**The Unforgettable Greg Valentine**In a world where wrestling personas were as fleeting as a summer breeze, Greg Valentine stood out like a beacon of rugged individualism. Nicknamed "Gorgeous" and "The Hammer," this all-around wrestler from Seattle, Washington, left an indelible mark on the sport.Born John Anthony Wisniski Jr. in 1951, Valentine's foray into professional wrestling began in the early 1970s. He debuted under the moniker Baby Face Nelson, a nod to the notorious outlaw, and quickly earned a reputation as a hard-hitting grappler with a penchant for dishing out punishment.Valentine's versatility was his greatest asset. Able to seamlessly transition between high-flying aerial attacks and brutal brawling, he became known for his Figure Four Leglock, an agonizing submission hold that left opponents writhing in agony. The Elbow Drop, another signature move, was a crowd-pleaser, as Valentine would deliver it with unbridled ferocity.Throughout his illustrious career, Valentine donned several ring personas, including the enigmatic Blue Knight and the rugged Hiroshima Joe. His Johnny Fargo moniker became synonymous with toughness, while the latter iteration – Johnny Valentine Jr. – cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the ring.Valentine's impressive physique, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing a chiseled 243 pounds, only added to his mystique. His rugged good looks earned him the nickname "Gorgeous," a moniker that belied his brutal and unforgiving style of wrestling.Now, as a freelancer, Valentine continues to ply his trade, leaving a trail of broken bodies in his wake. Fans who witnessed his early matches still speak in hushed tones about the intensity he brought to the ring. Greg Valentine may have worn many masks, but his reputation as one of the greatest all-around wrestlers of his generation remains unscathed.**A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten**Greg Valentine's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of professional wrestling. A man of few words and many bruises, he left an indelible mark on the sport, a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of grapplers to come.
| Name: | Greg Valentine |
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| Real Name: | John Anthony Wisniski Jr. |
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| Ring Names: | Baby Face Nelson, Blue Knight, Johnny Fargo, Johnny Valentine, Johnny Valentine Fargo, Johnny Valentine Jr., Hiroshima Joe |
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| Promotion: | Freelancer |
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| Date of Birth: | 20 September 1951 |
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| Born In: | Seattle, Washington, United States |
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Facts
Here are 10 interesting facts and tidbits about wrestler Greg Valentine:• Greg Valentine's real name is John Anthony Wisniski Jr., but he was born on January 4, 1950, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.• He began his professional wrestling career in 1969 at the age of 19, competing for various regional promotions in the Midwest and East Coast.• Valentine made a name for himself as "Baby Face Nelson," a babyface (fan favorite) character that earned him a reputation as a fan-friendly competitor.• In the early 1970s, he adopted the ring name "Blue Knight" and began working for the American Wrestling Association (AWA), where he won his first championship title – the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship.• Valentine's most iconic persona was "Johnny Valentine," which he used from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. During this period, he held multiple championships and feuded with some of wrestling's biggest names.• In 1984, Valentine joined World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) and won the WCCW Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his status as a top-tier competitor in the region.• He is perhaps most famous for his rivalry with "Killer" Karl Kox, which spanned several years and produced some of the most memorable matches of the 1980s.• Valentine was also known for his technical grappling skills, earning him the nickname "The Folsom Street Mauler."• Throughout his career, Valentine held over 20 championship titles across various promotions, including the WWF (now WWE), AWA, WCCW, and more.• After retiring from in-ring competition, Valentine went on to become a successful promoter and booker for various independent promotions, helping launch the careers of numerous up-and-coming wrestlers.
