WWE star Brian Mackney has died aged 77 as tributes pour in for the star who “won the hearts of the fans”.
Known as the “silent warrior” because of his deafness, the sporting legend was a key WWE fixture in the 80s – and made his mark internationally too.
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Brian Mackney has died aged 77Credit: Wiki Fandom
The ‘silent warrior’ is said to have ‘captured the hearts’ of fansCredit: Instagram
His death was confirmed in a statement by Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, who remembered the star as someone who “accomplished what many do not”.
Described as a “legend in Toronto”, he is said to have “captured the hearts” of fans throughout Canada.
The deaf wrestler rose to fame in the 70s, competing in Japan with both New Japan Pro Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling.
In the 80s, Mackney famously spent three years with the WWE which cemented his name in wrestling history.
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Paying tribute to the sporting star, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling said: “Maple Leaf Pro is saddened to hear of the passing today of “Silent” Brian Mackney, a Maple Leaf Wrestling alumni and legend in Toronto.
“Mackney was more than a journeyman, who not only won the hearts of the Toronto fans in the 1970s and 1980s, but gained attention around the world, competing in Japan with both New Japan Pro Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling.
“He also worked various territories of the NWA, including Mid-Atlantic. When the WWF took over Toronto, Silent Brian continued working in Toronto for Vince McMahon for several years.
“Remarkably, Brian Mackney accomplished all of this as a deaf person, showing that his hearing impairment would not slow him down – he rose above it all and accomplished what many do not.
“We were humbled to have “Silent” Brian in attendance this past May for our event at the former Maple Leaf Gardens and we are proud of his place and legacy in Maple Leaf Wrestling history.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the Silent Warrior during this time.”
It comes just weeks after the death of former WWE star Sir Mo, aged 58.
Sir Mo – real name Robert Horne – was at the WWE from 1993 to 1996 – famously forming part of the Men on a Mission tag team.
He teamed up with Mable – later known as Viscera – to win the tag team title – his only championship in WWE.
Horne suffered from pneumonia and was in the ICU for the past month while also battling a blood infection.
Retired wrestler Leilani Kai confirmed the news of his passing Facebook.
“It breaks my heart to hear that Bobby Horne, better known to wrestling fans as Sir Mo of Men on a Mission, has passed away,” she wrote.
“I first met Bobby when we were both traveling with the WWF in the mid-90s.
“He was always kind to me — always smiling, joking around, and treating everyone with respect.
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“When you were new or didn’t quite fit in yet, Bobby had a way of making you feel welcome.
“That meant a lot back then, especially on those long road trips when being part of the locker room family mattered most.
