Some very tragic news.
Some extremely unfortunate and tragic news coming by way of WPXI.com as the publication is reporting that WWE Hall Of Famer Johnny Valiant was found dead after being involved in an auto-accident. Valiant was reportedly struck by a pickup truck on McKnight Road in Pennsylvania. The site notes that Valiant attempted to cross the busy road which was not a crosswalk and that ultimately led to the fatal moment when he was hit. Valiant was said to have passed away in the hospital. Ross Township Det. Brian Kohlepp stated that the driver of the pickup truck remained on the scene and that there is no indication that this was nothing more than a tragic accident.
"Luscious" Johnny Valiant, real name Tommy Sullivan was 71 years old. After he decided to hang up his wrestling boots he had a successful career as a manager as he manged the likes of: Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Hulk Hogan, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine and other notable names. During his time with the then WWWF, he captured the World Tag Team Championships with his storyline "brother" Jimmy Valiant.
The WWE has issued the following regarding the news:
"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 they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
WWE extends its condolences to Valiant's family, friends and fans."
