Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Mention his name to a wrestling fan, particularly an old school one, and you can guarantee that person will smile. Over an illustrious career that spanned over five decades and saw Heenan work as a wrestler, manager, color commentator, TV host and more, Bobby was a part of literally hundreds of moments and memories in wrestling. Enough for him to fill two biographies which, incidentally, are both worth checking out if you haven't already. Heenan was an integral part of what is still considered to be the greatest wrestling attraction of all time - Hulk Hogan vs Andre The Giant at Wrestlemania III. When the babyface Andre first walked out onto Piper's Pit with Heenan at his side, prompting a devastated Hogan to ask "What are you doing with him?", the road to WrestleMania officially began. Andre's association with 'The Brain' was enough for the fans to know that things just got serious. Over the years, many wrestlers would instantly be given a "rub" simply by being paired with Heenan. From Haku to Curt Hennig, Big John Studd to Rick Rude, by being associated with Bobby Heenan, the WWF was sending a message to the audience that "this guy is a serious contender". Many of Bobby's proteges won championships belts in the AWA and the WWF. The key to Bobby's longevity as a manager, and later as a commentator, was his quick wit, and many of his peers in the wrestling business agreed that he could've easily made it as a stand up comedian or talk show host had he tried to pursue it. Late Night with Heenan' anyone? Hell yeah. For the younger readers, I would advise you to pull up any WWF Pay Per View event between 1991 and 1993 on the WWE Network, I guarantee it won't be long before Heenan says something that cracks you up. Today's guys at the commentary table just don't come close to his talent. You don't survive five decades in the wrestling business without being a hell of a guy, so here's ten things that you may not know about The Brain as a performer, a father, a friend... and a near-jailbird.
It ain't easy! Former Manager of Ultimate Warrior's "WarriorWeb", Former Senior Editor of Vince Russo's "Pyro and Ballyhoo", and wrestling fan for over twenty five years. Daniel's favourite wrestling memory is being in Wembley Stadium with his Grandad for SummerSlam '92.
