WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong dies at 80 after battle with cancer
WWE Hall of Famer and legend “Bullet” Bob Armstrong has died at 80, his sons announced on Thursday night. Scott Armstrong, a WWE producer, and Brian Armstrong, a WWE Hall of Famer in his own right, posted the sad news on Twitter.
It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer “Bullet” Bob Armstrong. Information regarding funeral arrangements will come at a later date.
— Brian G. James (@WWERoadDogg) August 28, 2020
Scott announced in March that his dad was suffering from cancer his ribs, shoulder, and prostate, but had decided against going through treatment.
Today my 80yr old Dad, @WWE Hall of Famer Bullet Bob, asked if he could come over to get a workout! He’s got bone cancer in his ribs, shoulder and prostate and chose not to go through any treatment (his choice)! I put 30lbs on there and he said, “Gimme 100lbs!!! #Motivation 😎 pic.twitter.com/yhfda0AGqA
— Scott Armstrong (@WWEArmstrong) March 25, 2020
Born in Georgia in 1939, Armstrong served in the Marines and spent seven years as a firefighter before starting his wrestling career. Making his debut in 1960, back when professional wrestling was divided into territories, he made a name for himself wrestling in the southeastern territories and racked up numerous titles using his signature move, the Georgia Jawbreaker.
He retired in 1988, but he never completely retired. He continued wrestling sporadically, last stepping into the ring in 2019, when he was a sprightly 79, a whopping 59 years after his very first match.
His four sons — Scott, Brian, Brad, and Steve — all followed him into wrestling, turning it into the family business. He wrestled for six decades, and would eventually partner with each of his sons in the ring. They were on hand when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
The wrestling world mourns “Bullet” Bob
There was an outpouring of love and sympathy after the Armstrong boys announced their father’s death on Twitter. Mick Foley, CM Punk, Triple H, and others shared their memories of the legendary wrestler.
Bullet Bob. Always so nice to me. I’d like to think he saw how thrilled I was whenever I got to speak with him, which fortunately for me was often. Here is a rare picture of him with sleeves on his shirt. Condolences to your family @WWEArmstrong. Your father is a legend. pic.twitter.com/Un9Yn7Rle6
— player/coach (@CMPunk) August 28, 2020
.@StephMcMahon and I are thinking of the entire Armstrong family at this difficult time as they mourn the death of @WWE Hall of Famer and patriarch of the Armstrong family, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. @WWERoadDogg @WWEArmstrong
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 28, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Brian. I was so fortunate to have known “Bullet” Bob Armstrong, and watch him work his magic inside the ring.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. https://t.co/1nvXN0KnbA— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) August 28, 2020
RIP Bullet Bob Armstrong, one of the toughest human beings ever to walk the face of the planet and a true legend of the rasslin business. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/wDGv2POMgM
— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) August 28, 2020
AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary “Bullet” Bob Armstrong, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.#RIPBulletBob pic.twitter.com/rlpUpy6pJw
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) August 28, 2020
One more time.......for Bullet Bob Armstrong......he will forever and always be
Bad to the Bone
Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/nkoKdiB7nS— Kris Zellner (@KrisZellner) August 28, 2020
Rest In Peace, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong.. I’m so happy I was able to know/work with this extraordinary legend & kind human being. My thoughts & prayers go out to his family.
Godspeed, Bullet! pic.twitter.com/pPHDwpMUNx— MATTHEW HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) August 28, 2020
Sad to hear of the passing of #BulletBobArmstrong...a true man’s man in this sport of thieves. When I broke my arm in #SMW in 94, Bob was one of the ONLY ones to call & check on me. I also learned the art of cutting a promo from him. Rest well Bullet! @WWEArmstrong @WWERoadDogg
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 28, 2020
Heartbroken by the passing of Bullet Bob Armstrong. He crushed his Hall of Fame speech the night this picture was taken. Never seen a father more proud of his sons & sons more proud of their father...ever! #RIPBulletBob What an honor it is to have known you. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8O7oqeMgG8
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) August 28, 2020
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