Posted By James Walsh on 11/08/25


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.

Brian Mackney Silent WWF Deaf Athlete Wrestler Passes Away

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.