Former pro wrestler dies after pickup strikes him

The pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle early Wednesday in Ross has been identified as a former professional wrestler and stand-up comedian in New York City.

Thomas Sullivan, known as “Luscious” Johnny Valiant, died after he was struck by a pickup truck about 5:30 a.m. on McKnight Road.

The 71-year-old Ross resident was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Ross police were investigating; no charges had been filed by late Wednesday

Mr. Sullivan entered the sports-entertainment industry in 1967, three years after “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant, according to his biography on the WWE website. The two, who were promoted in the ring as brothers but who weren’t related, won several regional tag team championships and joined what was then known as the World Wrestling Federation in the early 1970s.

Johnny and Jimmy won the World Tag Team Championship in 1974. Johnny paired up with a third “brother,” “Gentleman” Jerry Valiant, and won the World Tag Team Championship in 1979.

Mr. Sullivan became a manager after the Valiant brothers split up.

He managed Hulk Hogan in the American Wrestling Association in the 1980s before Mr. Sullivan returned to what would become World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE, according to his bio. He also managed the “Dream Team” of Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake and led them to the World Tag Team Championship in 1985.

In addition to managing wrestlers, Mr. Sullivan provided color commentary for some WWE broadcasts.

After wrestling, Mr. Sullivan was an actor and comedian in New York. He made appearances on several TV shows, including ‘’Law and Order” and “The Sopranos.”

Johnny and Jimmy were indicted into the WWE Hall of Fame together in 1996.