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In the dynamic realm of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personalities clash in epic battles, few performers have been as underutilized as Bad News Brown. With an intense persona, remarkable in-ring abilities, and a no-nonsense attitude, Bad News Brown stormed onto the WWE scene in the late 1980s. However, despite his undeniable talent and immense potential, Brown's tenure within the WWE was regrettably short-lived. Despite Bad News Brown's WWE career having compelling feuds, he only stayed in WWE for a couple of years, and the reason why he left had Vince McMahon in it at the core of his issues with WWE.
Who Was Bad News Brown?
Bad News Brown, whose birth name was Allen Coage, developed a particular passion for judo and began training in the martial art. Coage's dedication and natural talent for judo soon began to bear fruit. He excelled in the sport, becoming a highly accomplished judoka. In 1976, he represented the United States in the Montreal Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in the heavyweight division. This Olympic achievement solidified Coage's reputation as a formidable athlete and a force to be reckoned with. Following his successful judo career, Coage turned his attention to the world of professional wrestling. Drawing from his combat sports background, he seamlessly transitioned into the squared circle, where his physicality and grappling skills proved to be assets.
Coage made his professional wrestling debut in the late 1970s, competing primarily in territories across America. He honed his craft and gained valuable experience during this time, gradually building a reputation as a talented and hard-hitting performer. Before the likes of Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey today, it was Bad News Brown who made a successful transition from the arena of combat sports to professional wrestling back in the day. However, unlike them, he was not able to have a successful career in WWE.
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Bad News Brown's WWE Career Was Full Of Big Opportunities
In 1988, Bad News Brown signed a contract with the WWE, having already worked with them briefly one time before. The company provided an ideal platform for Coage to showcase his skills to a wider audience. Adopting the moniker "Bad News Brown," Coage embraced a new persona that perfectly encapsulated his no-nonsense, tough-as-nails attitude. Bad News Brown exuded an aura of intimidation that captivated fans and adversaries alike. His WWE career was filled with clashes with the biggest names at the time.
One of his most intriguing moments unfolded when in the closing stages of his bout against Hulk Hogan, Brown took hold of a microphone and boldly proclaimed that the time had come for his renowned finishing move, the Ghetto Blaster. As he positioned himself to execute the maneuver, Hogan swiftly evaded the attack, resulting in Brown's unfortunate miss and eventual defeat. His rivalry with "Macho Man" Randy Savage was one of his most prominent storylines. Savage was the WWE Champion at the time and Brown engaged in several headlining matches against him. Bad News Brown's subsequent rivalry unfolded against the flamboyant "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. The culmination of their feud occurred at WrestleMania 6, where their encounter concluded in a double count-out. This served as the last major feud Brown would have in WWE as tensions were boiling between him and Vince McMahon.
RELATED: Why Bad News Brown & Andre The Giant Hated Each Other, Explained
Why Bad News Brown Left WWE In 1990
Following the conclusion of SummerSlam 1990, Bad News Brown made the decision to part ways with WWE, citing a lack of fulfillment regarding Vince McMahon's alleged commitment to bestowing upon him the distinction of becoming the company's inaugural black champion. Despite his considerable talent and undeniable contributions to the wrestling industry, Bad News expressed his disappointment in McMahon's failure to deliver on the promise. The prospect of becoming the first black champion held significant significance for Bad News Brown, and it even reportedly affected him and his wife deeply.
After leaving WWE, Bad News Brown toured Japan and Mexico while settling in Calgary, Canada where he had strong roots from his time in Stampede Wrestling. He continued wrestling in independent promotions across Canada and sometimes performed overseas. However, a knee injury led to his retirement in 1999. In the early 2000s, he co-founded a wrestling school but sadly passed away in 2007 due to a heart attack. His time in pro wrestling saw both ups and downs, many fans legitimately thought he could be a big star in WWE, but broken promises and backstage politics never let his potential get realized on the biggest stage.
