Remembering Brian Pillman
Brian Pillman Jr., the son of WWE legend, The Loose Cannon Brian Pillman, made his in-ring debut on December 30th, 2017. Pillman Jr’s first bout was a successful one and wrestling fans appeared to be delighted that Pillman Jr. was following in his famous father’s footsteps.
Pillman Jr. was only three years old when his father passed away in 1997 at the age of 35. Pillman died from Arteriosclerotic heart disease, which is a thickening of the coronary arteries. Pillman was unaware that he had the disease and left behind his wife, Melanie Pillman and six young children.
Many fans are hoping that Pillman Jr. takes a very different path than the one his famous father followed. The Loose Cannon’s tale is one filled with sadness, hardship, and addiction. Like many before him and after him Pillman’s life was consumed by alcohol and drugs.
Brian Pillman Sr. was born in 1962, in Ohio. His early life was also a difficult one. His father passed away when he was just a baby. His father’s death was also caused by Arteriosclerotic heart disease.
At the age of three, he was diagnosed with throat cancer. He endured 30 surgeries before beating the disease. His famous raspy voice was a result of his cancer battle.
Despite his early struggles he went on to be a standout on his high school football team. He went on to play football at Miami of Ohio where he continued to excel. He went on to become a two-time All American. In 1984 he joined the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted rookie. He was cut at the end of the season but went on to play football in Canada.
After suffering an ankle injury Pillman decided to give professional wrestling a try. Once his ankle injury healed he went to train in the infamous Hart Dungeon under Stu Hart. From there, the rest is wrestling history. Pillman went on to become one of the most recognizable and controversial wrestling stars in history.
Pillman was a high flying superstar, but his promos were a big reason he became such a huge star. No one worked the crowd like Pillman. Brian Pillman Jr. hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps but in a more positive way. Though he never had the opportunity to get to know his dad he has never forgotten him. Shortly after his debut the son of the Loose Cannon shared the following on social media.
“Just this once though, I ask YOU for a favor. Whether it’s a comment on Instagram, a direct message, or a tweet I don’t want it sent straight to me. I want you to type it all out just as you normally would but this time before you hit that send button I want you to send it to Brian Pillman. Not Brian Pillman Jr., not Brian Pillman II, no I mean BIG BRIAN! Brian PILLMAN SENIOR, The Hollywood Blonde Brian Pillman. The Loose Cannon…My Father! Whether it’s a prayer, a mental note, or just a written letter I want you to send it up above and let him know how you feel. How you feel about what he left behind for you, for me, for us, his LEGACY. Because had he not given every ounce of life force that he had for this world, had he not made every heartbeat count then I certainly wouldn’t be here today and of course professional wrestling just wouldn’t be the same as we all know and love it. THANK YOU, everyone, for reaching out to him and THANK YOU to Scott Romer for capturing this moment. THANK YOU, dad, for this amazing gift called PRO WRESTLING!!!”