“Silent” Brian Mackney, the deaf wrestling legend who captured hearts in Toronto and made history in Japan, the NWA, and WWF, has sadly died, leaving behind an inspiring legacy
13:44, 08 Nov 2025
Trailblazing WWE star dies (Image: Supplied)
A professional wrestler who famously overcame deafness has sadly passed away. He leaves behind an inspiring legacy in the wrestling world.
According to the official account of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, “Silent” Brian Mackney, described as a “Legend in Toronto”, has died. Mackney captured the hearts of Toronto fans in Canada throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Moreover, he made his mark internationally, competing in Japan with both New Japan Pro Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as wrestling in several NWA territories, including Mid-Atlantic. Mackney also spent three years with WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s, further cementing his place in wrestling history.
He was deaf(Image: Supplied)
“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,” Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling wrote. The Canadian wrestling promoter further stated: “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.”
The sad news follows the death of WWE icon, Robert Horne. The wrestler, best known to fans as Sir Mo from the tag team Men on a Mission, passed away at the age of 58.
We was considered a legend in Toronto(Image: Supplied)
He had been battling pneumonia and spent much of last month in intensive care. The sad news of the former WWE Tag Team Champion’s death was confirmed by fellow wrestling legend Leilani Kai on social media, the Daily Star previously reported.
She wrote: “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. I first met Bobby when we were both travelling with the WWF in the mid-90s.
“He was always kind to me — always smiling, joking around, and treating everyone with respect. 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. We also worked together many times later on the Carolina independent circuit, and he was just as genuine outside the spotlight as he was under it.
“He loved the business, loved the fans, and loved giving back. Bobby had that special kind of warmth that reminded you wrestling isn’t just about what happens in the ring — it’s about the people and memories that come with it. Rest in peace, my friend.
“Thank you for every laugh, every kind word, and every night we shared on the road. You’ll be missed by all of us who knew you.”
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