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. Weve got to get him on every prayer list we can! Armstrong replied. Ex-Marine, ex-fireman. 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. The WWE legend was battling bone cancer and the disease had spread to his rib, shoulder and prostate. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! This morning our Mother, Vida Gail James, the Matriarch of the James/Armstrong family, went to be with the Lord. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. qatar to toronto flight status. In July he began teaming with his brother Scott as The James Boys. Nothing can stop Bullet. In 1991, they changed their name to The Young Pistols and they became heels and won the U.S. Tag Team Titles. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Synnm. Other than a couple young guys getting into the business complaining like that, never ever did anybody say anything bad about Bob.. [4] He died from complications of bone cancer on August 27, 2020, at the age of 80.[5]. He was well-rounded in all of it.. Personal touch and engage with his followers. 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. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? In his early years he had one of the most impressive physiques in wrestling. Information . "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. We went 45 minutes and I dont think he drew a tired breath.. 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. His prime was well before my time, but I always enjoyed seeing him and Mrs. Armstrong at the local wrestling events. I never intended to use Bob Armstrong in any other fashion, and I never intended for Bob Armstrongs spot to be taken by anybody else. Im sure if they had wanted him in New York for that money, he would have probably gone. 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. Try again later. Platt, a longtime wrestling commentator who also served as the host of a popular morning show in Dothan, Ala., recalled a dinner meeting with close friend and renowned songwriter and producer Buddy Buie, and country and pop singer Billy Joe Royal, who had been in town promoting a concert. May 26, 2009. 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. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. I reffed Bullet on many occasions.There will never be another Bullet Bob Armstrong.Such a gentleman. No BS. He was a former United States marine, the Honor Man of his platoon. 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. A talented wrestler, Brad Armstrong worked a number of gimmicks, but never found the same success as his father, or brother. Make sure that the file is a photo. I also pray to remain thankful to my Heavenly Father for the gift of being born to my mom and dad!. Joseph Melton James was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 3, 1939. Bob did everything in the wrestling business except hold the world championship. He served as a commissioner in Jim Cornettes Smokey Mountain Wrestling and continued wrestling part-time as well as managing on occasion. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Worked in finance before realizing pro wrestling journalism made much less sense. We invite you to share condolences for "Bullet" Bob Armstrong in our Guest Book. Really nice guy and was a true credit to the industry. I gave my son my cell phone when I was going to the emergency room. "I talked the way people from the South talk, so people believed in me.". Rest well Bullet!. 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. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the . He was a superhero, but he was the superhero you bought every issue of the comic book to see what happens next.". Armstrong initially was more than happy to come in, but as a wrestler, Cornette laughs. No matter where he showed up, Bob Armstrong always seemed to be perfect for the time and the place. There was a problem getting your location. Bob Bradley: Beetlejuice (WCW) Art Barr: The Best (ICW-Poffo) Bob Roop : The Best (ICW-Poffo) Bob Orton Jr. Big Machine (WWF) BlackJack Mulligan: . To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Armstong, whose real name is Joseph James, wrestled . Add to your scrapbook. 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. The winning streak was stopped in April on WCW Saturday Night when they were defeated by Disorderly Conduct. Bob Armstrong: Bio In the ring, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong carved out distinction as a tough, working-class hero who would never back down from a fight. Ive told you about the performer, but I also want to tell you a little bit about the man. Resend Activation Email. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. He used George Thorogoods Bad To The Bone as an entrance theme and Id say it was a well fit choice. "Bullet" Bob, the patriarch of one of pro wrestling's most beloved families, passed away on August 27 at the age of 80. Taping Mar 28th 2006: Konnan: draw (NC) Bob Armstrong: arm wrestling: TNA Destination X '06 Mar . You have permission to edit this article. [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. ternary operator with multiple conditions in angular. You cant make this stuff up.. Weve updated the security on the site. He's won multiple awards for reporting and opinion writing, and his sports journalism has garnered several Associated Press Managing Editors Awards. Steve made his return to PPV when he appeared at WCW World War III on November 26, 1995 when he competed in the three ring battle royal. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Armstrong trained each of his sons to wrestle, and formed tag teams with them in the 1980s and 1990s. 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. My son called Bob and let him know that it wasnt good. And he had cancer for almost 2years, said Platt. Hes a member of the WWE Hall of Fame and a founder member of the Alabama Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. Who could have written that finish? Bullet Bob Armstrong was a true Southern wrestling hero, By Mike Mooneyham 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. "Bullet" Bob Armstrong Highlight Video. Late last night Road Dogg and Scott Armstrong both tweeted that their Hall of Famer father 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong had sadly passed away. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. It was only cancer, so he was still working out, said Cornette. Long before guys like the Undertaker and Triple H were main eventing shows in their 50s, Bob Armstrong was doing so regularly - and believably. The all became wrestlers: Joseph, aka Scott Armstrong, Brad, Steve, and Brian, aka WWE Hall of Famer "Road Dogg" Jesse James. By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. 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. Armstrong achieved considerable popularity in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Alabama and his home state of Georgia. As a young man, James served in the United States Marine Corps in the early 1960s and was stationed in Korea. WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong Dies . He asked my son to call him and let him know. The last time I saw Pep was November of 2019 on a night when a small group of fans and former colleagues, led by the original Tennessee Stud, Ron Fuller, gathered to pay tribute to Bob at The Crossing, just outside of Dothan, Alabama. He possessed that rare, God-given gift of grappling gab that could talk fans into the building. Hulk is the Southeastern champion defending the belt against. We have very sad news to report as Vida Gail James, matriarch of their family has passed away. Try again. 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. Athletic-wise, physique-wise, doing interviews. based on information from your browser. Early wrestling career Armstrong was born Joseph James in Marietta, Ga. in 1939. He won, he lost, he got beat down and he battled back. He wrestled his last match in 2009 at the age of 69. I worked with Scott( not in the wrestling industry)many years ago. A main event pitting Armstrong against nemesis Cornette packed 3,000 fans into the towns Civic Coliseum. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Published: Aug. 27, 2020 at 8:35 PM PDT. tastier star jellies cookie run kingdom Search. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. 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. 1Title was awarded to them sometime in 2005 though the records are unclear as to the exact date and which promotion they wrestled in at the time. Bob thought she had gone to sleep. Pro beachballs at pro wrestling shows, pro dives if someone catches, anti bullies, olives, and pineapples on pizza. 1 As noted, WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! 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. Armstrongs masked identity of The Bullet became an important aspect of his career. 1. At the time wrestling promotions were regional and he became a regular on the southeast circuit. However, at Turning Point on December 11, 2005, the Four Live Kru disintegrated, with Konnan betraying fellow members Kip and B.G. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Learn more about merges. Gimmick: Year: The death of Bullet Bob was shared by two of his sons, Scott and Brian (Road Dogg). Cornette vividly remembered photographing an Armstrong-Stomper match back in the mid-70s in Louisville, and even used one of his photos on the cover of Tuesday Night at the Gardens in 2015. Youll never tire of him as a face because he was every single man out there. Armstrong's wife of 42 years, Miranna, died in 2008, the statement said. And he could talk to people just like somebody they knew.. 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. 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). 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. He was one of the last great regional stars, and he continued making shots for independent promotions in Florida and Alabama into his 70s. The news was announced by his two sons - WWE producer Scott Armstrong and former DX member Road Dogg. 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. He worked in Smoky Mountain for two years and mainly worked in tag team competition with his brother Scott. 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. Year should not be greater than current year. And one Joseph James entered the scene and beat the living stuffing out of this guy. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Bob Armstrong (215011718)? That was Bullet.. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Clear skies. 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. A life well lived, Bob Armstrong left a legacy that will live forever. He has covered Division I college athletics and professional sports including MLB and NFL games. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). . He opted not to pursue treatment; he was going to be Bullet Bob Armstrong to the end. Scroll Down and find everything about him. It was making it difficult for him to grip dumbbells and lift enough weight to make him happy. It was a bloodbath that Cornette, as a young fan, said made him believe again.. The name Bob Armstrong was known far and wide throughout the South by not only wrestling fans, but many others in the entertainment business. 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. His four sons: Brad, Scott, Steve and Brian "Road Dogg" James, all became wrestlers in their father's footsteps. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Bob Bullet Armstrong I found on Findagrave.com. He did everything. I love pro wrestling and hate BS. He was a great guy himself and I hope my condolences reach him. On May 11, 2019, Bullet Bob wrestled his last match, defeating the Assassin at the tender age of 79. Unfortunately Mrs. Armstrong (Vida Gail) died earlier this year as well and Bullet was suffering from bone cancer. He is seen as one of the most successful Wrestler of all times. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. That sort of work ethic quickly made him a favorite in the Atlanta territory. Ive loved the Armstrong family, said Cornette. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. Afterwards, he retired once again and did not wrestle for a few years. 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 post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 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. WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong has died. We took Billy Joe to the Redhouse Caf. He was attacked by Jackson, and was sent to an asylum afterwards (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). Bullet was a known name in the wrestling territories back in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. And people did believe. GREAT NEWS! Provided/Chris Swisher Collection. But it was Vida Gail Adams James, as Armstrong often said, that raised a total of five boys, including himself.. These two things drive me. Suffering from cancer in his ribs, shoulder and prostate, the final bell rang for Armstrong on Aug. 27. She just nodded off, said Platt. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this most difficult time. "It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong. 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. In 1990, The Southern Boys went to World Championship Wrestling and feuded with The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin). 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. Let us know in the comments below. Bob Armstrong is a guy that should never have had even the one heel turn, a fan wrote. 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. pic.twitter.com/vPG4iVyitq Armstrong's wife, Vida Gail, recently passed away at the end of June. The young James was impressed and intrigued by the flamboyant performer. Just how tough was he? Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. | Terms of Use| Privacy Policy. James (The James Gang) faced the Latin American Exchange, with B.G. The James Gang (also sent backstage) ran in to help Armstrong. 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. The family is very close. What You Didnt See Before WWE SmackDown This Week. In August 2002 he worked under The Bullet mask for TNA Wrestling, having a match with Jeff Jarrett. 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. Styles and Tyson Tomko. Bob's four sons would eventually follow in their father's footsteps, with Brian going on to compete in WWE as "Road Dogg" Jesse James. People loved that, Cornette said of Armstrongs homespun expressions traced to his days on the family farm. And listen Jay, Fla., is not even on the map. For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. He could talk like nobody else.. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. He has three brothers who also entered the wrestling business: Scott, Brad (who died in 2012) and Brian. Below is a tweet from his son as well as WWE's announcement: It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. 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. . 0; They knew the tricks, they knew how to talk to the people.. His four sons became professional wrestlers and he partnered with them in tag team matches at various points in his career.Armstrong was born Joseph Melton James, Jr. in Marietta, Ga. in 1939. All rights reserved. An ex-Marine and firefighter, the charismatic Armstrong was a superhero to an audience that believed in him. UFC Fighter Paddy Pimblett Throws His Hat in the Ring to Fight Jake Paul, Former UFC Fighter Gets Slapped by Jake Gyllenhaal in Filming of Road House Remake, Dana White Confirms Francis Ngannou is No Longer Welcome in the UFC, 2023 Ringside News. He suffered a bad weightlifting accident back in the 80s that required plastic surgery and put him out of commission for a while. He included the same message as his brother. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Verify and try again. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Information regarding funeral arrangements will come at a later date. 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. In the course of his career, which spanned five decades, Armstrong held numerous championships . Armstrong, who had lived in the Pensacola area for years, had moved into an assisted living facility to be with his wife, who was suffering from Alzheimers disease. 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! 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. 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. It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of our Father and @WWE Hall of Famer "Bullet" Bob Armstrong. To use this feature, use a newer browser. . It is with a very heavy heart we . Armstrong required extensive plastic surgery, but like any true professional wrestler, he incorporated the injury into a storyline, donning a mask and claiming an opponent had injured him. Despite being advised to refrain from wrestling until March 2006, Armstrong resumed wrestling later that month. 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. Armstrong suffered severe injuries in a mid-80s weightlifting accident that nearly cut his wrestling career short. That night Im there at ringside, Im on the front row, Ive got my Kodak Instamatic camera.