Former professional wrestler Jack “Wildman” Armstrong has died at the age of 79, prompting tributes from friends and members of the wrestling community who remember him as a talented performer and a loyal friend.
Armstrong’s death was announced on Sunday, October 25, 2026, by his close friend Laura Creavalle, a former professional bodybuilder. Her emotional tribute described him as a great wrestler and an even better friend, reflecting the personal bond they shared over many years.
The former wrestling star had reportedly been experiencing serious health complications in recent years. According to Creavalle, he had undergone the amputation of one leg and was receiving dialysis. She had recently travelled to Los Angeles to spend time with him as his health deteriorated.
His cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
A Wrestling Career Spanning More Than Three Decades
Armstrong began his professional wrestling career in 1963 and spent more than three decades competing in wrestling promotions across the United States and internationally.
He performed for the World Wide Wrestling Federation, which later became the World Wrestling Federation and is now known as WWE. He also competed in Japan and appeared in the American Wrestling Association and the Universal Wrestling Federation.
Throughout his career, Armstrong wrestled under several names, including Lenny Solomon, Super Scorpion, Black Jack, Red Rhodes and Sailor Jack. His ability to work across different promotions and wrestling territories made him a familiar figure to fans of the sport during its earlier decades.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Armstrong continued competing in regional promotions before joining Herb Abrams’ Universal Wrestling Federation.
One of the notable achievements of his later career came in September 1994, when he defeated Mando Guerrero to win the UWF Junior Heavyweight Championship. The match became the final documented contest for the championship, leaving Armstrong as its only titleholder.
Beyond wrestling, Armstrong also pursued acting and stunt work. He appeared in several films, including Grunt! The Wrestling Movie, Bad Guys and Body Slam, along with television productions.
Friend Shares Emotional Tribute
Creavalle shared news of Armstrong’s passing in a heartfelt social media message, recalling the support he gave her during a difficult period early in her bodybuilding career.
She remembered how Armstrong purchased her first posing suit and provided her with a place to stay when she was struggling financially and had nowhere to live.
Her tribute highlighted a side of Armstrong that went beyond his public persona in the wrestling ring. For her, he was not simply a former professional wrestler but a close friend whose generosity had made a lasting difference in her life.
In an earlier message, Creavalle had explained that she returned to Los Angeles after 19 years to be by his side as his health declined. Despite his medical challenges, she said he had retained his sense of humour.
She had expressed hope that he would reach his 80th birthday. His death at 79 brought that hope to a painful end.
Connection to The Rock’s Family
Armstrong also had longstanding connections within professional wrestling’s wider community. According to Creavalle, he was a close friend of Rocky Johnson, the late professional wrestler and father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The friendship reportedly extended back to their years travelling and working in wrestling. Creavalle said Armstrong had known Johnson’s son since he was a baby.
That connection linked Armstrong to several generations of wrestling history, from the territory-based promotions of the 1960s and 1970s to the modern global entertainment industry.
Although Armstrong was not among the most prominent headline stars of the modern WWE era, his career reflected the work of the many performers who helped sustain professional wrestling across different promotions and regions.
Wrestling Community Mourns His Death
News of Armstrong’s death prompted tributes from wrestling media and members of the industry, with many remembering his long career and the relationships he built along the way.
His legacy includes decades of performances, championship success in the Universal Wrestling Federation and appearances on screen outside the wrestling ring.
For those who knew him personally, however, his legacy was also defined by his generosity and friendship. Creavalle’s tribute made clear that the memories she cherished were not limited to his time as a wrestler but included the support he offered when she needed it most.
Armstrong’s death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career began more than 60 years ago. He is remembered by friends and fans for his contributions to professional wrestling and for the personal connections he maintained throughout his life.
As tributes continue, those who knew Armstrong are left remembering both the performer who entertained audiences and the friend who offered kindness away from the spotlight.
