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. Marietta, Georgia's Bullet Bob Armstrong was introduced to the WWE Hall of Fame 2011 induction ceremony stage by his son, Jesse James, who rhymes like a furious Al Sharpton and leads the evening's catch phrase race so far. We have very sad news to report as Vida Gail James, matriarch of their family has passed away. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 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. Must be just a coincidence though. Sometime later, WWE confirmed his death. He was proud as hell of his boys, Brad, Scott, Steve, and Brian, and they loved their father just as fiercely. paul pion cantor net worth. Famously known by the Family name Steven James, is a great Wrestler. Ex-Marine, ex-fireman. Wrestler Bob Armstrong battles on. Jon Johnson. In his early years he had one of the most impressive physiques in wrestling. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. Every wrestler is from Marietta, but Armstrong may have been one of the first. James" in TNA. Just how tough was he? Explore Steve Armstrong Wiki Age, Height, Biography as Wikipedia, Wife, Family relation. The TV station started sending me stacks of printouts of emails that were coming to me at the station. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! 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. He opted not to pursue treatment; he was going to be Bullet Bob Armstrong to the end. Failed to report flower. A main event pitting Armstrong against nemesis Cornette packed 3,000 fans into the towns Civic Coliseum. Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) August 28, 2020. The two would have been married 60 years this month, but instead celebrated their anniversary together in July since their health had been declining. I gave my son my cell phone when I was going to the emergency room. After this they were winless for the rest of 1997 in matches with Mortis and Wrath, as well as The Public Enemy. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. 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. There was a problem getting your location. In October 2005 he had match with Elix Skipper for the NWA Wrestle Birmingham in the Boutwell Memorial Auditorium. He was attacked by Jackson, and was sent to an asylum afterwards Bob put her out at the church to go in there and put me on the prayer list, said Platt. Sad to hear of the passing of Bullet Bob Armstrong a true mans man in this sport of thieves, tweeted Chris Jericho. Thirteen days later they would defeat The Power Company on WCW Saturday Night. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. He possessed that rare, God-given gift of grappling gab that could talk fans into the building. I worked with Scott( not in the wrestling industry)many years ago. They knew the tricks, they knew how to talk to the people.. document.getElementById("demo").innerHTML = "© " + html; 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. This was his final appearance with TNA. 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. Armstrongs sons inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, a well-earned tribute for an outstanding career. A pillar of the wrestling business, he could command the attention and respect of every locker room he ever shared. 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. Joseph Melton James was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 3, 1939. At the July 10 taping of WCW Pro WCW Tag-Team Champions Bunkhouse Buck and Dick Slaytor defeated the duo in the debut match. 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. Please try again later. From the time I started thinking Smoky Mountain Wrestling, that was the only spot I wanted for Bullet, and thats the only person I wanted for that spot.. Egos the way they were, I heard a couple guys over the years make remarks that he was booking all his boys, says Platt. You cant make this stuff up.. I dont mind and you dont matter.. Bob Armstrong stopped competing on a full-time basis in 1988, but his career was far from over. Armstrong declared that he would reunite the Kru and unsuccessfully petitioned the fourth former member, Ron Killings, to that effect on the December 24, episode of Impact!. Ive loved the Armstrong family, said Cornette. He dubbed his signature move the Georgia Jawbreaker. In both respects, he has been revered as a man of honor. intent upon avenging the harm done to his "daddy". Sorry! 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. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. 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. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this most difficult time. Joseph James [1] (Marietta, [5] 3 de outubro de 1939 [1] [2]) um lutador profissional estadunidense mais conhecido pela alcunha de "Bullet" Bob Armstrong.Patriarca da famlia Armstrong, composta por seus quatro filhos lutadores, [6] Armstrong lutou predominantemente em promoes do sudeste dos Estados Unidos filiadas a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), onde conquistou diversos ttulos. 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 . List of oldest surviving professional wrestlers, For other people named Bob Armstrong, see, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (20022008), Last edited on 22 February 2023, at 17:46, Mid-South Sports/Georgia Championship Wrestling, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southeast Continental Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship, "GWH News and Notes: Continental Championship Wrestling Results from Dothan on May 11", "WWE legend Bob Armstrong battling cancer and refused treatment for illness", "WWE Hall of Famer dies after bout with bone cancer", NWA Southern Heavyweight Title (Florida) history, "Elite Championship Wrestling - FL on Facebook", NWA Southern Heavyweight Title (Georgia) history, NWA Southeastern Tag Team Title (Georgia) history, NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title history, NWA/AWA Southern Heavyweight Title history, North American Heavyweight Title (Mid-South) history, "Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 1995", "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Top 500 Wrestlers of the PWI Years", NWA Southeast Continental Heavyweight Title history, "NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title (Southeastern/Continental) history", "NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title (Southern Division) history", NWA Southeastern 6-Man Tag Team Title history, "NWA Southeastern Tag Team Title (Southern Division) history", "NWA Southeastern Television Title (Southern Division) history", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bob_Armstrong&oldid=1140964876, GCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with, NWA Columbus Heavyweight Championship (4 times), NWA Columbus Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with, This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 17:46. He did it all. He was more concerned about me than him, said Platt. Let us know in the comments below. Armstrong wrestled alongside each of them in tag team matches throughout the 90s and 2000s. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong Highlight Video. He served as a commissioner in Jim Cornettes Smokey Mountain Wrestling and continued wrestling part-time as well as managing on occasion. James, in a 2008 TNA tag-team title match with A.J. Ive enjoyed every interaction Ive had with every member of the family. The news was confirmed by both his family and WWE, with the wrestling legend passing away after a bout with bone cancer. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. 1 As noted, WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday. But it was Vida Gail Adams James, as Armstrong often said, that raised a total of five boys, including himself.. His four sons: Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian "Road Dogg" James, all became wrestlers in their father's footsteps. He has covered Division I college athletics and professional sports including MLB and NFL games. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong was a professional wrestler whose career spanned five decades, from 1960 to his final match in 2009. 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. Provided, Bob Armstrong was one of the giants of Southern wrestling. Armstrong kept himself in ring shape thanks to a rigorous weight-lifting regimen, but his pumping iron nearly ended his life when his weight-lifting bench broke, dropping 180 pounds down on his face. No cause of death was mentioned. Bob Armstrong squares off with the Mongolian Stomper. On April 25, 1995, he returned to work for WCW and wrestled Craig Pittman at a WCW Saturday Night episode. Armstrong and his beloved wife, Gail, raised four sons Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian. A A 9 Road Dogg and Scott Armstrong have announced that their father, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, has passed away. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Catch WWE action on WWE. Pep and Mrs. Gail celebrated sixty years of marriage earlier this year before she passed. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Cornette realized Armstrong would instantly give the promotion credibility as commissioner. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. 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 sons who would carry on his legacy and family tradition. 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. He debuted as a wrestler in 1960, adopting the ring name "Bob Armstrong". You need a Find a Grave account to continue. Whether he was The Bullet or The Georgia Jawjacker, Armstrong was the right man for the job. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. They believed in him. Charleston, SC 29403, News tips/online questions: newstips@postandcourier.com, Delivery/subscription questions: subserve@postandcourier.com, var html = new Date().getFullYear(); There is a problem with your email/password. The Armstrong boys often found themselves in their dad's corner, as "Bullet" Bob partnered with each of his sons at various points in a competitive career which spanned over six decades. 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 Brothers would continue teaming in 1997 and faced The Amazing French Canadians and The Steiner Brothers. qatar to toronto flight status. Why didnt you say something? Well, it never came up. Let us know in the comments below. Admittedly, he and his wife were tough . This man took care of this woman and did everything for her the last two years of her life. In the ring, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong carved out distinction as a tough, working-class hero who would never back down from a fight. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. He eventually discarded the mask after his surgeries were complete, but retained the nickname "Bullet" for the remainder of his career until retiring in 1988. Steven James (born March 16, 1965), better known by his ring name Steve Armstrong is a professional wrestler and is the son of Bullet Bob Armstrong. My son called Bob and let him know that it wasnt good. 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. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Equal parts strongman and showman . Condolences to his family, friends, and fans. 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. Who could have written that finish? One of Armstrongs few blunders came during a match in the mid-70s in Miami with the great Lou Thesz, Armstrong said in an interview with SLAM Wrestling. It was a true love story. 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. But Bob, like the rest of the Armstrong family, all liked to be around home. Information regarding funeral arrangements will come at a later date. Strangers on a Train (1951) Warner Bros. Bruno Antony is wealthy but psychotic and harbors a deep hatred of his father. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Scotts teaming with Steve finally came to an end on March 1, 2000, when The James Brothers faced WCW World Tag-Team Champions Big Vito and Johnny The Bull at a WCW Saturday Night taping. With his large number of social media fans, he often posts many personal photos and videos to interact with his huge fan base on social media platforms. In 1993, he started to work for Jim Cornettes Smoky Mountain Wrestling. Bob Armstrong Georgia Jaw Cracker Jim Durango Bullet: Billed height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Billed weight: 227 lb (103 kg) Debut: . Styles (c) & Tomko (c) def. RIP Bullet. She just nodded off, said Platt. You go with who you brought to the dance. 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. 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. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. I had a nice encounter with them that I posted on another subreddit. Armstrong's wife of 42 years, Miranna, died in 2008, the statement said. On the August 22 taping of WCW Pro The Armstrong Brothers would finally gain their first WCW victory when they defeated Bill Payne and Rick Thames. Search above to list available cemeteries. Brian's brother and fellow WWE producer Scott confirmed the news via Twitter. On March 29, 2000 Steve made his last TV appearance for the promotion as he lost to Hugh Morrus on Saturday Night. He never big-timed anybody, even a kid who was just learning how to lace up a pair of boots. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. An ex-Marine and firefighter, the charismatic Armstrong was a superhero to an audience that believed in him. Typically working as a babyface, Bob Armstrong boasted a powerful physique and had the right mix of toughness and humility that made for the perfect babyface during the territory era. It was making it difficult for him to grip dumbbells and lift enough weight to make him happy. As a young man he was impressed and intrigued by the flamboyant performer. Joseph James!, Platt shared the story at his friends service. Bob thought she had gone to sleep. What are your favorite memories of Bullet Bob Armstrong? Brice Armstrong began his voiceover work on Dragon Ball Z in 1986. . Weve got to get him on every prayer list we can! Armstrong replied. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Bob's health has deteriorated rapidly.. It was a heartwarming thing to see guys like Jeff Jarrett, Ron Fuller and even Downtown Bruno drive the distances that they drove to show their respect to the family. Joseph Melton James (October 3, 1939 August 27, 2020) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. It is with a very heavy heart we . . Youll never tire of him as a face because he was every single man out there. Provided/Chris Swisher Collection, Bob Armstrong was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011. You can scroll down for information about his Social media profiles. We are so thankful that our Father was able to be at her side until the very end. 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. . The James Gang was victorious, but ambushed by the LAX after the match. Armstrong trained each of his sons to wrestle, and formed tag teams with them in the 1980s and 1990s. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. The news was announced by his two sons - WWE producer Scott Armstrong and former DX member Road Dogg. Tag Team Champs: Bob Armstrong (left) with Robert Fuller. His wife Vida had passed away earlier in the year and Armstrong is survived by his sons Brian, Scott, and Steve. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this most difficult time. These two things drive me. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Bob Bullet Armstrong I found on Findagrave.com. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Jackasses cant run with racehorses, Cornette reminisced regarding another favorite Armstrong line. [4] He died from complications of bone cancer on August 27, 2020, at the age of 80.[5]. [2][1] When he was a child, Joseph James's father took him to see Gorgeous George wrestle. Ive told you about the performer, but I also want to tell you a little bit about the man. Bob Armstrong was diagnosed with prostate cancer and according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he refused treatment as he knew the cancer was terminal. WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has died. 0. But his best asset was that he could talk people into the building. When I broke my arm in Smoky Mountain Wrestling in 94, Bob was one of the only ones to call and check on me. And then theres Bullet Bob Armstrong. He was truly a one of a kind competitor. His beloved childhood sweetheart and wife of nearly 60 years, Gail, had passed away only weeks before. 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. All of them were wrestlers like their dad. Make sure that the file is a photo. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. As a young man, James served in the United States Marine Corps in the early 1960s and was stationed in Korea. The Hulkster, incidentally, would never get the chance to even the score after leaving the territory for his first heel run for Vince McMahon Sr. If you couldnt have a great match with the Bullet you might as well quit and do something else, posted Ted DiBiase. According to Dave Meltzer: When he [Armstrong] was in his 60s, due to a combination of damage from decades of bumps and heavy lifting, he lost control of the pinky in one of his hands. Armstrong's career spanned more than five decades. 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. Armstrong suffered severe injuries in a mid-80s weightlifting accident that nearly cut his wrestling career short. I love pro wrestling and hate BS. Armstrong, who helped define Southern wrestling from the 1960s through the 1980s, began his career in Georgia in 1961 and became a staple throughout the Southeast. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. On the April 13 edition of WCW Worldwide they defeated The Southern Posse. Footage from Armstrong's knee surgery earlier that month aired on iMPACT! August 27, 2020) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. By Mike Rickard on September 23, 2020 2020, 2020s, Cancer Dino Bravo - Dead at 44 Steve Armstrong is a professional wrestler and is the son of "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. 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. On December 5, 2005, Armstrong underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. Thanks for your help! He has a pure loving kind heart personality. His four sons, Joseph Scott, Robert Bradley, Steve and Brian Girard, all became wrestlers. Georgia Jaw Jacker Jim Durango Super A Roles: Singles Wrestler Booker Promoter Trainer On-Air Official A month later on the August 5 edition they fell to Arn Anderson and Ric Flair. In his last year with Smoky he was in a feud with Buddy Landel for the SMW Heavyweight Championship. Armstrongs mix of brawling and martial arts moves gave him an eclectic style and fans cheered when he talked of jacking opponents jaws.. 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. He was preceded in death by his son, Brad, and his wife, universally known as Mrs. Gail. Armstrong initially was more than happy to come in, but as a wrestler, Cornette laughs. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? 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. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Bullet was working out until a month or two ago. WWE issued the following statement on Armstrong's passing: WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong passes away Armstrong began a wrestling dynasty, with his four sons all entering the squared circle. 0; Ten years.