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WWE gives Brooklyn Brawler the axe
Published May 11, 2016
The Brooklyn Brawler has been released by the WWE after more than 30 years with the organization, Pro Wrestling Insider reported Tuesday.
The wife of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, who once managed the Brawler, confirmed it on Twitter.
The Brawler was one of wrestling’s most beloved jobbers — guys who mostly served to lose and make the stars look good. A native of Bensonhurt, he began wrestling under his name, Steve Lombardi, in 1983 before becoming a popular heel as the Brawler beginning in 1989. He played other roles in his career, but his biggest wins were as the Brawler.
Steve Lombardi (@brawlerreal) has been released by @WWE he was managed by Bobby. pic.twitter.com/8q2CkQvxZU
— Cynthia Heenan (@Cynthia_Heenan) May 11, 2016
He’s been semi-retired since the late ’90s, but still showed up on occasional episodes of “Raw” and at a handful of events. Behind the scenes he produced and performed various jobs at events, as Rolling Stone documented in a 2015 interview.
Once our time is up, he might be coordinating radio promotion with talent, shooting interviews for upcoming home-video releases, organizing international advertising spots or helping finesse that evening’s promos. As was the case during his three-decade (and, technically, still active) wrestling career, Lombardi’s made a living accepting whatever task is asked of him, regardless of formal training or initial expertise.
Lombardi told Rolling Stone “you’re always worried about job security,” but said, “I knew I was diligent about what I do, so I really wasn’t too worried.” The 55-year-old told the magazine he dislikes the jobber label, and said despite all the losses, he sees his career as a success.
“Not every senator becomes a president, ya know what I mean? My goal was to have steady work for the rest of my life.”
" #Memories are something no one can ever take away from you "
— Brooklyn Brawler (@brawlerreal) May 10, 2016
The WWE released several other performers last week.
This article originally appeared on Fox Sports.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/wwe-gives-brooklyn-brawler-the-axe