Brian Mackney Passes Away at 77
Canadian wrestling icon "Silent" Brian Mackney has passed away. A mute wrestler, Mackney defied the odds to succeed in professional wrestling for 26 years. He was trained by the Love Brother Johnny Evans.
Although never a main event superstar, Mackney became well-known in Canada as enhancement talent for Jack and Frank Tunney’s Maple Leaf Wrestling and WWF, alongside stars like “Iron” Mike Sharpe and The Brooklyn Brawler. His career also took him to Japan, where he competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Mackney was the first deaf wrestler employed by WWE. In 2019, Great White North Wrestling honored him with a lifetime achievement award.
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 Toronto fans in the 1970s and 1980s, but gained attention globally, competing in Japan with both New Japan Pro Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling. He also worked various NWA territories, including Mid-Atlantic. When WWF took over Toronto, Silent Brian continued working there 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 achieved what many do not.”
Brian Mackney's career demonstrated resilience and determination, leaving a lasting impact on wrestling communities in Canada and abroad.
Author's summary: Despite being deaf and mute, Brian Mackney built an impressive 26-year wrestling career across multiple countries, inspiring many with his perseverance and talent.