Canadian wrestling icon ‘Silent’ Brian Mackney has passed away. He was 77-years-old.
Mackney, a mute, succeeded in the world of pro wrestling defying the odds for 26 years.
His career began in 1972. He was trained by Love Brother Johnny Evans.
Despite never being a main event superstar, Mackney like “Iron” Mike Sharpe, The Brooklyn Brawler and others, became famous especially in Canada as enhancement talent for Jack and Frank Tunney’s Maple Leaf Wrestling and the WWF. He also wrestling in New Japan Pro Wresting and All Japan Pro Wrestling.
He was the first deaf wrestler to even be employed by the WWE. He was awarded a lifetime achievement award by Great White North Wrestling in 2019.
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling posted this tribute:
“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 condelences to the family, friends, and fans of the Silent Warrior during this time.”
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… pic.twitter.com/y1ue2gTJdm
— MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling (@MapleLeafPW) November 7, 2025
