The mornings can be particularly painful for legendary pro wrestler Bob Armstrong, who at 69 continues to climb into the ring to . Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? His next appearance was on the August 14, 2002 pay-per-view, where he was introduced as an on-screen authority figure and informed Jeff Jarrett that he would face a mystery opponent one week later. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. I reffed Bullet on many occasions.There will never be another Bullet Bob Armstrong.Such a gentleman. Armstong, whose real name is Joseph James, wrestled . In August 2002 he worked under The Bullet mask for TNA Wrestling, having a match with Jeff Jarrett. Armstrong and his beloved wife, Gail, raised four sons Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian. Get the occasional email with the latest wrestling tributes and memorials, Search by ring name, real name, cause of death, organization, time period (2000s, etc) or specific year, WWE Hall of Famer Ravishing Rick Rude was an amazing individual in and out of the ring. Id been going to the matches for over a year. In 2010, Bob returned to the ring at the "GOTJ 2010" event, where he defeated former rival "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr. From 2010 to 2015, Armstrong worked occasional matches around Georgia, mainly working for promotions such as All Pro Wrestling, Superstars Of Wrestling and Combat Sport Pro. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed "ol . 1987-2002 We took Billy Joe to the Redhouse Caf. It was a humbling experience knowing I knew every side of him, and he was the real deal that never knew what the real deal actually was. This is a clip of a Southeastern Title match from, I think, Christmas Night in 1979 that was played on TV and narrated by Les Thatcher. The two lost the championship match. . Also find out how he got rich at the age of 56. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Failed to report flower. Current Impact Champions Future Uncertain: AEW or WWE Return Possible? He could cut that promo not just a drab babyface promo. On the September 13 PPV Fall Brawl 98 they were involved in an angle when WCW Worldwide announcer Mike Tenay attempted to interview them, only to be interrupted by Ernest Miller who then attacked both brothers. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Suffering from cancer in his ribs, shoulder and prostate, the final bell rang for Armstrong on Aug. 27. You can find out how much net worth Steve has this year and how he spent his expenses. It was a true love story. By 1966, Armstrong had become a popular face in the Savannah, Georgia area, and in 1970 he ceased working as a firefighter and began focusing on his wrestling career. Drag images here or select from your computer for Bob Bullet Armstrong memorial. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! He asked me who I worked with, and I mentioned Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller, and before I could get Fullers name out, he blurted out: Joseph and Gail Adams James! Come to find out, he lived in the same neighborhood as Gail in Marietta, Ga. His family couldnt afford a piano, but her family could. That sort of work ethic quickly made him a favorite in the Atlanta territory. All rights reserved. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. On August 27, 2020, Bob Armstrong died at the age of 80. By the mid-70s, he was over not only in Georgia, but he became a favorite in Memphis, where he was a top-drawing babyface opponent for Jerry Lawler, and the Nashville territory, where he was used on top in a blazing feud with The Mongolian Stomper (Archie Gouldie). In July 1988 he made his debut in Japan for NJPW, mainly working with Tracy against the likes of Shinya Hashimoto, Masahiro Chono, Riki Choshu and even working in the main event against the legendary Antonio Inoki. Published at By Mike Rickard on September 23, 2020 2020, 2020s, Cancer Dino Bravo - Dead at 44 The James Gang (also sent backstage) ran in to help Armstrong. Born Joseph Melton James on Oct. 3, 1939, on a farm near Marietta, Ga., Bob Armstrong would leave his indelible mark on the wrestling business through a six-decade career in the ring and four. Armstrong's wife, Vida Gail, recently passed away at the end of June. He has cancer and refused treatment. While undergoing surgery, Armstrong donned a wrestling mask to conceal his disfigured features and began using the ring name "The Bullet". One of the reasons he was such an over babyface in the South is because babyfaces in the South had to be able to talk. He was 80. Vida was the mother of Joseph Armstrong,Robert Bradley,Steve Armstrong,andBrian James who all became pro wrestlers. It was in the 1970s that Armstrongs star began to rise as he wrestled in Georgia and later, Championship Wrestling from Florida. Who is Jim Cornette's wife? 0. intent upon avenging the harm done to his "daddy". "It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life. The last time I saw him, Pep was in a lot of pain, and that was pretty evident by the way he carried himself. Bob Armstrong stopped competing on a full-time basis in 1988, but his career was far from over. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. All of them were wrestlers like their dad. His feuds with Jos LeDuc and the Mongolian Stomper (Archie Gouldie) were legendary in the South, rough and bloody battles that left every customer satisfied. On the January 18, 2008 episode of Impact!, B.G. [2][1] When he was a child, Joseph James's father took him to see Gorgeous George wrestle. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. The WWE Hall Of Famer took to the squared circle for one final time as he competed in his last match at the . She just nodded off, said Platt. I love pro wrestling and hate BS. Let us know in the comments below. Provided/WWE, Bob and Gail Armstrong were married for nearly 60 years. James" in TNA. He may no longer be with us in body but will never fade away in our minds and souls. Brian James rose to success in the WWF as The Road Dogg Jesse James, Brad Armstrong teamed with his fatherand worked in singles competition, and brothers Steve and Scott had varying degrees of success. Bob Armstrong Georgia Jaw Cracker Jim Durango Bullet: Billed height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Billed weight: 227 lb (103 kg) Debut: . The all became wrestlers: Joseph, aka Scott Armstrong, Brad, Steve, and Brian, aka WWE Hall of Famer "Road Dogg" Jesse James. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. On the February 17 edition of WCW Saturday Night they again fell to Men at Work. Taping Mar 28th 2006: Konnan: draw (NC) Bob Armstrong: arm wrestling: TNA Destination X '06 Mar . While bench pressing a dumbbell weighing upwards of 180lb (82kg) in a gym in Georgia, the bench that Armstrong was lying upon broke, leading to the weight falling on his face. "It is with a very heavy heart we announce . I sat on my dads shoulders and thought this must be what an angel looks like, he said in Heroes and Icons. He was dressed in all gold with that platinum and it made such an impression on me.. Please reset your password. [3], In March 2020, Armstrong was diagnosed with bone cancer in his ribs, shoulder, and prostate, he refused treatment as he knew the cancer was terminal. He walked up behind him and fired both of his pistols, but neither of them fired a bullet due to the humid weather and the model's vulnerability to moisture. I also pray to remain thankful to my Heavenly Father for the gift of being born to my mom and dad!. based on information from your browser. And hes one of the few wrestlers that Hulk Hogan never evened up with after a loss when Pep pinned the Hulkster then going by the name Sterling Golden to re-claim the Southeastern title in Knoxville. He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! In the course of his career, which spanned five decades, Armstrong held numerous championships throughout the Southeastern United States. The news was announced by his two sons - WWE producer Scott Armstrong and former DX member Road Dogg. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Physical like their father, the boys would all grow up to . Jackasses cant run with racehorses, Cornette reminisced regarding another favorite Armstrong line. Bob went in there with her. Bob put her out at the church to go in there and put me on the prayer list, said Platt. What You Didnt See Before WWE SmackDown This Week. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). Even at age 80, with cancer having spread into his bones throughout much of his once chiseled body, Armstrong was battling like he had all those years inside a wrestling ring. Three weeks ago, Platt made the trip to Jay, Fla., to visit with Armstrong, the legendary wrestler often referred to as "Bullet Bob," who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 80. There is no question Steve Armstrong is the most famous & most loved celebrity of all the time. Bullet Bob Armstrong was a true Southern wrestling hero, By Mike Mooneyham Just how tough was he? He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. Make sure that the file is a photo. The run proved to be short, as after only a few TV appearances and some house show victories over Skinner and Terry Taylor, he left the WWF in January 1993. tastier star jellies cookie run kingdom Search. Armstrong's career spanned more than five decades. Well I came through the other side after seven days on the ventilator. He worked exactly like you would have expected this guy to work. ternary operator with multiple conditions in angular. Lots of sunshine. He could talk like nobody else.. Your legacy is etched in stone rest easy Sir. ProWrestling.com - Unfortunately, it has today been confirmed that WWE Hall Of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong has passed away at the age of 80. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He was low-key hilarious, but he was also respectful and humble, even though by the time I finally got to share a locker room with him, he was a legendary presence in the business. The young James was impressed and intrigued by the flamboyant performer. WWE said Armstrong earned a "tough man" reputation during the territorial days of pro wrestling, thanks to his tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and his seven-year tenure as a member of . His talent and passion for the business was passed on to his four sons Road Dogg Brian, Steve, Scott and the late Brad Armstrong, all stars in their own right. The confrontation led to a six-man bout between LAX and Armstrong and The James Gang at Destination X on March 12, which was won by Kip James. Joseph Melton James (October 3, 1939 August 27, 2020) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Press J to jump to the feed. Oddly enough around that same time a masked individual named The Bullet who looked an awful lot like Bob and had similar moves and mannerisms was making his way around the territories of wrestling. Armstrong's wife of 42 years, Miranna, died in 2008, the statement said. . We went 45 minutes and I dont think he drew a tired breath.. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. He's won multiple awards for reporting and opinion writing, and his sports journalism has garnered several Associated Press Managing Editors Awards. Year should not be greater than current year. Armstrong won a number of singles and tag team titles in the territories and earned a title shot against NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco, coming up short but looking like a champion nonetheless. A pillar of the wrestling business, he could command the attention and respect of every locker room he ever shared. Bob Armstrong squares off with the Mongolian Stomper. You can scroll down for information about his Social media profiles. Why didnt you say something? Well, it never came up. He was at the gym doing pullovers when the bench, which wasnt properly bolted down, came apart and broke, bringing down a 185-pound barbell on his face, breaking a number of bones and tearing off part of his nose. However, there was , Weve profiled 40 wrestlers who sadly, didnt make it to see age 40, including many enhancement talent names of the , Heart Attack / Heart Failure / Heart Disease, Comprehensive Deceased Wrestlers List (text-only), Comprehensive Deceased Managers List (text-only), 8 Things You May Not Have Known About Rick Rude. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No spam. . In 1990, The Southern Boys went to World Championship Wrestling and feuded with The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin). Its hard to cry about Bullet because I looked at him like a Southern version of Lou Thesz, says Cornette. But once he explained to Armstrong that he would be more valuable as the face of the promotion, a believable authority figure who still had the muscle to enforce the rules, Armstrong agreed. Oops, something didn't work. Bullet was the leader of the pack. Steven James Net Worth & Basic source of earning is being a successful American Wrestler. WWE Hall of Famer, Bullet Bob Armstrong has died after a bout with bone cancer. Bobby Mathews is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories as well as a veteran journalist whose byline has appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Denver Post, as well as other newspapers around the country. His latest book Final Bell is now available at https://evepostbooks.com and on Amazon.com, The Post and Courier Road Dogg also posted a tribute to his mother after her passing. On the July 28, 1996 edition of WCW Worldwide they fell to Lord Steven Regal and Squire Dave Taylor. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong died in August at age 80 after a career in pro wrestling that earned him induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 though he had never been a WWE wrestler. WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has died. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. The James Gang was victorious, but ambushed by the LAX after the match. He did it all. WWE legend 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong is suffering from bone cancer in several parts of his body but is refusing treatment at the age of 80. James Melton James was born on October 3, 1939 and enjoyed watching professional wrestling with his father. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. They went back to Continental Championship Wrestling (formerly SCW) and feuded with Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden over the Tag Team Titles. Now Im one that believes in the power of prayer. PWSTees.com Your favorite Pro Wrestling Stories, on a tee! Scott Armstrong, a WWE producer, and Brian Armstrong, a WWE Hall of Famer in his. WWE is saddened to learn that "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, a WWE Hall of Famer and patriarch of the legendary Armstrong wrestling family, has passed away at age 80. . His wife Vida had passed away earlier in the year and Armstrong is survived by his sons Brian, Scott, and Steve. Menu Special to The Post and Courier, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison after conviction in double-murder trial, Jay Lethal, 'The Franchise' for Ring of Honor wrestling, still on the rise at age 35, Wrestling's Doug Gilbert lived up to his mat moniker as 'The Pro', Former WCW star Buff Bagwell recovering from serious car accident, Dick Bournes new wrestling book is a Crown Jewel, Oh, what a rush! Remembering Road Warrior Animal Joe Laurinaitis. What are your favorite memories of "Bullet" Bob Armstrong? I have seen Bob Armstrong wrestle talents like Harley Race and Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, in an arena that was packed to the gills. The Armstrong Family (real surname James, Armstrong is a ring name) is originally from Georgia, but a couple members, including Bullet, have found home in the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze areas. In his last year with Smoky he was in a feud with Buddy Landel for the SMW Heavyweight Championship. Thesz came in, he was about 55 years old and I was in my prime and I said, Lou, do you want me to slow down a little bit? That was the biggest mistake I ever made. He was of the generation where you could get over in your home area or in the adjacent territories and you could work a 15- or 20-year career and never have to work in Washington state or California. All Rights Reserved, Follow Us on Snapchat for All Our Breaking News. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. He served as a commissioner in Jim Cornettes Smokey Mountain Wrestling and continued wrestling part-time as well as managing on occasion. Wiki Biography & Celebrity Profiles as wikipedia. His work was immaculate. On December 5, 2005, Armstrong underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. 1 As noted, WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday. Armstrong's sons Brian and Scott shared the news of his death on Twitter Thursday night. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) August 28, 2020. A retirement show was held on May 29, 2009, at The Dothan Civic Center where many past stars came out to honor Armstrong before his match in the main event. Armstrong's eldest son Scott - best known for being a WWE referee - posted the news online, with a picture of his dad on a weight machine. The sons of Bob Armstrong, Scott and Brian, announced on August 27th, 2020, that the Bullet Pep, if you knew him had passed after fighting bone cancer for the better part of a year. On May 11, 2019, Bullet Bob wrestled his last match, defeating the Assassin at the tender age of 79. The TV station started sending me stacks of printouts of emails that were coming to me at the station. You cant make this stuff up.. Hulk is the Southeastern champion defending the belt against. Information regarding funeral arrangements will come at a later date. He dubbed his signature move the Georgia Jawbreaker. The tough-as-nails grappler, taking the name Bob Armstrong because of his big arms, was the consummate hometown hero whose blue-collar work ethic and traditional Southern values made him one of the top babyfaces on Southeastern wrestling circuits during the territorial era. It was making it difficult for him to grip dumbbells and lift enough weight to make him happy. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Unfortunately Mrs. Armstrong (Vida Gail) died earlier this year as well and Bullet was suffering from bone cancer. Bullet was working out until a month or two ago. But she had passed away. His four sons Brad, Scott, Steve, and Brian all made names for themselves in the wrestling industry and got to honor their father with a WWE Hall of Fame induction back in 2011. 0; Try again later. After this they moved on to a brief series of matches with Harlem Heat, and in May 1997 defeated the new duo of Jim Powers and Bobby Walker, the latter put together by Teddy Long. [4] He died from complications of bone cancer on August 27, 2020, at the age of 80.[5]. During the 60s it wasnt uncommon to see the Fighting Fireman rush to the Channel 11 studio in Atlanta after finishing a shift as a Cobb County fireman, only to put out another fire, this time inside a wrestling ring during the weekly TV tapings. Armstrong's face was severely damaged and his nose was torn entirely off, and he required $38,000 USD worth of plastic surgery to repair it. He did everything. This account has been disabled. He began wrestling in 1960. That night Im there at ringside, Im on the front row, Ive got my Kodak Instamatic camera. He could move. In his emotional tribute, Scott Armstrong revealed that their father Bullet Bob Armstrong was by her side until the end. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. (I thought) Even with cancer, hell be the guy that beats it. May he rest in peace with his lovely bride! Ron Fuller (Welch) posted on social media. It would be a mat moniker that would stick the rest of his life. But I got to wrestle against him, I got to talk with him, and I got to learn a little bit every time I saw him. Outside of it, he raised four boys who would proudly carry on his legacy. He actually had nerve damage and lost control of one of his pinky fingers a while back and he couldnt grip his barbells very good. Try again. Longtime friend Les Thatcher, mourning the loss of Armstrong on his Facebook page, said there was no doubt that he was always Bad to the Bone, referring to the gritty guitar and saxophone of George Thorogoods signature song, which served as The Bullets popular ring entrance theme. The mystery opponent was revealed to be "The Masked Bullet", a masked wrestler who imitated Armstrong's mannerisms (although Armstrong himself came to the ringside during the match, proving that he was not the Bullet). This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. I gave my son my cell phone when I was going to the emergency room. In Georgia Championship Wrestling, Bob once told Roddy Piper that the Rowdy Scotsman wasnt in his league, because jackasses dont run with racehorses. James, in a 2008 TNA tag-team title match with A.J. Strangers on a Train (1951) Warner Bros. Bruno Antony is wealthy but psychotic and harbors a deep hatred of his father. Rest in peace, Pep. They knew the tricks, they knew how to talk to the people.. "Bullet" Bob, the patriarch of one of pro wrestling's most beloved families, passed away on August 27 at the age of 80. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong Highlight Video. Joseph Melton James was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 3, 1939. I dont care what anybody else does, wrestling has to be real. Armstrong initially was more than happy to come in, but as a wrestler, Cornette laughs. The death of Bullet Bob was shared by two of his sons, Scott and Brian (Road Dogg). On April 27, 1996, he teamed with his son Brad to defeat Bunkhouse Buck and Lord Steven Regal at a World Championship Wrestling house show in Canton, Georgia. Armstrong was married to wife Gail and together they had four sons: Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian. They had done everything they could do, and they were told to go ahead and make the final arrangements because they didnt think I would come off the ventilator. He was more concerned about me than him, said Platt. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. Bob Armstrong's wife passed away "Our prayers for one of the greatest Georgia has given, the Hall of Famer WWE, Bob Armstrong and his wife Gail. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); After this they were winless for the rest of 1997 in matches with Mortis and Wrath, as well as The Public Enemy. Cornette also had bigger plans for Armstrong down the road, and that would include putting on the tights again whenever needed to pop a big crowd in Knoxville, nearly 25 years after his main-event run in that territory. Longtime Southeastern Wrestling commentator Charlie Platt was the emcee for the evening, and people who loved Bob Armstrong the man and the wrestler were able to gather and pay homage to a man who helped define Southern wrestling from the 1960s through the 1980s. He suffered a bad weightlifting accident back in the 80s that required plastic surgery and put him out of commission for a while. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. I'm an old guy and have been a wrestling fan since I was young. Steve Armstrong started wrestling in 1983 in the Alabama-based Southeast Championship Wrestling. Famed wrestling manager Jim Cornette, who appointed Armstrong as commissioner of his fledgling Smoky Mountain Wrestling promotion after Armstrongs in-ring career had wound down, called his friend the complete package., He looked like a million dollars, Cornette said on his Jim Cornette Experience podcast. Guy Haines is an up-and-coming tennis player who wants to marry Anne Morton . Bob's wife, Vida Gail James, just passed away over the summer. So he learned to play piano in Gails house. Armstrong suffered severe injuries in a mid-80s weightlifting accident that nearly cut his wrestling career short. I was able to admire him when I was just a young kid growing up, and I got to find out that sometimes your heroes live up to their hype. pic.twitter.com/vPG4iVyitq On the April 13 edition of WCW Worldwide they defeated The Southern Posse. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Armstrong would also play a lead authority figure in the early years of TNA where, at the age of 68, he teamed with son Brian, known then as B.G. Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. . Really nice guy and was a true credit to the industry. Hes the guy you run into at a Cracker Barrel and will talk to you for 10 minutes. Known as Pep to friends, family and old-timers, Armstrong first got hooked on pro wrestling as a youngster when his father took him to a show featuring the flamboyant heel Gorgeous George. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed "ol' war horse" also made the case that his many triumphs likely benefited from divine intervention, too. He was one of the last great regional stars, and he continued making shots for independent promotions in Florida and Alabama into his 70s. In July he began teaming with his brother Scott as The James Boys. Information regarding funeral arrangements will come at a later date. He used George Thorogoods Bad To The Bone as an entrance theme and Id say it was a well fit choice. To use this feature, use a newer browser. He asked my son to call him and let him know. Nothing can stop Thesz.. Explore Steve Armstrong Wiki Age, Height, Biography as Wikipedia, Wife, Family relation. In 1993, he started to work for Jim Cornettes Smoky Mountain Wrestling. Verify and try again. And he could talk to people just like somebody they knew.. There is a problem with your email/password. Ive loved the Armstrong family, said Cornette. Although back as a performer in WCW, he was mainly used as a jobber working with his brother Scott as The Armstrongs or James Brothers on Saturday Night, WorldWide and on rare occasions on Monday Nitro. Wrestler Bob Armstrong battles on. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed "ol . He came out of retirement and wrestled for Smokey Mountain Wrestling between 1992 and 1995 when the promotion closed its doors down. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. . The Bullet: Bob Armstrong: The Brown Bombers (Alabama) Bobby Eaton and Arvil Hutto: Canadian Cougar (FIP) Tony Kozina: Captain USA (WCCW) John Studd: Charlie Brown (Mid-Atlantic)