Fightful is sad to report that 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong has passed away. He was 80.
News of his passing was announced by his family.
It was announced in March that 'Bullet' Bob had bone cancer in his ribs, shoulder and prostate. He decided to not undergo treatment.
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.
— Scott Armstrong (@WWEArmstrong) August 28, 2020
Bob Armstrong began his career in 1960 and competed across multiple territories in the National Wrestling Alliance. Armstrong held a handful of championships across the alliance including the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championships, and the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship.
Armstrong last wrestled at the Continental Championship Wrestling Fan Fest in 2019. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
Bob was a father to Scott, Brad, Steve, and Brian. All four went on to become involved in the wrestling business.
WWE put out the following statement on his passing:
WWE Hall of Famer ‘Bullet’ Bob Armstrong passes away
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.
Equal parts strongman and showman, Armstrong, who was born Joseph James in Marietta, Ga., on Oct. 3, 1939, proved himself as one of the most tenacious grapplers on the planet during the territorial days of sports-entertainment. He secured his toughman reputation long before he ever set foot in the ring, thanks to his tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps and his seven-year tenure as a member of the Fair Oaks (later Cobb County) Fire Department.
Armstrong, however, didn’t rest on his laurels when he was between the ropes. He handled himself well in the rough-and-tumble southeastern territories by employing an assortment of holds and moves, including his feared sleeper and Georgia Jawbreaker. He also possessed the gift of grappling gab, giving him the uncanny ability to wear down a rival with his words as well as with his strength.
His chosen trade later became a family business, as Armstrong’s four sons — Joseph, aka Scott Armstrong, Brad, Steve and Brian, aka WWE Hall of Famer “Road Dogg” Jesse James — followed in their father’s footsteps. 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.
For his part, Armstrong often credited his beloved wife, Gail, as the secret to his success. Upon being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011, the self-proclaimed “ol’ war horse” also made the case that his many triumphs likely benefited from divine intervention, too.
“I think somebody up there likes me,” Armstrong said during his 2011 WWE Hall of Fame induction speech. “I got to live my dream.”
WWE extends its condolences to Armstrong’s family, friends and fans.
On behalf of Fightful, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of 'Bullet' Bob.
