WPXI Pittsburgh has reported that WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Valiant has died after being struck by a truck while crossing the road Wednesday morning.
The accident occurred around 5 AM this morning when WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Valiant, real name John L. Sullivan, was hit by a pick-up truck on McKnight Road in Pittsburgh while attempting to cross the street. At the time of WPXI’s initial report they were unaware of the identity of the person who was struck by the truck, but a local medical examiner later identified the body as that of Valiant. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing.
It is unknown why Valiant was attempting to run across traffic so earlier in the morning. Police are said to still be looking into probable causes.
Here is the video of the report from WPXI regarding the incident which resulted in the death of WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Valiant:
WWE has released a statement on the passing of the WWE Hall of Famer:
“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.”
Some WWE Superstars and other Wrestlers & Wrestling Personalities and have reacted to the news of the Hall of Famer’s passing, which you can see below:
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer “Luscious” Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71. https://t.co/vNfhyVo3Pb
— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2018
R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant….Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career.
— Luke Gallows (@LukeGallowsWWE) April 5, 2018
Johnny Valiant's #WWEHOF acceptance speech is one of the best ever. #ripjohnnyv
— Sean Waltman (@TheRealXPac) April 5, 2018
R.I.P. Johnny Valiant.
— Bruce Prichard (@bruceprichard) April 5, 2018
Super sad to hear of Luscious Johnny Valiant's passing. I thought he made for a great manager in 80s WWF. He did a bit with Vince on TNT "Advice for the Lovelorn" that was hilarious at the time pic.twitter.com/Y6olsK9Y1K
— Rob Naylor (@NINaylor) April 5, 2018
Saddened to learn of the death of "Luscious" Johnny Valiant. He was so talented, so witty and vastly under rated. Rest In Peace Johnny.
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) April 5, 2018
RIP MY BROTHER JOHNNY VALIANT
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 5, 2018
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