Former wrestler Jack Armstrong has died at the age of 79 after a lengthy illness. His close friend and former bodybuilder Laura Creavalle announced his passing in a social media post.
Career Spanning More Than 30 Years
Armstrong began wrestling in 1963 and competed for over three decades. He appeared in the World Wide Wrestling Federation, which later became WWE, and also wrestled in Japan, the AWA and UWF during his time in the ring.
He also had a stint as an actor and starred in the original version of the film The Wrestler. Armstrong went by several stage names during his career, including Lenny Solomon, Super Scorpion, Black Jack and Sailor Jack.
Final Weeks and Tributes
Creavalle moved into his home in Los Angeles to care for him in his final weeks. She had posted a message saying that despite his poor health, he still had his sense of humour.
Writing on Facebook, she said: "I'm in LA after 19 yrs to be with my best friend Jack Armstrong, used to be a professional wrestler."
She added: "His best friend was Rocky, the Rock's father, they used to share rooms together when they were on the road. He has known the Rock since he was a baby. His health is failing so I have decided to come out here to help. They had to remove one of his legs as he is on dialysis, but his sense of humour still stays. He is 79. I'm hoping he makes it to 80. I'm glad just to be here by his side."
Armstrong had a leg amputated after an infection took hold and was also on dialysis.
Sad Announcement
His health then took a turn for the worse, and Creavalle posted again with the sad announcement. She wrote: "As to my post a few days ago. I'm sorry to announce that I lost my best friend Wild Man Jack Armstrong today."
She added: "He was a great wrestler and an even better friend. The stories are 2 many to share but he bought my first posing suit in LA and I lived with him for many years when I was a beginner struggling bodybuilder. Broke and homeless."
