Brian Pillman

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

Brian Pillman

Man In Black · Anime Mod

I knew there was something about this date that was significant. Pillman was indeed a great talent although his car accidents and pain killer addictions hampered his later in-ring work.

That said he was a true personality on the mic and his "Loose Cannon" gimmick was pure gold. His infamous "Smart mark" promo at ECW Cyberslam 96 was one of the greatest promos ever and only he could have delivered it.

Best matches? He had a few good ones to his name - a great tag match with Z-Man for the US Tag Titles at WCW Wrestlewar 1990; his match against Jushin Liger at Superbrawl II; he even got good match out of Lex Luger at Clash IX.

Pillman will always be missed.

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

I didnt see a lot of brians work in his earlier WCW days but i remember he was a great wrestler with his matches in Japan and Jushin Lyger and his Loose Cannon gimmick was awesome.Cant believe its been 10 years since hes been gone...He is missed for sure.

Darth Mattitude · The Dark Admin

I remeber watching the Superbrawl match and thinking WOW! It was around the time i had discovered WCW and it was being shown late on ITV (About 2 in the morning) just before Americas Top Ten with Casey Casem. Ahh the glory days...

Also, his match with Stemaboat at Halloween Havoc 92. But of course the Hollywood Blondes was probably the best thing he ever did. I also loved his performance on Candian Stampede. JR and Vince were proper scared that Pillman was about to go postal. A missed Genius.

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

OK, I know I am way late here, but I just loved "Flyin" Brian Pillman. He was one of the first guys to combine classic 'wrasslin' with the high flying styles found in Japan and Mexico. He never won a Heavyweight Title in either WCW or WWF/E, but I am sure that he was well on his way to one day becoming a main event talent.

From his days as an unheard of talent in the new NWA to his first big feud with Lex Lugar to his days dominating the light heavyweight division in WCW to his partnership with Steve Austin as part of the Hollywood Blondes to his failed "Surfer Dude" gimmick to his "Crazy Brian" gimmick to his brief stop in ECW to his debut in WWF/E to a car accident that almost cost him his leg to his renewed feud with Austin in WWE, Pillman was always an amazing character. He was one of the best technical wrestlers of all-time (ala The Crippler), and we remember him 10 years after his death.

RIP Brian, RIP
1962-1997

Man In Black · Anime Mod

First off, Pillman won the WCW Light Heavyweight Title at Hallowe'en Havoc 1991 after defeating Richard Morton in the tournament finals.

Second, you'll have to remind me of his "failed surfer gimmick" because I don't recall it, especially during the period you mentioned. I recall him going from aheel until the split of the Blondes where he turned heel and returned to good old babyface Pillman again.

Unless of course you are confusing Pillman for Shane Douglas and Johnny Ace and the hideous Dynamic Dudes from 1989!

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

No, I got all of this info from some wrestling museum online. I'm pretty sure that it's all correct. About the surfer gimmick, that only lasted for like a month in WCW (I believe). He then came back with the "Crazy Guy" gimmick a few weeks later. I was like 2 during this time, so all I have to go on is the bio I read on that website...I'll try to find it for ya.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

You were 2 in 1995? So you're only 14 now?

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

No, I meant that I was 2 in 1994. I think I f'd that last post up as far as being able to understand what I really mean. I'm 18, by the way (didn't want you to have to hurt your head with the math...lol j/k). That would be some sh*t if there was a 14 year old writing a column on this site, huh?

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Christ, I was already a working man when you were born. Thanks for making me feel old....

David McKinney · 500 Club Member

No problem...anytime.