Brian Mackney, a deaf Canadian wrestler who made it all the way to the WWEhas died at the age of 77.

Mackney got the nickname ‘silent’ because of his issue but it was never something that held his career back.

He competed around the world, notably in Asiabefore eventually retiring from wrestling in the late 1990s.

The sad news of his passing was first announced by Maple Leaf Pro, the wrestling website founded by distinguished promoter Scott D’A . The statement did not give a cause of death.

‘Maple Leaf Pro is saddened to hear of the passing today of “Silent” Brian Mackney, a Maple Leaf Wrestling alumni and legend in Toronto,’ the organization said in a statement shared on social media.

‘Mackney was 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 condelences to the family, friends, and fans of the Silent Warrior during this time.’

In 2019, Mackney received a lifetime achievement award from Canadian promotion Great White North Wrestling.

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