On March 6, 2007, Allen Coage the man the world knew as Bad News Brown passed away at age 63 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was rushed to Rockyview General Hospital after suffering chest pains, and tragically died of a heart attack shortly after arrival.
A Bronze Medal That Opened Doors
Born in Harlem, New York, on October 22, 1943, Coage made history by winning a bronze medal in judo at the 1976 Summer Olympics, becoming the first African-American to earn an Olympic medal outside boxing or track and field. That achievement was just the beginning.
Wrestling Across the Globe
After his Olympic success, Coage trained with Antonio Inoki and debuted in New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1977. Wrestling under names like Buffalo Allen and Bad News Allen, he quickly became a force in promotions like Stampede Wrestling, where he feuded with Bret Hart, Archie the Stomper, and Dynamite Kid and held the North American Heavyweight Championship multiple times.
The WWF Era and Iconic Feuds
In February 1988, he debuted in the WWF as Bad News Brown, billed from Harlem. At WrestleMania IV (March 27, 1988), he won a memorable 20-man Battle Royal, defeating names like Harley Race, Junkyard Dog, and Bret Hart establishing his persona as a solo, no‑frills badass who answered to no faction.
Top Feuds and Power Plays
He went head-to-head with legends like Randy Savage in Harlem street‑fight title matches, and later worked a handful of feuds with Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and Jake Roberts. Coage was outspoken refusing angles that disrespected him or pigeonholed his character, including one segment involving a fake snake on The Arsenio Hall Show, which his family strongly opposed.
A Sudden End
Only three weeks before his death, Coage had hip replacement surgery and seemed to be recovering well. However, on March 5th, he reported chest pains and was rushed to the hospital passing away early the next morning at about 5:30 a.m. MT, leaving fans and friends in shock.
A Life Remembered
Calgary filled to mourn him. Colleagues like the Hart family, Lance Storm, Phil Lafon, and Gerry Morrow shared heartfelt tributes. His wife Helen and daughter April spoke of his loyalty, discipline, and love reiterating that though he was tough in the ring, at home he was a family man first and foremost.
Quick Stats Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | October 22, 1943, Harlem, NY |
| Olympic Medal | Bronze in judo, 1976 |
| Wrestling Debut | 1977, New Japan |
| WWF Tenure | 1988–1990 |
| WrestleMania Highlight | 1988 Battle Royal winner |
| Death | March 6, 2007 (heart attack) |
| Age at Death | 63 |
Conclusion
Allen Coage’s life blended Olympic achievement, international wrestling charisma, and fierce personal integrity inside and outside the ring. As Bad News Brown, he stood apart: a lone wolf in a faction-heavy era. His legacy is a reminder that respect, history, and hard-hitting performance transcend scripted storylines. While he may have embodied ‘bad news’ professionally, to his loved ones and peers he was a man of discipline, family, and honor.