One of the most influential managers and television commentators in the business. Bobby Heenan brought a heel aspect to the booth which opened up the eyes of many professional wrestling fans. With Heenan’s brand of humor and ability to produce spots and lines, he paved the way for future participants of the sport. He was nicknamed the “Weasel,” and fans throughout the world were quick to remind him of the name every chance they got. Heenan led champions in the AWA, NWA and in the WWF. He proved several times over that he was one of, if not the best television wrestling analyst in the business. Originally beginning as a wrestler, Heenan was known as “Pretty Boy” well before he was known as the “Brain.” He threatened NWA President, Sam Muchnick with a lawsuit in the early months of 1971 after he was barred from participating in the sport in the city of St. Louis. Heenan traveled to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Region, joining Verne Gagne’s American Wrestling Association. He began to manage AWA World Champion, Nick Bockwinkel and the AWA World Tag Team Champions, Bobby Duncum and Blackjack Lanza. Needless to say, he had quite the stable of champs. On January 10, 1979, Heenan was indefinitely suspended by AWA President, Stanley Blackburn after the leader of the organization was attacked by the manager. Rumors circulated that Heenan got into a fistfight with Blackburn. Whatever was the cause, he was forced from the region. Heenan picked up and left for Georgia, where he was ready to reestablish his gang. He eventually returned to the AWA in the early 1980’s. Heenan signed with the WWF in 1984 and began managing Paul Orndorff, Ken Patera and Big John Studd. Orndorff split from the group in 1985 and Heenan offered a $25,000 bounty. Heenan replaced Piper to host Piper’s Pit in 1985 during an interview segment with Tito Santana. Between 1986 and 1990, Heenan managed many of the top names in the WWF including Andre the Giant during his run at the WWF Title in 1987, Rick Rude and his I-C win over the Ultimate Warrior in 1989, Harley Race, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard. Heenan introduced Lex Luger to the WWF in January 1993, but mainly concentrated on his commentary duties on Prime Time Wrestling and later Monday Night Raw. His final managerial run came the year before when he guided Ric Flair. In 1994, after several big names were signed by World Championship Wrestling, Heenan left the WWF for Atlanta. He had a few run-ins with Hogan later in the year and was forced to wear a neckbrace. On September 4, 1995 in Bloomington, Minnesota, Bobby appeared to host the first episode of WCW’s Monday Nitro on TNT. At his side were Eric Bischoff and Steve McMichael. Heenan had a issue with the “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman during once wild episode of Nitro. Many thought they had heard the “Brain” spout a explative during the impromptu altercation. He announced his retirement from the sport on April 1, 1996 during Nitro. At the end of the show, he stated that it was just an April Fools joke. Classic Heenan style. Between 1996 and 2000, WCW suffered through many changes both behind-the-scenes and in front of the cameras. In April 2000, Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo teamed to form the “New Blood.” Wrestling fans everywhere clamoured for Heenan’s commentary responsibilities to grow during the summer of 2000, but Bobby eventually left the organization. Heenan appeared on the Women of Wrestling PPV in early 2001 working for David McLane. The show saw Terri Gold regain the World Championship. Before 67,000-plus fans at the Reliant Astrodome on Sunday, April 1, 2001, Heenan returned to the WWF with Gene Okerlund for WrestleMania. Great respect was given. In November 2001, Heenan made his managerial return at the side of Curt Hennig. The two worked for a new independent promotion known as the “XWF.” The XWF held a two- day series of television tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Hennig had a match against Hulk Hogan and lost by pinfall. Fans of Bobby Heenan can go to his official website and read more about the legendary manager at www.bobbythebrain.com. Research by Tim Hornbaker |
| Bobby Heenan Wrestling History |
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| PPV Ring Record TV Ring Record Career Record Legends of Pro Wrestling |