The wrestling community is mourning the loss of a professional wrestler who was famed for overcoming deafness to build an international career. "Silent" Brian Mackney, described as a "Legend in Toronto" by official accounts, has died, leaving behind an inspirational legacy in the sport. Mackney secured the admiration of Canadian fans in Toronto throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Furthermore, his career transcended North America, as he competed internationally in Japan with both New Japan Pro Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling, and participated in several NWA territories, including Mid-Atlantic. Mackney also spent three years with the WWF (now WWE) during the 1980s, solidifying his historical significance, reports The WP Times with reference to Daily Star.
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling honored his memory, stating, "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.” The Canadian wrestling promoter elaborated on his remarkable achievement: "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." The organization was proud of the "Silent Warrior's" status and legacy in Maple Leaf Wrestling history and confirmed that he had been in attendance at their event this past May at the former Maple Leaf Gardens. They extended their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
This somber announcement follows the death of another wrestling icon, Robert Horne, who was widely recognized by fans as Sir Mo from the tag team Men on a Mission. Horne passed away at the age of 58 after battling pneumonia, having spent a significant portion of the preceding month in intensive care. The sad news of the former WWE Tag Team Champion’s death was confirmed on social media by fellow wrestling legend Leilani Kai. Kai shared her heartbreak over the passing of Bobby Horne, recalling that she first met him while they were traveling with the WWF in the mid-90s. She described him as a perpetually kind, smiling, and humorous individual who treated everyone with respect. Kai emphasized that Horne had a way of making newcomers or those who didn't quite fit in feel welcome, a quality that was highly valued on those long road trips when camaraderie mattered most. She noted that his genuine nature under and outside the spotlight was consistent throughout their later collaborations on the Carolina independent circuit.
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