For a man who did n’t twist much , Bobby “ The Brain ” Heenan weave up becoming more famous than a lot of the men flex in the squared circle . The onscreen handler of several noteworthy grapnel , includingAndré the Giantand “ Ravishing ” Rick Rude , Heenandiedon Sunday at the eld of 73 . His release has lead to several testimonial recall his memorable moment , from dressing up in aweasel suitto hosting ashort - lived talk showon TNT .
While Heenan ’s “ heel ” persona was considered great amusement , there was a nighttime back in 1975 when he did his job a littletoowell . As a outcome , an ireful fan tried to assassinate him in the ring .
According to theChicago Tribune , Heenan was appearing at the International Amphitheater in Chicago as part of the now - defunctAWA wrestling promotionwhen his performance began to grate on the nerves of an unnamed attendee seated on the base . eyewitness describe the man as well-disposed up until wrestlers Verne Gagne and Nick Bockwinkel started their bout with Heenan at ringside seat in Bockwinkel ’s box .
“ Get Heenan out of there , ” the lover screamed , mayhap concerned his character would interfere in a just contest . Heenan , known as “ Pretty Boy ” at the time , set out to distract the reader , award an vantage to his wrestler . When the functionary lead off flourish his arms to signal Heenan to stop interrupting , the fan patently took it as the match being over and awarded in Bockwinkel ’s favor . He drew a accelerator pedal and began firing .
The man get off two snap , hitting three bystanders with one bullet and two more with the other before running out of the sports stadium . ( No fatality were reported . ) surety swarmed the picture , get medical attention for the injured and escorting both Heenan and the wrestler to the back .
According to Heenan , the shooter was never identified by anyone , and he was bald-faced enough to continue attending wrestling plug-in at the arena . ( " Chicago really contract that ' no tell on ' thing to heart back then,“according to Uproxx . )
Heenan give-up the ghost on to spend another 30 years in the clientele getting yelled at and polish off with chairs , but was never again pressure to dodge a slug .
