Jack Lanza

Jack LanzaClass of 2006
Information
Ring names	Blackjack Lanza Cowboy Jack Lanza
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight	245 lb (111 kg)
Born	October 14, 1935(1935-10-14)
Birth Place	Albuquerque, New Mexico
Died	December 8, 2021 (aged 86)
Resides	Laredo, Texas
Trainer	Verne Gagne
Debut	1962
Retired	1984

John "Jack" Lanza (October 14, 1935 - December 8, 2021) was an American professional wrestler. He was one half of The Blackjacks with Blackjack Mulligan in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.

Career

Lanza started his career in 1962. In the American Wrestling Association (AWA), he teamed with Bobby Duncum and was managed by Bobby Heenan. During his time in the company, his gimmick was that of a Western cowboy. The duo won the AWA World Tag Team Championship on July 23, 1976.

The Blackjacks

In the 1970s, Lanza and Mulligan teamed up to form The Blackjacks. Lanza was a main-eventer when the duo began teaming together. They were managed by Bobby Heenan.

In 1975, they joined the WWWF. On August 26, 1975, The Blackjacks defeated Dominic DeNucci and Pat Barrett for the WWWF Tag Team Championship. The match was a two-out-of-three falls match, and the Blackjacks won the match by winning the first and third falls. As part of his tenure in WWWF, Vince McMahon promised Lanza that he would receive one World singles title shot a month.

Retirement

Following his career, Lanza worked for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as a road agent.

Lanza inducted his longtime manager Bobby Heenan into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. On April 1, 2006, Lanza, along with his former partner, Blackjack Mulligan, were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by their former manager, Bobby Heenan.

Personal life

His nephew is former WWE Champion and fellow Hall of Famer John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

In wrestling

• Finishing moves
  • Brainbuster
  • Clawhold
  • Corkscrew Knuckle

• Managers
  • Bobby Heenan
  • Lou Albano

Championships and accomplishments

• American Wrestling Association
  • AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bobby Duncum

• Georgia Championship Wrestling
  • NWA Georgia Television Championship (1 time)

• NWA Big Time Wrestling
  • NWA American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
  • NWA American Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Blackjack Mulligan
  • NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version) (2 times)

• World Wrestling Association
  • WWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Blackjack Mulligan

• World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2006)
  • WWWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Blackjack Mulligan

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him # 338 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the "PWI Years" in 2003.

External links

• WWE.com Profile
• Profile
• Profile