WWE legend Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan dies aged 72

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Wrestling legend Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan has died aged 72, it emerged last night.

The professional wrestling manager and commentator passed away on Sunday night after a long battle with throat cancer.

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Former WWE broadcaster Gene Okerlund first reported the sad news on his Facebook page after confirmation from Heenan's daughter Jessica.

He wrote: "Bobby and his family have had to endure so much because of his health. Bobby Heenan was such a great friend. You don't replace people like that."

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Heenan's career spanned more than four decades, his most famous clients included stars such as Andre the Giant and King Kong Bundy.

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Tributes quickly poured in from the WWE community.

pic.twitter.com/PpPpNdq6yP — Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) September 17, 2017

RIP Bobby "The Brain" Heenan - one of the GREATEST and most influential personas our business has ever known. pic.twitter.com/BUDikV0z2X

— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 17, 2017

Bobby Heenan was pure magic. Out of all his talents, his ability to make anyone laugh will live on forever. RIP. pic.twitter.com/4N7eFz50qI — Mustafa Ali (@MustafaAliWWE) September 17, 2017

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Bobby "The Brain " Heenan.I was fortunate to work, laugh and learn from him.A great man.

— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) September 17, 2017

The news of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's passing today gutted me.

I loved our time together.

No one ever did it better than the Wease. — Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) September 17, 2017

"I don't look at myself as a hero or smart person. I have a seventh-grade education, but I've had a lot of fun."-#RIPBobbyTheBrainHeenan pic.twitter.com/YwZcMpSOAt — Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) September 17, 2017

...one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/2uM1qpWHaF

— Triple H (@TripleH) September 17, 2017

Our thoughts go out to the family of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. No manager or commentator was ever better at entertaining us humanoids. — Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) September 17, 2017

RIP Bobby "The Brain" Heenan

— Zack Ryder (@ZackRyder) September 17, 2017

One of the greatest managers and announcers in WWE history. Our thoughts are with the Heenan family. pic.twitter.com/r9A3IJlSoP

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) September 18, 2017

Worked with Bobby Heenan from 1980 until my career ended,learned new things from him ever single day,love u my brother rip. HH — Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) September 17, 2017