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Former WWE Wrestler “Luscious” Johnny Valiant Struck, Killed by Vehicle Near Pittsburgh

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian left one person dead and caused the closure of southbound McKnight Road in Ross Township durin...
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ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian left one person dead and caused the closure of southbound McKnight Road in Ross Township during the Wednesday morning rush hour.

The victim was identified as former professional wrestler Thomas Sullivan, better known to many as “Luscious” Johnny Valiant, according to WTAE.

The fatal accident happened at the Siebert Road intersection, near the McKnight-Siebert Shopping Center.

A pickup truck with front-end damage was stopped at the accident scene, and the area was blocked off by yellow police tape.

WWE posted the following statement on its website Wednesday:

“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.”

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