Brian Mackney Passes Away at 77
Canadian wrestling icon "Silent" Brian Mackney has passed away. Despite being mute, Mackney built a 26-year career in professional wrestling, defying many odds.
Career Highlights
Trained by Love Brother Johnny Evans, Mackney was known for his role as enhancement talent in Maple Leaf Wrestling and the WWF, similar to contemporaries like “Iron” Mike Sharpe and The Brooklyn Brawler. He also competed in Japan’s top promotions, New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
Brian Mackney was the first deaf wrestler to be employed by WWE, marking a significant milestone in wrestling history. In 2019, he received a lifetime achievement award from Great White North Wrestling.
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."
Legacy
- Career spanned over 26 years despite being mute and deaf.
- Trained by Johnny Evans and worked extensively in Canada, Japan, and NWA territories.
- First deaf wrestler employed by WWE.
- Honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2019.
Author's Summary: Brian Mackney’s wrestling career stands as a testament to resilience, becoming a pioneering deaf athlete in professional wrestling while earning global respect.