Around midday Monday, I heard from a friend that word was spreading through the regional wrestling community online that Brandon Holman, aka Dick Dynamo and fka Boom Hayden, had passed away sometime in the past 24 hours, but it wasn’t confirmed yet. I reached out to some authoritative sources but didn’t have it confirmed so I waited for the announcement that eventually came from MCW first. First I want to write about my thoughts on Brandon and then let you hear what the wrestlers who knew him best said about him today, and then what companies he worked with had to say.
I first met Brandon, or Boom as I knew him then, at MCW when he was a part of the tag team Thrash Society. with his tag team partner J.B. Anderson, someone who I now consider a friend. He made my daughter and me feel welcome more than anyone else did at that point. Now I’ll never get rid of my Thrash Society shirt that has their picture on it from back then and I’m digging through my old pictures to see what I might have of me and my daughter with Thrash Society.
I first saw Dick Dynamo in the ring at an event at Combat Zone Wrestling in Havre de Grace. The character was so different that I didn’t recognize him as the same person at first. It was an amazing character both in and out of the ring. A few months later at MCW Fan Jam, I had to convince my daughter that “Boom” and “Dick” were the same person.
I was not a close friend of Brandon, but I wish I had known him better based on the things others are saying now and the interactions we had. If you have a friend that might be struggling or going through hard times, be sure to reach out to them and if you’re having trouble please know that someone cares about you.
I want to thank all his friends for sharing their memories of him and let them and his family know that I am thinking of them and praying for them - and encouraging everyone who reads this to do the same.
Reactions from Wrestlers
Here’s what J.B. Anderson had to say:
Man I don't know where to start. Brandon you were a smart, hilarious, driven and talented dude. I wish your star got to shine brighter. I remember how you were the first person to open up to me when I started training, you were the only person who wasn't an asshole to me. "Just work hard, they did the same thing to me and I see how hard you work, just keep doing what you're doing". You kept me going. I wouldn't fucking be where I am without you man and I hope somewhere you know that. Did we but heads, of course, we had different goals. But I remember the drives you talking about the Dick Dynamo character and watching you light up talking about it, I knew that's what was going to be best for you and I encouraged you go all in on it, and I'm so happy I got to see you unchained and completely free to be yourself. You deserved more for everything you gave to wrestling, when they tore you down you got back up every time. They didn't deserve you, your creativity and your loyalty. I wish you talked to me or someone you trusted, I wish you were still here man.
I love you Boom town. I won't forget you and everything you did for me. I hope you're at peace.
Dynamo Runs The Fuckin Show Forever.
Rest in power Brandon "Boom Hayden/Dick Dynamo" Holman:
Steven Fuerte’s reaction:
From the moment I walked into the MCW training center, your personality and energy stuck out. You annoyed me SO MUCH!!! And it’s like the universe knew how much you got on my nerves, we kept getting paired together in drills, practice matches and all the way to my first bday party match. That all made our friendship grow and you played a huge part in my development as a wrestler. Sharing those car rides and late night Wawa runs with you are something I won’t ever forget. You were truly one of a kind. Rest easy brother, miss and love you ❤️ @dynamo_runstheshow
Myles Hawkins:
One of my best friends, the most loving, passionate, and caring person I have had the pleasure of knowing. I have no words. You are loved. Rest easy. 🧠
Dynamo Runs the Show
Simone Valentina:
I don’t even know where to begin, this really hurts. I’ve never met anyone like Brandon/Boom/Dick Dynamo. He was the type to bring smiles and laughter into a room, there were never any dull moments with him.
Our friendship was full of roast sessions and sarcasm but then there were those moments where he showed who Brandon was behind the jokes. The times I’ve wanted to quit wrestling all together, the times where I was struggling the most, he would give me the best advice and sweetest pep talks then tell me “now don’t tell anyone I can actually be nice” then immediately clown me after. I’ve only known him 3 years and yet there’s so many memories I have with him, one of them being my first MCW match being with him.
Brandon, I wish you knew how much you are loved and cared for. You have positively impacted so many people’s lives by just being yourself. I love you and I miss you, I will cherish our friendship forever. Rest Peacefully, Brandon. ❤️🕊️
Keo Vandu
RIP Brandon. I’m crying hard scrolling through my camera rolls; I just can’t believe it.
I’m bless I met you since the start of my wrestling training, learning the ropes, and paying dues. I’m also bless to share the ring with you. You always made everyone laugh with your goofy ass personality which always made my day. Thanks for the countless memory.
Love you bro
For anybody out there who feels like the world has left them behind; you are important, you matter and you are not alone.
Reaction from Wrestling Companies
MCW:
With a heavy heart and a complete loss for words, the MCW Pro Wrestling family mourns the loss of Brandon Holman, better known to fans as Dick Dynamo. Brandon was the epitome of hard work and was never one to shy away from a challenge. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
For anybody out there who feels like the world has left them behind; you are important, you matter and you are not alone.
CZW:
CZW is incredibly saddened and devastated to learn the passing of Brandon Holman, better known as Dick Dynamo.
Brandon was an incredibly unique and enthusiastic energy in and out of the ring. His hard work, dedication and love will be unbelievably missed. We would like to send our thoughts deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
Pay Your Dues:
Today the local Indy scene and the world lost a good one! Dick Dynamo! Hard worker, great personality and a joy to be around, he will be missed! Our hearts go out to his family, friends and loved ones!
DCW:
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we remember the life of Brandon Holman on this night.
To DCW audiences, he was Boom Hayden, a scrappy loudmouth, that would go to any lengths to secure a victory! Behind-the-scenes, he was a great kid that was very humble and always a pleasure to share a locker room with.
DCW and our Fans, give our condolences to the Family & Friends of Brandon Holman!
F1ght Club:
We send our condolences to the friends and family of Brandon Holman.