Flyin Brian Pillman was a monumentally talented in-ring performer for World Championship Wrestling. However, early in his career, the high-flying youngster was a bit bland. As time went on, Pillman began to develop in the character department -- first showing glimmers of brilliance with Stunning Steve Austin as the Hollywood Blondes. Toward the end of his WCW run, Pillman started to become more and more eccentric. At the SuperBrawl VI pay-per-view, Pillman was set to square off with Kevin Sullivan in a strap match. The loser would be the first man to utter the words, I respect you. As soon as the match began, Pillman grabbed the microphone and stated, I respect you, booker man, before quickly exiting the ring. Brian had outed Sullivan as WCWs head booker on live television, and was immediately fired from the promotion. Years later, Eric Bischoff claimed that it was all a work, as Pillman was to leave the Southern company and go to ECW, where he would continue to develop his Loose Cannon gimmick. Supposedly, Pillman convinced Bischoff to actually fire him, as he thought it would make things seem more real. Pillman immediately debuted with ECW, making a surprise appearance at their CyberSlam 96 convention. After a long and intense promo, Pillman threatened to urinate in the ring. He was stopped by security, ECW Tod Gordon, and Paul Heyman. As he was being taken to the back, Brian attacked a supposed fan in the crowd with a fork. In the following weeks, Pillman began to hurl insults toward The Franchise Shane Douglas in order to build to a subsequent match. Unfortunately, Brian was in a car accident that left him in a coma for nearly a week. His ankle was also shattered and fused into a fixed place by doctors, preventing him from ever wrestling a high-flying style again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM7U6YZPXFo The match with Douglas never took place, and on June 10, 1996 the Loose Cannon signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation. It was the first ever guaranteed contract given to a superstar by the WWE -- a practice which has become the norm. Pillman used his brief time in ECW to develop and perfect his Loose Cannon persona, and carried his momentum into the WWE. Sadly, a little over a year after his debut with the Federation, Brian Pillman was found dead in his hotel room. A heart condition, which Pillman was unaware of, caused his death. The exciting and eccentric superstar was just 35 years old. Can you think of any other legendary superstars that shocking invaded Extreme Championship Wrestling? Let us know in the comments below.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
