Wrestling Legend Blackjack Lanza Passes Away
The WWE Hall of Famer was 86 years old. Rest in peace.
John Mortl Lanzo, known to the wrestling world as Blackjack Lanza, has passed away. He was 86 years old.
AEW announcer Jim Ross broke the news on Tuesday, tweeting the following:-
Just heard from old, Winnipeg friend Bob Holliday that Jack Lanza has passed away at the age of 86.
AdvertisementJack was our lead agent during the Attitude Era. Helluva hand. ??
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) December 8, 2021
While the cause of death had not been disclosed at the time of writing, Greg Oliver of Slam Wrestling writes that Lanza was in poor health prior to his passing.
Once dubbed the 'World's Meanest Wrestler', Lanza is best known for his work as one half of the Blackjacks with Blackjack Mulligan. Trained by Verne Gagne, he commenced his wrestling career in 1961, originally teaming with Bobby Duncum before the Blackjacks came together with Bobby Heenan as their manager in the '70s. Numerous tag team title reigns across the territories followed, including a 74-day run with the WWWF Tag Team Titles in 1975.
The Blackjacks were together until 1984. Lanza retired the following year, becoming an agent and rejoining WWE, where he worked through some of the promotion's most prosperous years in the Attitude Era. In 2006, he and Mulligan were inducted into the. company's Hall of Fame.
Vince McMahon has tweeted the following tribute to Lanza:-
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jack Lanza. He was a man’s man, respected and beloved by all. He worked for and loved WWE for many years. His loyalty and dedication will never be forgotten.
Advertisement— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) December 8, 2021
Rest in peace, Blackjack Lanza. We at WhatCulture wish to extend our thoughts and condolences to the departed star's family and friends at this difficult time.