Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan

I couldn't sleep a few nights ago, so I got out of bed and ventured to the TV, in the dim light I scrambled for a DVD to watch and came across the Bobby Heenan DVD that came out a few years ago. The DVD reminded me (not that I'd really forgotten) that goddamn I love me some Bobby Heenan!!!

For anyone who hasn't seen this DVD or hell, maybe isn't familiar with the genius of Heenan I really do recommend it. There's an insightful documentary about the life of the Brain, with family, friends and colleagues sharing their Heenan storys and also some well picked matches highlighting his career.
The matches include what for me is the greatest commentary performance in the history of the business too, the 1992 Royal Rumble Match. The famous rumble that sees Ric Flair crowned as WWF Champion is made all the greater by the commentary of Heenan and partner Gorilla Monsoon, it really is stunning as Heenan sobs and whimpers with every Flair injustice and celebrates and rejoices in every Flair offencive manoeuvre.

A few years later Bobby Heenan's emotional on air farewell to the recently deceased Monsoon still manages to bring a lump to my throat just as it did then. There's just something about seeing the usually laugh out loud funny Heenan clearly upset and distressed at Monsoons passing.

Heenan was diagnosed with throat cancer in the early 2000's and now struggles to talk with his previous great gusto, which makes his 2004 induction into the Hall of Fame even more impressive as Heenan despite this disability manages to not only spin some great tales but also completely steal the show. Cancer or no cancer class and natural ability shine through and watching Heenan become more and more his old self throughout his induction is both heartwarming and inspiring.

This video highlights what is missing in today's wrestling companies, not just quality managers which is definitely a forgotten and dead art (surprising as a lot of today's talent could really use a mouthpiece) but also larger than life characters with the natural ability to make you believe in the product.

Bobby Heenan - Best wrestling manager ever? Without doubt*

Bobby Heenan - One of the best characters of wrestling ever? I think so!

*I did meet a chap some years ago who swore by the management skills of the devious Mr.Fuji, and considered his work to be unparallelled