This week I managed to catch up with one of Wrestling’s forgotten figures Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Most of the kids of my era grew up watching him in the WWF during the 80s and early 90’s. Bobby at the time was one of the big name managers and commentators. Since his time in the WWF he worked for WCW during its boom period and then most recently was involved in XWF and WOW. Bobby didn’t have long so it as only a quick interview but nether the less makes for some interesting reading.
You were in the WWF in the mid to late 80s when it was booming, but what many don’t know is that you were a major player back in the 60s let us in on the guys you worked with and promotions you worked for?
With the AWA based out of Mpls., Mn., there was the likes of Baron VonRascke, Harley Race, Destroyer, Ray “The Crippler” Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel and Ernie Ladd to name a few. These I either managed or wrestled.
What was your favourite on screen moment you had in WWF?
Every minute I shared with Gorilla Monsoon.
Now Bobby you were the first jack of all trades at the WWF/WWE you managed, commentated and wrestled what was your most favourite role to do and why?
Commentate was to be w/Monsoon. It wasn’t work, it was fun.
Yourself and Jimmy Hart in the 80s were the two top managers in Wrestling what did you think of his work and how did you get on backstage?
I like Jimmy Hart. We were two different styles and personalities. He was good at what he did.
Since you left the WWF in the early 90s you did some work for WCW, how was your time in WCW compared to your experience in WWF?
WWF was like having clean silk underwear. WCW, I had insurance.
Recently you were involved in WOW how did your involvement with that promotion start and what were your opinions on how the company did?
David Mclane is a class guy and old friend. They were very professional, but obviously their team didn’t workout. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
The WWF used to be full of colourful manager characters like yourself, Jimmy Hart, Slick and Harvey Whipleman to name a few. These days there seem to be few male managers but a lot of female valets. What are your thoughts on this do you think it is bad or good for business?
It’s considered the public’s choice of the day.
WWF and wrestling has a whole has changed a lot just over the past ten years how do you view the business now and what changes have you noticed?
The main difference is the story line…not much left. There’s a lot more talking and a lot less wrestling.
You have worked with many wrestlers who was your favourite to work with on and off screen, do you still keep you in touch with any of the guys you use to manage on screen?
Me. Really, just a few, ie, Stevens, Bockwinkel, Hogan, VonRaschke, in the same categories.
The most recent promotion you were involved in was XWF what do you think the future holds for it and do you think anyone will ever rival Vince?
XWF was just a one time fluke that I had done upon request. There will never be another to rival Vince, at least in my time.
Last year you were invited back to commentate on the gimmick battle royal at WM17 did that come as a shock to you and did you enjoy doing it?
WM17 wasn’t a shock at all, but a pleasant surprise. Had a great time.
Us over in the UK get everything in major delay from the US so tell us more about your latest book you have out in the states?
Book: Bobby “The Brain” Wrestling’s Bad Boy tells all.
Can be found easily over at Amazon (links below). If you carry changes such as Walden Books, Border, Barnes and Noble, you will find it there too.
As XWF are not running shows at the moment the starts of XWF can be approached about use of their services at inyourfacebookings do you have any bookings or wrestling involvement in the pipeline?
Not at this time.
Thanks for your time Bobby it has been a pleasure talking to you, any last comments?
It’s been my pleasure, Adam. Buy the book, you’ll enjoy the history.
Adam Sibley