Johnny “Mr. Wrestling II” Passes Away
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Bill Apter on Wednesday shared the news that Johnny Walker has passed away. Walker enjoyed a long career wrestling for various promotions, including Georgia Championship Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance. He competed under a few names, including Mr. Wrestling II and The Grappler. Walker was one of the most influential wrestlers of the 20th century. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014. Walker was also inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in 1993. He won the Pro Wrestling Illustrated award for Wrestler of the Year in 1975.
Horrible way to start any day …https://t.co/mdi4RkS7iW
Johnny "Mr. Wrestling II" Walker has died.— Bill Apter (@apter1wrestling) June 10, 2020
The NWA commented on the news and reminded fans that Walker was President Jimmy Carter’s favorite wrestler.
The National Wrestling Alliance sends its deepest sympathies on the passing of "Mr. Wrestling II" Johnny Walker.
A huge star in the 1970s and 1980s in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South and all over the NWA. He was also the favorite wrestler of President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/OJAFuItZK7
— NWA (@nwa) June 10, 2020