In 1988, the World Wrestling Federation was defined by
larger-than-life heroes. Hulkamania ran wild, the Mega Powers dominated the
spotlight, and patriotism and alliances ruled the Golden Era. Yet standing
apart from the flag‑waving theatrics was a man who trusted no one and asked for
no approval: Bad News Brown.
Born in New York City as Allen James Coage, Brown later
adopted Calgary, Alberta, as his home and became a proud Canadian citizen. His
worldview—and his ring persona—reflected that independence. While others relied on partners, managers, and crowd approval, Brown thrived on hostility and isolation.
This post revisits the defining moments of Bad News Brown’s
pivotal 1988 WWF campaign: his striking television debut, his summer showdown
with Bret Hart in Milwaukee, and his December World Heavyweight Championship
challenge against “Macho Man” Randy Savage at Madison Square Garden.
In a year defined by unity and spectacle, Bad News Brown
stood alone. The self‑proclaimed “baddest man in the WWF” carved out his own
space in an already crowded Golden Era—and made certain no one mistook him for
just another wrestler.
Bad News Brown vs Brady Boone
WWF Superstars of Wrestling Taping
Huntsville, Alabama, USA
Filmed on Tuesday, January 5, 1988
Commentary: Vince McMahon, Jesse Ventura, Bruno Sammartino
Bad News Brown vs Bret "Hitman" Hart
WWF WrestleFest '88
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Sunday, July 31, 1988
Commentary: Sean Mooney, Lord Alfred Hayes, Superstar Billy Graham
The Brother Love Show
with Special Guest President Jack Tunney
and Bad News Brown
WWF Superstars of Wrestling
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Filmed on October 25, 1988
Aired on November 26, 1988
Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura
Bad News Brown vs Bob Emery
WWF Superstars of Wrestling Taping
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
Filmed on December 6, 1988
Commentary: Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura
WWF World Heavyweight Championship Match
"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs Bad News Brown
WWF on MSG Network
New York, New York, USA
December 30, 1988
Commentary: Lord Alfred Hayes, Hillbilly Jim, Rod Trongard
