Jim Brunzell

by | Apr 21, 2012

[Jim Brunzel GALLERY]

[High Flyers] [Killer Bees]

Title History

  • NWA (Central States) world tag team titles w/Mike George defeating Tokyo Joe and Great Togo (October 25, 1973);
  • NWA (Central States) world tag team titles w/Mike George defeating Lord Alfred Hayes and Roger Kirby (1974);
  • AWA world tag team titles w/Greg Gagne defeating Blackjack Lanza and Bobby Duncum (July 7, 1977);
  • NWA Mid Atlantic heavyweight title defeating Ken Patera (September 14, 1979);
  • NWA Mid Atlantic heavyweight title defeating Ray Stevens (December 25, 1979);
  • AWA world tag team titles w/Greg Gagne defeating Adrian Adonis and Jesse Ventura (June 14, 1981);
  • WFWA Canadian heavyweight title defeating The Natural (August 22, 1993);
  • UWF (Herb Abrams) tag team titles w/Brian Blair defeating The New Power Twins (September 23, 1994);

Career Highlights

AWA – In The Beginning:

  • December 28, 1972 – Moorhead: Dennis Stamp beat Jim Brunzell (AWA debut).

Central States Wrestling:

  • Jim Brunzell formed a tag team with Mike George and won the Cenatral States world tag team titles twice.

American Wrestling Association:

  • 1976 – AWA Comsikey Park: Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne and Wilbur Snyder beat Baron Von Raschke and Ox Baker and Mad Dog Vachon.

National Wrestling Alliance:

  • July 8, 1979 – NWA (Mid Atlantic) Battle of the Nature Boys: Jim Brunzell and Rufus R. Jones beat Ken Patera and John Studd.
  • July 15, 1979 – NWA Maple Leaf Gardens: Jim Brunzell defeated Greg Valentine.

American Wrestling Association – The High Flyers:

  • Jim Brunzell formed an extremely successful tag team with Greg Gagne known as the High Flyers.
  • June 14, 1981: Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne defeated Adrian Adonis and Jesse Ventura for the AWA Tag Team title
  • June 8, 1982 – AJPW Sumo Hall: Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne defeated Ricky Steamboat and Atsushi Onita.
  • August 29, 1982 – AWA St. Paul: Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne defeated Tito Santana and Rick Martel.
  • April 21, 1985 – AWA Star Cage: Jim Brunzell and Tonga Kid defeating Billy Robinson and Bobby Duncum Sr.

World Wrestling Federation – The Killer Bees:

  • Jim Brunzell was one half of the famous Killer Bees with B. Brian Blair in the WWF.
  • ~~~Brian Blair and Jim Brunzel wrestled as singles wrestlers for a while before becoming a regular full-time team.
  • June 17, 1985: B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell (debut as a team) defeated Steve Lombardi and Dave Barbie.
  • June 1985 – TV Taping: The Killer Bees defeated Barry O and Terry Gibbs.
  • June 23, 1985 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Rene Goulet.
  • June 25, 1985 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Mr. X.
  • July 5, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Moondog Spot and Barry O.
  • July 8, 1985 – King of the Ring: Jim Bruznell defeated The Spoiler in the 1st round. WWE Intercontinental champion Tito Santana vs. Jim Bruznell ended in a draw in the quarter-finals, to retain the title. The Iron Sheik defeated Jim Bruznell in the semi-finals.
  • July 9, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Steve Lombardi and Ron Shaw.
  • July 22, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Iron Mike Sharpe and Moondog Spot.
  • July 23, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Bob Orton Jr. and Rene Goulet.
  • July 24, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Barry O and Les Thornton.
  • July 26, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Rene Goulet and the Spoiler.
  • July 28, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart.
  • July 30, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Rusty Brooks and Barry O.
  • August 2, 1985: The Killer Bees fought Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart to a draw.
  • August 6, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Tiger Chung Lee and Alexi Smirnoff.
  • August 9, 1985 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Moondog Spot.
  • August 10, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff.
  • August 18, 1985: Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart defeated The Killer Bees.
  • August 25, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Bret Hart and Terry Gibbs (sub. for Jim Neidhart).
  • September 2, 1985 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Rick McGraw.
  • September 14, 1985: The Killer Bees defeated Nikolia Volkoff and the Iron Sheik.
  • December 30, 1985 – MSG Network: Jim Bruznell defeated Bret Hart.
  • 1986: The Killer Bees started putting masks on during their matches to confuse their opponents (and the referee).
  • February 17, 1986: The Killer Bees wrestled The Hart Foundation to a time limit draw (Taped for Best of WWF Vol 8).
  • March 1986: The Killer Bees defeated Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine (Tag Champs) by disqualification.
  • April 7, 1986 – WrestleMania 2: Jim Bruznell was in the battle royal won by Andre The Giant.
  • April 26, 1986: The Killer Bees were guests of Roddy Piper on the Piper’s Pit segment.
  • April 27, 1986 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Adrian Adonis.
  • May 10, 1986 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Tiger Chung Lee.
  • May 17, 1986 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Hercules Hernandez.
  • July 24, 1986 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Terry Gibbs.
  • August 1, 1986: King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd defeated The Killer Bees.
  • August 17, 1986: The Killer Bees fought Mike Rotundo and Dan Spivey to a draw.
  • August 26, 1986: The Killer Bees defeated Joe Mirto and Jack Kruger.
  • August 27, 1986: The Killer Bees defeated Terry Gibbs and Jack Foley (Mick Foley).
  • August 28, 1986 – The Big Event: The Killer Bees defeated Jimmy Jack and Dory Funk Jr.
  • September 1986: The British Bulldogs (Tag Team Champs) fought the Killer Bees to a no contest.
  • September 20, 1986 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Jack Kruger & Joe Mirto.
  • September 21, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Jack Foley & Terry Gibbs.
  • October 4, 1986 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Moondogs (Moondog Rex & Moondog Spot).
  • October 12, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Barry O & Butch Cooper.
  • October 18, 1986 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Bob Bradley & Tiger Chung Lee.
  • October 26, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Jimmy Jack Funk & Moondog Spot.
  • October 28, 1986: The Killer Bees defeated The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff after putting masks on and switching places.
  • November 8, 1986 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Nikolai Volkoff & The Iron Sheik.
  • November 23, 1986 – Wrestling Challenge: Bob Orton & The Magnificent Muraco defeat The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) by disqualification.
  • November 29, 1986 – Saturday Night Main Event: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart).
  • November 29, 1986 – SNME: The Killer Bees defeated The Hart Foundation.
  • December 6, 1986: The Killer Bees defeated The Moondogs.
  • December 9, 1986: Koko B. Ware and The Killer Bees defeated Dennis Stamp and Mike Yucca and The Raider.
  • December 10, 1986: Don Muraco and Bob Orton Jr. defeated The Killer Bees by disqualification when referee Danny Davis stopped the match.
  • December 20, 1986 – Superstars: Koko B. Ware & The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Dennis Stamp, Mike Luca & The Raider.
  • January 5, 1987: Terry Gibbs and Mike Sharpe defeated The Killer Bees by disqualification when Danny Davis stopped the match for use of the masks.
  • January 11, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: Bob Orton & The Magnificent Muraco defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) by disqualification.
  • January 17, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Terry Gibbs.
  • January 25, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Barry O & David Vance.
  • February 1987: The Killer Bees defeated Tag Team Champions The Hard Foundation in a non-title match.
  • February 7, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Al Navarro & Jimmy Jack Funk.
  • February 9, 1987: Demolition defeated The Killer Bees.
  • February 13, 1987: The Can-Am Connection and Killer Bees defeated Demolition and The Hart Foundation in an 8-man tag team match.
  • February 23, 1987 – MSG Network: WWE tag team champions The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) to retain the titles.
  • March 8, 1987: The Killers Bees made it to the second round of the Frank Tunney Memorial Tag Team Tournament (East Rutherford).
  • ~~~The Bees beat The Rougeaus in the first round, but lost to Strike Force in the second round.
  • March 14, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Tiger Chung Lee.
  • March 15, 1987: The Killer Bees defeated 3 teams to win the Frank Tunney Memorial Tag Team Tournament (Toronto).
  • ~~~The Killer Bees beat Sika and Kamala (1st Round), Paul Orndorff and King Kong Bundy (2nd), and Demolition (finals).
  • ~~~The Killer Bees then received a title shot but were defeated by the Hart Foundation in the Main Event.
  • March 27, 1987 – Wrestlemania III: The Iron Sheik and Nickolai Volkoff defeated The Killer Bees by disqualification when Jim Duggan interfered!
  • April 4, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Jimmy Jack Funk.
  • April 12, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Dave Wagner & Rick Renslow.
  • April 23, 1987: The Killer Bees and Koko B. Ware defeated Steve Lombardi and Pete Doherty and Terry Gibbs.
  • April 24, 1987: The Killer Bees defeated the Islanders via disqualification when Haku shoved the referee.
  • April 25, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Steve Lombardi.
  • May 3, 1997: The Killer Bees defeated Demolition via disqualification.
  • May 9, 1987 – Superstars: Koko B. Ware & The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Pete Doherty, Steve Lombardi & Terry Gibbs.
  • May 17, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Islanders (Haku & Tama) by disqualification.
  • June 20, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart).
  • June 23, 1987: The Killer Bees were guest of Jake Roberts during the “Snake Pit” interview segment.
  • July 16, 1987: The Killer Bees and Junk Yard Dog defeated Tiger Chung Lee and Joe Mertoe and Dave Labner.
  • July 18, 1987: Jim Brunzel and Junk Yard Dog (sub for Brian Blair) defeated The Hart Foundation by count-out.
  • July 24, 1987: Jim Brunzel and Koko B. Ware (sub for Brian Blair) defeated The Hart Foundation by disqualification.
  • July 25, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Tiger Chung Lee.
  • July 26, 1987: Jim Brunzel and Hillbilly Jim (sub for Brian Blair) defeated The Hart Foundation by disqualification.
  • August 1987: The Killer Bees and Tito Santana defeated The Hart Foundation and Danny Davis.
  • August 2, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: The Junkyard Dog & The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeat Dave Wagner, Joe Mirto & Tiger Chung Lee.
  • September 4, 1987 – King of the Ring: Jim Bruznell defeated Ron Bass in the 1st round. Randy Savage defeated Jim Bruznell in the quarter-finals.
  • September 5, 1987 – Superstars: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Steve Lombardi.
  • September 20, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Shadows (Shadow #1 & Shadow #2).
  • October 16, 1987 – MSG Network: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Dream Team (Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine).
  • November 1, 1987 – Wrestling Challenge: Koko B. Ware & The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Johnny V & The Dream Team (Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine).
  • November 24, 1987 – MSG Network: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff).
  • November 26, 1987 – Survivor Series: Strike Force (Rick Martel & Tito Santana), The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & The Dynamite Kid), The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell), The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques Rougeau & Raymond Rougeau) & The Young Stallions (Jim Powers & Paul Roma) defeated Demolition (Ax & Smash), The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff), The Dream Team (Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine), The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) & The Islanders (Haku & Tama) in a tag team elimination match.
  • January 5, 1988: The Killer Bees and Junk Yard Dog and George Steele beat The Bolshivics and Los Conquistadors.
  • January 17, 1988 – Wrestling Challenge: Butch Reed, The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff) & The One Man Gang defeated Lanny Poffo, Rick Hunter & The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell).
  • January 24, 1988 – Royal Rumble: Jim Bruznell was in the royal rumble match won by Jim Duggan.
  • January 27, 1988: Demolition defeated The Killer Bees to retain their titles with help from Mr. Fuji.
  • February 7, 1988 – Toronto: The Killer Bees vs The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers wrestled to a double disqualification.
  • February 1988: Los Conquistadors defeated The Killer Bees.
  • February 21, 1988 – Wrestling Challenge: Demolition (Ax & Smash) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell).
  • March 12, 1988 – Saturday Night Main Event: The Islanders (Haku & Tama) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell).
  • April 3, 1988 – Wrestling Challenge: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated Dave Wagner & Pete Sanchez.
  • July 1, 1988 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Steve Lombardi.
  • July 2, 1988 – Superstars: The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques Rougeau & Raymond Rougeau) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell).
  • July 1988: The Killer Bees jobbed to the Rougeaus at events all accross the country, night after night.
  • July 31, 1988 – Wrestlefest: The Rougeau Brothers defeated The Killer Bees.
  • Summer 1988: The Killer Bees were inexplicably split up and jobbed out of the World Wrestling Federation as singles competitors.
  • August 20, 1988 – Superstars: Ted DiBiase defeated Jim Bruznell in a dark match.
  • September 4, 1988 – Wrestling Challenge: The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) in a dark match.
  • September 11, 1988 – MSG Network: Mr. Perfect defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • October 2, 1988 – Wrestling Challenge: Bad News Brown defeated Jim Bruznell in a dark match.
  • November 24, 1988 – Survivor Series: Rhythm And Blues (Greg Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man) defeated Jim Brunzell & Omar Atlas in a tag team elimination match.
  • December 18, 1988 – Wrestling Challenge: The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard) defeated Jim Brunzell & Lanny Poffo.
  • February 19, 1990 – MSG Network: Bad News Brown defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • May 20, 1990 – Wrestling Challenge: The Orient Express (Sato & Tanaka) defeated Bobby Perez & Jim Brunzell.
  • May 26, 1990 – Superstars: Rhythm And Blues (Greg Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man) defeated Jim Brunzell & Omar Atlas. Jim Bruznell defeated Bob Ripley in a dark match.
  • May 27, 1990 – Wrestling Challenge: Jim Bruznell defeated The Black Knight in a dark match. Mr. Perfect defeated Jim Bruznell in a dark match.
  • June 9, 1990 – Wrestling Challenge: Rhythm And Blues (Greg Valentine & The Honky Tonk Man) defeated Jim Brunzell & Warren Bianchi.
  • July 7, 1990 – Superstars: Randy Savage defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • July 29, 1990 – Wrestling Challenge: WWE Intercontinental champion Mr. Perfect defeated Jim Bruznell to retain the title.
  • August 11, 1990 – Superstars: Ted DiBiase defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • August 24, 1990 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Buddy Rose.
  • August 26, 1990 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Black Bart.
  • September 8, 1990 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Pez Whatley.
  • September 9, 1990 – Wrestling Challenge: Dino Bravo defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • October 7, 1990 – Wrestling Challenge: Power And Glory (Hercules & Paul Roma) defeated Brad Kramer & Jim Brunzell.
  • October 22, 1990 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Lanny Poffo.
  • October 27, 1990 – Superstars: Demolition (Ax, Crush & Smash) defeated George Henderson, Jim Brunzell & Jim Evans.
  • November 1, 1990 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Paul Diamond.
  • November 3, 1990 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Omar Atlas.
  • March 15, 1991 – MSG Network: The Barbarian defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • February 23, 1992 – MSG Network: The Berzerker defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • March 10, 1992 – Road to WrestleMania: WWE world heavyweight champion Ric Flair defeated Jim Bruznell to retain the title.
  • March 15, 1992 – Wrestling Challenge: WWE tag team champions Money Inc. (Irwin R. Schyster & Ted DiBiase) defeated Jim Brunzell & Jimmy James to retain the titles.
  • March 23, 1992 – House Show: The Warlord defeated Jim Bruznell.
  • March 26, 1992 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Col. Mustafa.
  • April 30, 1992 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Bob Bradley.
  • May 16, 1992 – Superstars: The Beverly Brothers (Beau Beverly & Blake Beverly) defeated Bobby Knight & Jim Brunzell.
  • May 31, 1992 – Wrestling Challenge: WWE tag team champions The Beverly Brothers (Beau Beverly & Blake Beverly) defeated Bobby Knight & Jim Brunzell to retain the titles.
  • July 8, 1992 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated Kato.
  • July 26, 1992 – House Show: Jim Bruznell defeated The Brooklyn Brawler.
  • October 25, 1992 – Wrestling Challenge: Money Inc. (Irwin R. Schyster & Ted DiBiase) defeated Dave Sigfrids & Jim Brunzell.
  • November 29, 1992 – Wrestling Challenge: Damien DeMento defeated Jim Brunzell.
  • December 27, 1992 – Wrestling Challenge: WWE tag team champions Money Inc. (Irwin R. Schyster & Ted DiBiase) defeated Jim Brunzell & Mike Collins to retain the titles.
  • January 3, 1993 – Wrestling Challenge: Intercontinental champion Shawn Michaels defeated Jim Bruznell to retain the title.
  • February 7, 1993 – Wrestling Challenge: The Headshrinkers (Fatu & Samu) defeated Gary Jackson & Jim Brunzell.
  • April 5, 1993 – RAW: Damien DeMento defeated Jim Brunzell.

Independents:

  • May 23, 1993 – WCW Slamboree: Blackjack Mulligan, Jim Brunzell & Wahoo McDaniel vs. Dick Murdoch, Don Muraco & Jimmy Snuka ended in a no contest.
  • July 24, 1993 – UWF: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The New Blackharts.
  • January 22, 1994 – AWA: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) defeated The Texas Hangmen (Killer & Psycho).
  • September 23, 1994 – UWF (Herb Abrams) Blackjack Brawl: The Killer Bees defeated The Warlord and Larry Power to win the vacant tag team titles.
  • July 26-29, 1994 – IWA: Jim Bruznell defeated The Natural.
  • October 26, 1996 – IWA: Jim Bruznell defeated Chi Chi Cruz.
  • October 27, 1997 – IWA: The Natural defeated Jim Brunzell.

Retirement:

  • Jim Brunzell has been good friends with “The Boss” Bruce Springstein for well over 20 years.