Fightful is sad to report that "Mr Wrestling II" Johnny Walker has passed away at the age of 85.
Bill Apter first shared the news on Wednesday morning. Cause of death is current unknown.
Walker got his start in wrestling in the 1950s with the NWA. He would go on to win multiple titles throughout the 70s and 80s, including the NWA World Tag Team Championship, NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Championship, NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, and the NWA National Heavyweight Championship.
He also had a short stint with the WWF in the mid-80s, though he was used mainly as an enhancement talent. His last match of record took place in 2007, coming out of retirement to compete in Hawai'i Championship Wrestling, where he was the director of talent relations.
He was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1993, the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014. He was also named Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1975.
Horrible way to start any day ...https://t.co/mdi4RkS7iW
— Bill Apter (@apter1wrestling) June 10, 2020
Johnny "Mr. Wrestling II" Walker has died.
The National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest sympathies on the passing of "Mr. Wrestling II" Johnny Walker.
— NWA (@nwa) June 10, 2020
A huge star in the 1970s and 1980s in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South and all over the NWA. He was also the favorite wrestler of President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/OJAFuItZK7
On behalf of Fightful, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Johnny Walker.
