WWE Hall-of-Famer 'Luscious' Johnny Valiant Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA - WWE Hall-of-Fame wrestler “Luscious” Johnny Valiant died Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle. He was 71.

The wrestler, whose real name was Thomas M. Sullivan, was crossing heavily traveled McKnight Road in suburban Ross Township around 5:30 a.m. when he was hit by a pickup truck. No charges have been filed against the driver.

“WWE is saddened to learn to learn that WWE Hall-of-Famer John L. Sullivan, known to WWE fans as “Luscious” Johnny Valiant, has passed away,” the wrestling organization said on Twitter.

According to his WWE page, Mr. Sullivan began his wrestling career in 1969 in Detroit. In 1974, he and his brother, “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant, won the World Tag Team Championships. In 1979, Mr. Sullivan teamed up with “Gentleman” Jerry Valiant capture the tandem titles again, this time managed by WWE Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano.

Mr. Sullivan soon became a manager of tag team champions himself. After guiding some of the biggest names in the AWA, he returned to WWE in 1985. "Luscious" Johnny led the Dream Team of Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake to the World Tag Team Championship. He also managed Dino Bravo and Demolition for part of their WWE careers.

Mr. Sullivan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Photo via WWE.