Johnny Valiant dead: WWE legend dies 'after being hit by truck' aged 71

Tributes have been paid to former WWE wrestler Johnny Valiant, who reportedly died after being hit by a truck in Pennsylvania.

The 71-year-old, who was inducted into the wrestling Hall of Fame in 1996, won two tag team titles with his brother, Jimmy Valiant, in the 1970s.

Dubbed the "Luscious" Johnny Valiant, he went on to manage a number of well known wrestlers, including one of the world's most popular competitors Hulk Hogan.

Valiant - real name John Sullivan - was reportedly struck by the truck a suburb of Pittsburgh. Police are treating the incident as an accident.

A spokesman for the WWE Hall of Fame said: "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer 'Luscious' Johnny Valiant reportedly passed away this morning at the age of 71. WWE extends its condolences to Valiant's family, friends and fans."

Tributes continued to pour in from the wrestling world online in the wake of his death.

WWE fighter Luke Gallows wrote: "R.I.P Luscious Johnny Valiant...Always kind to me and very helpful early in my career."

While former pro wrestler Sean Waltman said: "Johnny Vaqliant's WWE Hall of Fame acceptance speech is one of the best ever. #ripjohhnyv."

Fellow brawler Brian Heffron added: "Saddened to learn of the death of 'Luscious' Johnny Valiant.

"He was so talented, so witty and vastly underrated. Rest in peace Johnny."