Jim Brunzell: The High-Flying Dropkick Artist

James Brunzell (born August 13, 1949) carved out a notable 21-year career in professional wrestling, earning respect as both a singles competitor and, more memorably, as part of two highly successful tag teams: The High Flyers in the AWA and The Killer Bees in the WWF. With his athletic background and high school/college sports pedigree, Brunzell transitioned into wrestling with natural grace and went on to become one of the most polished performers of his generation.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Brunzell was born the son of a Navy pilot and spent his early childhood in Memphis, Tennessee, before eventually settling in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Always an athlete, he lettered in multiple sports and was particularly talented in track and football.

High School: He was a state champion in the high jump and an all-around standout, excelling in football, amateur wrestling, and athletics.
College: Brunzell attended the University of Minnesota, where he continued competing in football and high jumping. His talents were enough to earn him a tryout as a tight end with the Washington Redskins, though he did not make the final roster.

After finishing his college degree, Brunzell’s path changed thanks to a close friend and future tag team partner: Greg Gagne, son of legendary wrestler and promoter Verne Gagne.

Breaking Into Wrestling (1972–1975)

Greg Gagne convinced Brunzell to try professional wrestling, and Brunzell began training under Verne Gagne at the AWA camp. He trained alongside some of the biggest future stars of the industry, including Ric Flair, Ken Patera, and The Iron Sheik.

Brunzell made his debut in 1972 and quickly developed into a reliable worker. He spent time in the NWA Central States territory, where he teamed with Mike George to win the NWA Central States Tag Team Championship in October 1973.

The High Flyers and AWA Success (1976–1985)

Returning to Minnesota and the American Wrestling Association (AWA), Brunzell formed a tag team with Greg Gagne called The High Flyers. The duo combined technical wrestling with aerial athleticism, creating an exciting style that made them one of the most popular tag teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Major Achievements with The High Flyers:

AWA World Tag Team Champions (2 times):
- First reign began July 7, 1977, after defeating Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum. They held the belts for over a year until Brunzell was sidelined with an injury.
- Regained the titles on June 14, 1981, by defeating Jesse Ventura & Adrian Adonis (The East-West Connection).

The High Flyers often found themselves in wars with top heel teams of the AWA era, and Brunzell’s textbook dropkickbecame one of his signatures. For a time, he was considered to have one of the best dropkicks in wrestling—an accolade echoed by opponents and peers alike.

Brunzell also had singles success during his stints outside the AWA. In Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, he captured the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship twice, showing that he could be just as effective on his own.

The WWF and The Killer Bees (1985–1988)

By the mid-1980s, Vince McMahon’s WWF was expanding nationally. Brunzell signed in 1985 and was paired with fellow wrestler B. Brian Blair as The Killer Bees.

The Killer Bees Gimmick:

Known for their “Masked Confusion” tactic, where both wrestlers would don identical masks mid-match to confuse referees and opponents.
Unique because this trick was typically used by heel teams, but the Bees were babyfaces.

The Killer Bees had strong mid-card runs, competing in front of massive crowds:

Wrestled at The Big Event (1986) in Toronto, facing the Funk brothers in front of 74,000 fans.
Appeared at WrestleMania III (1987) against Nikolai Volkoff & The Iron Sheik.
Were part of the inaugural Survivor Series (1987), where they scored a win for their team.

They were particularly known for their matches against The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) and other top heel tandems. Despite fan support, the Bees never won WWF tag team gold, a decision often attributed to Vince McMahon favoring bigger, more “larger-than-life” teams.

Singles Run in WWF (1988–1993)

After the Killer Bees quietly split in 1988, Brunzell transitioned into singles competition. Though he often worked as an enhancement talent, he retained a “jobber to the stars” reputation—putting over bigger names while still earning respect.

Feuded briefly with Curt Hennig (Mr. Perfect), though usually on the losing end.
Faced stars like Randy Savage, whose mouth was bloodied once by Brunzell’s crisp dropkick.
Competed at Survivor Series 1988, replacing Don Muraco and teaming opposite his former partner Blair.
Teamed with Owen Hart in early 1992, gaining televised wins over The Beverly Brothers.
Competed against then-WWF Champion Ric Flair on the “March to WrestleMania” special (1992).

Brunzell’s WWF tenure wrapped up in 1993, with his final appearance on Monday Night Raw, losing to Damien Demento.

Later Career and Retirement (1993–1999)

After leaving the WWF, Brunzell continued working the independent circuit.

Appeared in Herb Abrams’ UWF, teaming once more with Blair as Masked Confusion, winning tag team gold.
Wrestled at WCW Slamboree 1993, billed as a “Legends Reunion,” in a six-man tag with Wahoo McDaniel and Blackjack Mulligan.
Appeared for the short-lived American Wrestling Federation in 1994 as a referee.
Officially retired in 1999, wrestling his last match against “The Hater” in Minnesota.

Life After Wrestling

Following retirement, Brunzell transitioned into a career in sales, while also staying active in his church and working with charities, particularly for children with diabetes.

He and Brian Blair have remained close, frequently appearing together at conventions and fan events. In fact, they co-launched a comic book series about their wrestling careers titled The Killer Bees.

Brunzell was also part of the class action concussion lawsuit against WWE filed in 2016, though it was dismissed in 2018.

Legacy

Jim Brunzell may not have the household fame of Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair, but within wrestling circles, he’s remembered as:

One of the finest tag team wrestlers of his era.
A man whose dropkick was considered among the best in the business.
A versatile athlete who succeeded in both the AWA and WWF during key eras of growth.

His work with Greg Gagne as The High Flyers and Brian Blair as The Killer Bees ensures his place in tag team history, while his longevity and professionalism made him a respected figure behind the curtain as well.

✅ Career Highlights

AWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Greg Gagne
NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
Central States Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Mike George
AWA Hall of Fame (Inductee, unofficial by legacy)
WWF Veteran (1985–1993)