Laura Creavalle recently posted on Facebook to announce the passing of “Wildman” Jack Armstrong, a pro wrestling legend known for his stints in the AWA, UWF, and other promotions. On October 20th, she shared that his health had been declining and that he was on dialysis. Armstrong was 79 years old at the time of his passing.
Creavalle wrote, “As to my post a few days ago. I’m sorry to announce that I loosed my best friend Wild Man Jack Armstrong today. He was a great wrestler and and even better friend the stories are 2 many to share but he bought my first posing suit in LA and I lived with him for many years when I was a beginner struggling bodybuilder. Broke and homeless.”
Armstrong, whose real name was Leonard Ornstein, was born in 1947 in Los Angeles. He began his professional wrestling career early, making his debut in March of 1963 at just 16 years old with a victory over George Bell for Georgia Championship Wrestling. In 1964, he started working for Gene LaBell’s World Wrestling Alliance, which later became known as NWA Hollywood Wrestling.
In the late 1960s, Armstrong had a stint in the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation) where he wrestled under the name Lenny Solomon. During this time, he feuded with notable figures such as Lou Albano and Tony Altomare and had matches against stars like Ernie Ladd, Johnny Rodz, and Carlos Colon. After leaving the promotion in 1969, he returned in the early 1980s as a preliminary wrestler under the name Jack Armstrong.
Between these runs, Armstrong competed in various wrestling territories, including Pacific Northwest Wrestling, the Japan Wrestling Association, Big Time Wrestling in Michigan and Ohio, and the ASWA. He also had a stint in the AWA (American Wrestling Association) from 1969 to 1971.
Throughout his career, Armstrong held titles in All-California Championship Wrestling, California Pro Wrestling, and the International Wrestling Federation. He also briefly held the title in Herb Abrams’ ill-fated UWF (Universal Wrestling Federation) promotion, where he defeated Mando Guerrero to become the first and only UWF Junior Heavyweight Champion during the company’s final show, UWF Blackjack Brawl, in September 1994.
On behalf of PWMania.com, we extend our condolences to Mr. Armstrong’s family, friends, and fans.
