Fans of the World Wrestling Entertainment has reacted to the shocking news of the death of a professional wrestler, Thomas Sullivan aka “Luscious” Johnny Valiant.
The death of Valiant was made known on the official Twitter handle of the WWE a few hours ago.
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
Valiant who was 71-year-old died on Wednesday after he was hit by a pickup truck at Ross Township, Pennsylvania, United States.
WXPI reports that the deceased wrestler ran across a busy road without using the crosswalk when the tragedy occurred, adding that the driver of the truck remained at the scene and waited for help.
Valiant won multiple tag-team titles as a member of the Valiant brothers in the 1970s and was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996.
According to the WWE bio of the defunct team, Valiant brothers, with bleach-blond hair and flamboyant style introduced an outrageous brand of wrestling that took over in the 80s.
Valiant before his death reportedly managed Hulk Hogan and prominent tag-teams in the 80s before working as a colour commentator for WWE broadcasts.
See tweets below:
R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant….Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career.
— Luke Gallows (@LukeGallowsWWE) 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 Luscious Johnny Valiant AKA Luscious Johnny V. Me & the boys met him in 1998 and when we walked by his autograph table, he said: “How bout a finner ($5 bucks) for the old man?” LOL. #WWE #WWF pic.twitter.com/WRF0AuZHEP
— Vince 22 (@VinceGagliardi) April 5, 2018
We here at Pro Wrestling Ontario pay our respects to the memory of one of the all-time great tag team performers, Luscious Johnny Valiant. pic.twitter.com/AgQrM6nkkc
— Pro Wrestling Ont. (@ProWrestlingOnt) April 5, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of Luscious Johnny Valiant, he once road to a town with Tommy and I to a town for the AWA. What a great guy! Prayers for the family!
— Bobby Fulton (@TheBobbyFulton) April 5, 2018
RIP Luscious Johnny Valiant. Heard he was hit and killed by a truck. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. .God Bless
— Debra Harris (@DebraHa77022508) April 5, 2018
Looking forward to a long fun work and vacation weekend in New Orleans but flattened to hear of the untimely passing of Luscious Johnny Valiant, who I admired forever and had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with on too few occasions
Rest In Peace Johnny V#WWE #WWEHOF pic.twitter.com/gSJcqlhCwT— Joel Gertner (@StudMuffinSays) April 5, 2018
Like the late, great, Bobby Heenan, growing up I always enjoyed “Luscious” Johnny Valiant. Be it in or out of the ring or behind the mic., he always brought a smile to my face. You will be sorely missed Johnny V!! pic.twitter.com/yl49URn1Kp
— Bill Alexander (@AlexWillfd) April 5, 2018
R.I.P. Johnny Valiant. The Valiant Brothers — Handsome Jimmy and Luscious Johnny — were a big reason I fell in love with pro wrestling as a kid. pic.twitter.com/nsjhfzowC4
— Kevin Eck (@TheKevinEck) April 5, 2018