Brian Mackney Passes Away at 77
Canadian wrestling legend "Silent" Brian Mackney has died at the age of 77. Despite being mute, Mackney built an impressive 26-year career in professional wrestling, overcoming challenges that few could imagine.
Trained by Love Brother Johnny Evans, Mackney gained recognition not as a main event star but as an enduring and respected figure in the ring. Comparable to “Iron” Mike Sharpe and The Brooklyn Brawler, he made his mark especially in Canada, performing as enhancement talent for Jack and Frank Tunney’s Maple Leaf Wrestling and later in the WWF.
Throughout his career, Mackney also competed internationally, appearing in New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Notably, he became the first deaf wrestler employed by WWE and received a lifetime achievement award from Great White North Wrestling in 2019.
“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 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.”
Legacy
Mackney’s career stands as a testament to perseverance and passion. His achievements opened doors for others with disabilities in professional sports and left an enduring legacy in the wrestling community.
Author’s summary: Silent Brian Mackney, a deaf Canadian wrestler who spent over two decades breaking barriers in professional wrestling, is remembered as an inspiring and resilient figure in the sport’s history.