

Bobby Heenan was pure magic. Out of all his talents, his ability to make anyone laugh will live on forever. RIP. pic.twitter.com/4N7eFz50qI

— Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAliWWE) September 17, 2017

Bobby Heenan was great at all that he did
Manager
Wrestler
Announcer
Host
The Brain
Weasel
Celebrate his life on @WWENetwork
1 of a kind pic.twitter.com/RdcVzUCmK4

— Tommy Dreamer (@THETOMMYDREAMER) September 17, 2017

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Bobby "The Brain " Heenan.I was fortunate to work, laugh and learn from him.A great man.

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) September 17, 2017

Very saddened to hear of the passing of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. I was truly blessed to know him. RIP my friend!🙏

— SGT SLAUGHTER (@_SgtSlaughter) September 17, 2017

Our thoughts go out to the family of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. No manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids.

— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) September 17, 2017

One of the greatest managers and announcers in WWE history. Our thoughts are with the Heenan family. pic.twitter.com/r9A3IJlSoP

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) September 18, 2017