Funk's Corner - Flying Brian Pillman

Brian Pillman played collegiate football at the University of Miami.  In 1984, he made his pro debut with the Cincinnati Bengal Tigers of the NFL.  Following that, he went on to play briefly in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampede. Brian didn't like taking orders and the strict discipline associated with playing football. Brian had always been interested in professional wrestling. He told his friend Bruce Hart (of the famous wrestling Hart family)  that he had watched Terry and I while growing up and would like to give professional wrestling a try.

Brian learned to wrestle training in the Dungeon, The Basement of Stu Harts home in Calgary Alberta with Stu and the Hart family. This is a place that the weak and faint of heart dare not tread. He began his wrestling career in Calgary Stampede Wrestling, Stu Hart's promotion.

Brian went on to World Championship Wrestling and finished his career wrestling for Vince McMahon in the WWF. He was often called Flyin' Brian Pillman. The name was appropriate for his style in the ring,  flying skills in airplanes and daredevil escapades including skydiving.

Brian was a great performer in the wrestling business. We will all miss him. He was 36 years old.

With the passing of Brian, we all lose many years of wrestling entertainment yet to come,  wrestling skills unknown and interviews un-given. We also lose a good man who cared about family and friends. Brian was one hell of a wrestler who gave the fans his best, even more than their money's worth.

Exclusive Photos of Flying Brian Pillman from Stampede Wrestling's "Stu Hart's 80th Birthday" show, December 19, 1995 are on our website at www.dory-funk.com.