:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59275241/Johnny_Valiant_1920x1080__c1ba9f2cda948cd511b9767be44acfe0.0.jpg)
Johnny Valiant, a WWE Hall of Famer, died today when he was hit by a truck while attempting to cross the road, according to WPXI in Pittsburgh. Per the report, he was not at a crosswalk and police believe it to be an accident.
Valiant died at the hospital and was later identified as Tommy Sullivan, the former pro wrestler.
In its reporting on his death, WWE detailed some of his career:
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.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
We at Cageside Seats extend our condolences to his family and friends.