Brad Armstrong was a professional wrestler who was best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s. He was the son of wrestling legend “Bullet” Bob Armstrong and the brother of wrestlers Steve, Scott and Brian. He had a long and successful career in the ring, winning several championships and earning the respect of his peers and fans. But how did Brad Armstrong die? What was the cause of his death? Here are some facts you need to know.
Early Life and Career
Brad Armstrong was born Robert Bradley James on June 15, 1962, in Marietta, Georgia. He started wrestling at the age of 18 in the National Wrestling Alliance’s (NWA) Gulf Coast territory, Southeastern Championship Wrestling, where he won the NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Championship. He moved to the NWA’s Georgia territory, Georgia Championship Wrestling, in 1984, where he feuded with Ted DiBiase, Tommy Rich and Tim Horner. He formed a tag team with Horner called The Lightning Express, and they won the NWA National Tag Team Championship twice.
He joined Jim Crockett Promotions, the NWA’s Mid-Atlantic territory, in late 1986, where he faced the likes of Jimmy Garvin, Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen. He also teamed up with his father and brothers at various times. He stayed with the promotion until it was sold to Ted Turner and renamed World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1988.
WCW Stint and Various Gimmicks
Brad Armstrong had a long and varied stint with WCW, where he wrestled under different gimmicks and personas. He was Arachnaman, a superhero character inspired by Spider-Man; Badstreet, a masked member of The Fabulous Freebirds; Fantasia, a masked partner of The Yellow Dog (Brian Pillman); Dos Hombres, a masked partner of Ricky Steamboat; B.A., a member of The No Limit Soldiers; Buzzkill, a hippie character who imitated his brother Road Dogg; and The Candyman, a colorful character who handed out candy to fans.
He also wrestled under his real name and won several titles, including the WCW Light Heavyweight Championship, the WCW World Six-Man Tag Team Championship (with Big Josh and Tom Zenk), and the WCW World Tag Team Championship (with Tim Horner). He was known for his technical wrestling skills and his ability to work well with any opponent. He was praised by many wrestlers, such as Chris Jericho, William Regal and Lance Storm, for being one of the best workers in the business.
Death and Legacy
Brad Armstrong’s last match was on February 12, 2011, at an independent show in Pensacola, Florida. He retired from wrestling due to injuries and health issues. On November 1, 2012, he was found dead in his Kennesaw, Georgia home, after seeing his physician the previous week for an undisclosed medical issue. According to WWE, he was 51 years old at the time of his death.
The cause of his death was not officially announced, but his tag team partner and best friend Tim Horner speculated that he died from a heart attack. His father Bob confirmed that he had high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. His death shocked and saddened the wrestling world, as many wrestlers paid tribute to him on social media and in interviews. His father Bob said that he was “the best wrestler in the family” and that he “loved everybody”.
Brad Armstrong was a talented wrestler who had a passion for the sport. He entertained millions of fans with his skills and charisma. He left behind a legacy of excellence and respect in the wrestling industry. He is survived by his wife Lori Spranz, his son Robert Bradley James Jr., his father Bob, and his brothers Steve, Scott and Brian.
