Armstrong's sons Brian and Scott shared the news of his death on Twitter Thursday night. He used that talent while he was an active wrestler, while he was the babyface commissioner for Smoky Mountain Wrestling, and even in the twilight of his career in TNA. He was going over to Scotts house to bench-press. Bullet Bob Armstrong (left) with son and tag team partner, Brad Armstrong. James. The WWE Hall Of Famer took to the squared circle for one final time as he competed in his last match at the . WWE remembers "Bullet" Bob Armstrong WWE 93.3M subscribers 116K views 2 years ago A look back at the legendary career of WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. The winning streak was stopped in April on WCW Saturday Night when they were defeated by Disorderly Conduct. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Please try again later. Not only was Bob Armstrong a great wrestler and the head of a great wrestling family and a great person in general, but he was special to me in several different parts of my life, specifically in Smoky Mountain Wrestling, where he made the company. Armstrong went into semi-retirement in 1988. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Ronda Rousey Injury Update: WrestleMania 39 Appearance at Risk? 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. On April 29, on WCW Monday Nitro the team faced Raven in a handicap match and were victorious. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. These two things drive me. Bob did everything in the wrestling business except hold the world championship. On April 25, 1995, he returned to work for WCW and wrestled Craig Pittman at a WCW Saturday Night episode. A Marine (Honor Man for his platoon at basic training on Parris Island) who turned into a fireman who turned into a professional wrestler from Marietta, Ga. An All-American-type guy whose personality came across in the interviews. Published: Aug. 27, 2020 at 8:35 PM PDT. But that was just him., His son Brian shared a tribute on Twitter, writing, Today I pray that I keep my head up, celebrating the life and legacy of my hero, my father. This was his final appearance with TNA. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Bob thought she had gone to sleep. The contest did not finish due to interference from Homicide and the newest LAX member, Hernandez, who had been sent to the locker room prior. Worked in finance before realizing pro wrestling journalism made much less sense. Ive enjoyed every interaction Ive had with every member of the family. Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Years later at a dance, after he had become a regional artist, this guy tried to jump him because his girlfriend was taking a liking to Billy Joe. His work was immaculate. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Make sure that the file is a photo. Im Southern-born and Southern-bred, and when I die, Ill be Southern-dead, was one of the many catchy phrases Armstrong would serve up as one the most prodigious promo men of that time. Try again. Two of his sons - former DX member Road Dogg, real name Brian Armstrong, and WWE producer Scott Armstrong - announced he pas Whether he was The Bullet or The Georgia Jawjacker, Armstrong was the right man for the job. On December 5, 2005, Armstrong underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. 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. Later that night I was dying. On April 27, at a television taping in Bismarck, ND they faced the NWO for the first time and defeated Vincent and Stevie Ray. No matter where he showed up, Bob Armstrong always seemed to be perfect for the time and the place. As a young man, James served in the United States Marine Corps in the early 1960s and was stationed in Korea. Steve formed a team with Tracy Smothers in Florida Championship Wrestling in 1987 called The Southern Boys. . When that boot came down on Bobs head and he sat up and started gushing blood, I was like Holy (crap), thats real! And then when Bob starts getting up and making the comeback and he starts firing those right hands on The Stomper, and The Stomper starts bleeding The people in the Gardens were literally not only standing up, but they were jumping up and down screaming, Get him! You still got it" may be an appropriate chant for "Bullet" Bob Armstrong this morning. Press J to jump to the feed. With a simple tweet on August 27, Brian G. James announced that his legendary father, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong had died, just a few months after Bob's wife had passed away. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Armstong, whose real name is Joseph James, wrestled . An ex-Marine and firefighter, the charismatic Armstrong was a superhero to an audience that believed in him. pic.twitter.com/vPG4iVyitq "I grew up in the country," Bob told me during an interview. 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. A member of one of wrestling's underrated dynasties, Brad Armstrong competed alongside his father "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, breaking into the business at age 18. 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. From Atlanta to Knoxville, Birmingham to Tampa, Armstrong regaled Southern audiences with his work in the ring and his gift of gab outside of it. We took Billy Joe to the Redhouse Caf. At Against All Odds on February 12, 2006, Kip and B.G. In 1990, The Southern Boys went to World Championship Wrestling and feuded with The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin). That night Im there at ringside, Im on the front row, Ive got my Kodak Instamatic camera. It was right in front of me.. Birthplace: Marietta, Georgia, USA Day of death: 27.08.2020 (at the age of 80) Cause of death: Knochentumor Gender: male Height: 5' 11" (180 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Bob Armstrong Bullet Georgia Jaw Cracker a.k.a. 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. The James Gang (also sent backstage) ran in to help Armstrong. Early wrestling career Armstrong was born Joseph James in Marietta, Ga. in 1939. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. He could talk to the people. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. The news was announced by his two sons - WWE producer Scott Armstrong and former DX member Road Dogg. Armstrong appeared on the first weekly Total Nonstop Action Wrestling pay-per-view on June 26, 2002, alongside fellow National Wrestling Alliance veterans Corsica Joe, Dory Funk, Jr., Harley Race, Jackie Fargo and Sarah Lee. Hes the guy you run into at a Cracker Barrel and will talk to you for 10 minutes. James, in a 2008 TNA tag-team title match with A.J. He has covered Division I college athletics and professional sports including MLB and NFL games. 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. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong was a professional wrestler whose career spanned five decades, from 1960 to his final match in 2009. Joseph James!, Platt shared the story at his friends service. Bullet was the leader of the pack. On the August 28, 2002 pay-per-view, Jarrett fought the Bullet to a no contest before striking Armstrong with a chair. 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. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Armstrongs masked identity of The Bullet became an important aspect of his career. And it was him. In addition to making occasional appearance on the independent circuit in Georgia and Alabama, Armstrong acted as the commissioner of Smoky Mountain Wrestling and worked backstage with Southeast Championship Wrestling and the Continental Wrestling Federation. , Post and Courier, an Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. tastier star jellies cookie run kingdom Search. It is with a very heavy heart we . Id been going to the matches for over a year. qatar to toronto flight status. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? He served in the U.S.. And he could talk to people just like somebody they knew.. Brian's brother and fellow WWE producer Scott confirmed the news via Twitter. He possessed that rare, God-given gift of grappling gab that could talk fans into the building. Search above to list available cemeteries. Thats a testament of dedication and appreciation to a guy who never said no to helping anyone out., I was honored to attend the celebration of life for maybe my best friend ever in wrestling, Bob Armstrong, Ron Fuller posted on Facebook. Our thoughts go out to the entire Armstrong family during this sad time. He currently lives in suburban Birmingham, Alabama and can be reached on Twitter @bamawriter. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. The last time I saw him, Pep was in a lot of pain, and that was pretty evident by the way he carried himself. Gail died just two days later, at the age of 80, on a Sunday morning as the two held hands while watching TV. Outside of it, he raised four boys who would proudly carry on his legacy. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I gave my son my cell phone when I was going to the emergency room. I also pray to remain thankful to my Heavenly Father for the gift of being born to my mom and dad!. 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. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. Bob Armstrong, who passed away Aug. 27 at the age of 80, was widely known as the patriarch of one of the most legendary families of Southern wrestling. Years of experience in writing, journalism, and digging exclusive insider info for Ringside News. They were saved when the returning Bob Armstrong entered the ring and chased LAX away. Only God in heaven wrote the finish to that.. Guy Haines is an up-and-coming tennis player who wants to marry Anne Morton . hyatt buys diamond resorts. He used George Thorogoods Bad To The Bone as an entrance theme and Id say it was a well fit choice. 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. . And people did believe. Im sure if they had wanted him in New York for that money, he would have probably gone. You can always change this later in your Account settings. They believed in him. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Manly man. At the time wrestling promotions were regional and he became a regular on the southeast circuit. He made a pretzel out of me and just made me realize how great he really was. Hes a member of the WWE Hall of Fame and a founder member of the Alabama Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. He has a pure loving kind heart personality. Joseph Melton James was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 3, 1939. You cant make this stuff up.. Their outdoor anniversary celebration included a parade of firetrucks circling around the assisted living facility, said Platt. Their pairing continued into 1998 but again saw little success. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Sometime later, WWE confirmed his death. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life. Ive loved the Armstrong family, said Cornette. 148 Williman Street As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Nothing can stop Thesz.. He was just a person that the people could associate with, said longtime Southeastern and Continental Wrestling commentator Charlie Platt, who visited Armstrong three weeks before his passing. May 26, 2009. He did everything. 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. Thanks for your help! Bob Armstrong Also known as Bullet, Georgia Jaw Cracker, Georgia Jaw Jacker, Jim Durango, Super A Overview Career Titles Matches Match Statistics Matchguide Feuds Rivals Tournaments Tag Teams & Stables Entourage Awards Themes Ratings Comments Matches Displaying items 1 to 100 of total 1382 items that match the search parameters. Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) August 28, 2020. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Fans talk about wrestlers being legitimate tough guys but Bob Armstrong was double-tough before he entered the squared circle, serving as a Marine and firefighter before becoming one of the top babyfaces of the territory era. 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. By Mike Rickard on September 23, 2020 2020, 2020s, Cancer Dino Bravo - Dead at 44 All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. But Bob, like the rest of the Armstrong family, all liked to be around home. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. 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. Bob Armstrong & Kip James: TNA Against All Odds '08 Feb 10th 2008: A.J. In 1993, he started to work for Jim Cornettes Smoky Mountain Wrestling. Vida was the mother of Joseph Armstrong,Robert Bradley,Steve Armstrong,andBrian James who all became pro wrestlers. There are legends in professional wrestling. Weve got to get him on every prayer list we can! Armstrong replied. Unfortunately Mrs. Armstrong (Vida Gail) died earlier this year as well and Bullet was suffering from bone cancer. We have set your language to The TV station started sending me stacks of printouts of emails that were coming to me at the station. Bob's wife, Vida Gail James, just passed away over the summer. 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) The email does not appear to be a valid email address. This account has been disabled. Following his service in the Marines, Armstrong became a firefighter, but hed been bit by the wrestling bug and entered the grappling game in 1963. Try again later. Scroll Down and find everything about him. Rest in peace, Pep. Equal parts strongman and showman . On the September 18, 2002 pay-per-view, the Bullet unmasked, revealing himself to be Armstrong's youngest son Brian Gerard James, who would subsequently go by "B.G. The wrestling community mourned the loss of one of its favorite sons. Much love, tweeted Hulk Hogan who, as young Sterling Golden, once dropped the Southeastern title to Armstrong in a match in Knoxville. He was well-rounded in all of it.. 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. Armstrong's career spanned more than five decades. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. On December 12, 2001, he teamed with Dusty Rhodes and Larry Zbyszko to defeat Barry Windham, Ron Reis and Steve Lawler at Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling. Steven James has a net worth of $5.00 million (Estimated) which he earned from his occupation as Wrestler. That 60-year marriage to one woman in the wrestling business says everything about who he was, said one friend. chose Armstrong as his tag team partner for his Feast or Fired Tag Title shot. Try again later. . Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this most difficult time. ProWrestling.com - Unfortunately, it has today been confirmed that WWE Hall Of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong has passed away at the age of 80. She just nodded off, said Platt. But his best asset was that he could talk people into the building. Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Bob's health has deteriorated rapidly.. 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. He never big-timed anybody, even a kid who was just learning how to lace up a pair of boots. When Armstrong retired full-time in 1988 and eventually settled in doing independents, Cornette called him about his new Smoky Mountain Wrestling promotion in 1992. 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. Bob Armstrong served his country in the Marines and returned to Marietta, Ga., to work as a fireman and become a pro wrestler. "It is with a very heavy heart we announce . (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). The Armstrong Brothers would continue teaming in 1997 and faced The Amazing French Canadians and The Steiner Brothers. Along the way he picked up dozens of individual and tag-team championships, including the Southern heavyweight championship, the Mid-America heavyweight title, the North American heavyweight title, and various regional tag titles with such partners as Robert Fuller, El Mongol, Roberto Soto, Dick Steinborn, Bill Dromo, Ken Lucas, and sons Brad and Steve Armstrong. He did it all. His passing was announced on Twitter by his sons, "Road Dogg" BG James and Scott Armstrong. This morning our Mother, Vida Gail James, the Matriarch of the James/Armstrong family, went to be with the Lord. 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. He asked my son to call him and let him know. I love pro wrestling and hate BS. Jackasses cant run with racehorses, Cornette reminisced regarding another favorite Armstrong line. The death of Bullet Bob was shared by two of his sons, Scott and Brian (Road Dogg). Failed to remove flower. I had a nice encounter with them that I posted on another subreddit. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. He has won awards from press associations in several states, including a General Excellence award from the Georgia Press Association while sports editor at The Statesboro Herald. Outside of it, he raised four boys who would proudly carry on his legacy. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); No spam. Bob Armstrong was diagnosed with prostate cancer and according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he refused treatment as he knew the cancer was terminal. On the December 3, 2005 episode of Impact!, Armstrong returned to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, congratulating the newly formed Four Live Kru on their unity. I do not know if there was a more well-liked and respected wrestler in any locker room I ever sat in than Bob Armstrong. 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. Following the death of Gail, Armstrong moved into the home of one of his sons, Brian, to spend his final days. He made his TV debut on the October 10, 1992 episode of Superstars, beating Tom Stone. Provided/Chris Swisher Collection. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); Konnan: arm wrestling: TNA iMPACT! intent upon avenging the harm done to his "daddy". 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.. We will review the memorials and decide if they should be merged. Steve Armstrong started wrestling in 1983 in the Alabama-based Southeast Championship Wrestling. Bob Armstrong continued working in the territories into the 1980s, feuding with some of the biggest stars in wrestling including Rowdy Roddy Piper,Ted DiBiase, and Ric Flair. Learn more about merges. 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. There is a problem with your email/password. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. He was 80. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Physical like their father, the boys would all grow up to . Jon Johnson. In the course of his career, which spanned five decades, Armstrong held numerous championships throughout the Southeastern United States. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The big arms. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Armstrong, whose father "Bullet" Bob Armstrong was a legendary wrestler, still has a connection with the WWE as his brothers, "The Road Dogg" Jesse James and Scott Armstrong, work for the company . . 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. GREAT NEWS! He frequently wrestled for affiliates of the National Wrestling Alliance, and on October 9, 1974, in Miami Beach, Florida, Armstrong unsuccessfully challenged Jack Brisco for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Bob Armstrong (215011718)? ternary operator with multiple conditions in angular. What You Didnt See Before WWE SmackDown This Week. Thirteen days later they would defeat The Power Company on WCW Saturday Night. 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. His wife Vida had passed away earlier in the year and Armstrong is survived by his sons Brian, Scott, and Steve. The mornings can be particularly painful for legendary pro wrestler Bob Armstrong, who at 69 continues to climb into the ring to . He wrestled his last match in 2009 at the age of 69. In his early years he had one of the most impressive physiques in wrestling. Synnm. We went 45 minutes and I dont think he drew a tired breath.. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. Billy Joe immediately asked, You worked in the wrestling business? Sorry! Nothing can stop Bullet. There was a problem getting your location. Must be just a coincidence though. 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. Feuded for years but will love each other forever, said Tennessee Stud Ron Fuller (Welch). Armstrong and his beloved wife, Gail, raised four sons Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian. It was making it difficult for him to grip dumbbells and lift enough weight to make him happy. Physical like their father, the boys would all grow up to become. He was always more concerned about everybody else. By 1970,Armstrong was wrestling full-time. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. And he had cancer for almost 2years, said Platt. based on information from your browser. "I talked the way people from the South talk, so people believed in me.".