Former professional wrestler Jack Armstrong, a man who competed in WWF and other promotions, has passed away at the age of 79.
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Armstrong's friend, Laura, announced the news with a post on Facebook. She included a photo of them embracing by the water.
"As to my post a few days ago," Laura wrote. "I m sorry to announce that I loosed (sic) 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."
The Cauliflower Alley Club is saddened to learn of the passing of professional wrestler “Wild Man” Jack Armstrong at 79.
In addition to his career inside the squared circle, Jack appeared in numerous movies and television shows throughout his career. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/APQqJzrdmT
— Cauliflower Alley Club (@CACReunion) October 25, 2026
Prior to the death announcement, Laura had shared on Facebook that she had traveled to be with Armstrong. She said that his health was failing and that he had one of his legs amputated. She wrote that he still had his humor despite the amputation and being on dialysis.
"His best friend was Rocky, the Rock 's father," Laura wrote. "They used to share rooms together when they were on the road. He has known the Rock since he was a baby. His health is failing so I have decide to come out hear (sic) to help."
Born Leonard Ornstein, Armstrong began his professional wrestling career in 1963. His tenure in the ring lasted more than three decades as he wrestled under numerous names. The list of aliases includes Black Jack, Red Rhodes, and Sailor Jack.
Armstrong wrestled in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), the WWF, the AWA, and the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). He worked in various territories around the world, including Japan.
The longtime wrestler and occasional actor earned many accolades during his career. One example includes winning the CPW American International Championship three times. He also won the UWF Junior Heavyweight Championship and the ACCW Heavyweight Championship among other titles.
