Greg Valentine

Jonathan Anthony Wisniski, known professionally as Greg “the Hammer” Valentine, was born on September 20, 1951, in Seattle, Washington. His wrestling journey began in 1970, training under Stu Hart in Calgary and later under The Sheik in Detroit. He initially wrestled under names like Baby Face Nelson and Johnny Fargo, and as Johnny Valentine Jr., before solidifying his identity as Greg “the Hammer” Valentine. Early in his career, he focused on mastering his craft, culminating in his debut match in July 1970 and establishing his presence in various territories including Florida, Los Angeles, and Japan under Antonio Inoki.

Valentine’s career gained significant momentum in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, where he joined in 1976. He quickly made an impact, filling in for his injured father, Johnny Valentine. His partnership with Ric Flair led to multiple NWA World Tag Team Championships and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship in 1977. He notably feuded with Chief Wahoo McDaniel, capturing the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship multiple times. Between 1978 and 1979, Valentine also had his first stint with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), managed by The Grand Wizard, and engaged in a notable one-hour draw with WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund at Madison Square Garden in February 1979.

His return to the WWF in 1984 under managers Captain Lou Albano and later Jimmy Hart marked a significant period. He defeated Tito Santana for the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship on September 24, 1984, holding the title for 285 days. He then formed “The Dream Team” with Brutus Beefcake, winning the WWF Tag Team Championship in 1985. Following the team’s dissolution in 1987, Valentine continued as a singles competitor and later formed “Rhythm and Blues” with The Honky Tonk Man. Valentine was recognized for his contributions to professional wrestling with an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.