18 Biggest Wrestling Stories Of 2017
5. September - Bobby Heenan Dies
In September, the wrestling world mourned one of the business' true greats following the death of Bobby Heenan at the age of 72. 'The Brain', widely acknowledged as the finest manager in the history of the sport, and one of its best colour commentators to boot, had been in poor health for some time, having battled throat cancer back in 2004.
Heenan's death inspired glowing tributes from all sections of the squared circle fraternity and beyond. Some of the biggest names in the history of the industry including Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and Jim Ross were quick to eulogise 'The Brain', all noting his managerial mastery and unrivaled wit. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon himself posted a rare tweet, paying tribute to one of the cornerstones of WWE's '80s boom period - and a personal friend.