BREAKING: First Deaf Wrestler In WWF/E History Passes Away

BREAKING: First Deaf Wrestler in WWF/E History Passes Away

Brian Mackney, known professionally as “Silent” Brian Mackney, has died at the age of 77. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, he made history as the first deaf athlete to compete in WWF/E.

Legacy at Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, where Mackney was a cherished alumni, announced his death with a statement 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 worldwide, 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 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 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.”

International Impact

Author’s Summary

Brian “Silent” Mackney broke barriers as the first deaf wrestler in WWF/E, earning global respect and leaving a proud legacy despite his hearing impairment.

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