• First Deaf Wrestler In WWF/E History Passes Away
Brian Mackney, known professionally as “Silent” Brian Mackney, has passed away at the age of 77. The Hamilton, Ontario-born wrestler made history as the first deaf athlete to compete in the WWF/E.
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, where Mackney was a beloved alumni, announced his passing in a statement shared on X:
“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.
We were humbled to have ‘Silent’ Brian in attendance this past May for our event at the former Maple Leaf Gardens and we are proud of his place and legacy in Maple Leaf Wrestling history. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the Silent Warrior during this time.”
Mackney began his professional wrestling career in 1972, competing across North America and Japan during a career that spanned more than two decades.
We extend our condolences to Brian Mackney’s family and friends.
• Hulk Hogan Played A Role In WWE Letting Jesse Ventura Go
As noted before, Jesse Ventura’s time with WWE has come to an end after a one-year stint as a commentator on Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Ventura last appeared on WWE programming during an opening skit on the July edition of SNME. One reason he did not appear on the latest edition in Salt Lake City was his critical comments about Damian Priest’s Steel Cage Match victory over Drew McIntyre.
Fightful Select confirmed that the Hall of Famer’s commentary played a role in him not being used and also reported that another reason he was not used involved the late Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster had been slated to appear on an edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, which influenced decisions regarding Ventura’s role.
Hogan and Ventura were once close friends, but their relationship fell apart when Hogan informed Vince McMahon about Ventura’s attempt to unionize wrestlers. Ventura discovered the betrayal during a deposition and had no interest in reconciling before Hogan’s passing.
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