Hall of Famer Johnny Valiant passes away
Former WWF wrestler “Luscious” Johnny Valiant (real name Tommy Sullivan) has died aged 71 after being hit by a pickup truck while crossing a busy road in Pittsburgh in the US. WWE with also past and present wrestlers have been sending out condolences.
"We do have witnesses. There was other traffic at the time, so we were able to speak with people who actually witnessed the accident," Ross Township Detective Brian Kohlepp said. Police have noted Valiant did not use the crosswalk and died shortly after in hospital.
Valiant twice won the WWF Tag Team championship alongside his stage-brother Jimmy Valiant, first in 1974 and then again in 1979. He left WWF, now known as WWE, in 1988, just before Wrestlemania IV. After his wrestling career, he went on to manage the likes of Hulk Hogan in the early 1980s and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake. He was also known for doing commentary.
WWE remembered Valiant with the following announcement:
WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Valiant passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer "Luscious" Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71.
Valiant began his sports-entertainment career in 1969 in the Detroit territory owned by WWE Hall of Famer The Sheik, setting up rings, refereeing and competing. After learning the basics in the Motor City, he spent years competing in more than 20 territories across North America, including WWE.
In 1974, The Valiant Brothers "Luscious" Johnny and "Handsome" Jimmy captured the World Tag Team Championships and held them for more than one year. In 1979, Johnny teamed up with "Gentleman" Jerry Valiant to capture the tandem titles again, this time managed by WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano.
Soon after, "The Luscious One" followed in Albano's footprints and became a manager of tag team champions himself. After guiding some of the biggest names in the AWA, Valiant returned to WWE in 1985. "Luscious" Johnny led the Dream Team of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine & Brutus Beefcake to the World Tag Team Championship with a win over Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo. Canadian strongman Dino Bravo and Demolition were also managed by Valiant for a portion of their WWE tenures.
Valiant proved he was multi-faceted by also doing color commentary for WWE before returning to the AWA in 1989 as a manager. In 1996, "Luscious" Johnny and "Handsome" Jimmy were immortalized when then were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE extends its condolences to Valiant's family, friends and fans.
We at Universe of Wrestling forums send out our condolences to Sullivans family and friends.
