WWE Hall of Famer Jack Lanza dead at age 86
WWE Hall of Famer Blackjack Lanza died on Wednesday at the age of 86.
WWE Chairman and CEO, Vince McMahon made the announcement and honored Lanza on Twitter.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Jack Lanza,” McMahon posted on Twitter. “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.”
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.
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) December 8, 2021
Blackjack Lanza was best known for his run as a tag team with Blackjack Mulligan, collectively known as The Blackjacks. They had multiple tenures as tag team champions in various promotions, including the then WWWF, NWA, and AWA. Much of his time in the limelight occurred during the 1970s before retiring in 1985. His last match saw him team with Dick The Bruiser and The Crusher to lose to The Fabulous Freebirds and Ray Stevens.
Triple H would also shower his praise on Lanza.
“The legendary Jack Lanza,” Triple H posted on Twitter. “One of the greatest minds in the business, thank you for letting me sit under the learning tree.”
The legendary Jack Lanza...One of the greatest minds in the business, thank you for letting me sit under the learning tree... pic.twitter.com/PpK6AHsC2j
— Triple H (@TripleH) October 24, 2016
Lanza would continue to work for the WWF/WWE in various roles after his retirement. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006 alongside his tag team partner and other legends like Bret Hart, Eddie Guerrero, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Sensational Sherri, Verne Gagne, and Tony Atlas.
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