Brian Mackney Passes Away at 77
Canadian wrestling legend "Silent" Brian Mackney has passed away at the age of 77. Despite being mute, Mackney defied the odds and enjoyed a 26-year career in professional wrestling.
Wrestling Career and Achievements
- Trained by Love Brother Johnny Evans.
- Although never a main event superstar, he gained fame in Canada as enhancement talent for Jack and Frank Tunney’s Maple Leaf Wrestling and the WWF.
- Competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
- Recognized as the first deaf wrestler employed by WWE.
- Awarded a lifetime achievement award by Great White North Wrestling in 2019.
Tribute from Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling
"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."
Brian Mackney’s career is a testament to resilience, overcoming his hearing impairment to leave a lasting mark in wrestling.
Author’s summary: Brian Mackney, a pioneering deaf wrestler, transcended challenges to become a celebrated figure in Canadian and international wrestling for over two decades.