Greg Valentine Then and Now

Greg Valentine Then

Greg Valentine, born on September 20, 1951, in Seattle, Washington, is a prominent figure in professional wrestling, known for his contributions to the industry as both a performer and a trailblazer. 

Growing up in a wrestling family, he was deeply influenced by his father, Johnny Valentine, a renowned wrestler in his own right. 

During his teenage years, Greg Valentine traveled extensively across Texas with his father, immersing himself in the world of professional wrestling. 

This exposure solidified his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps.

After a period of attending college, Valentine made a significant life decision during a summer vacation. 

He chose to abandon his academic pursuits to pursue a career in professional wrestling. Initially, his father was hesitant about this career shift, but ultimately, he supported his son’s aspirations. 

To ensure he received the best training, Johnny Valentine sent Greg to Canada in 1970, where he trained under the tutelage of the legendary Stu Hart in Calgary. 

This training would lay the foundation for Valentine’s future success in the wrestling world, equipping him with the skills and discipline that would define his career.

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Greg Valentine Wrestling Career

Greg Valentine began his wrestling career in July 1970 under the guidance of Stu Hart and later continued his training in Detroit with The Sheik. 

Initially wrestling under various names, including Baby Face Nelson and Johnny Fargo, he eventually adopted the name Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, positioning himself as Johnny Valentine’s “brother” rather than his son.

In 1976, Valentine debuted in Jim Crockett Jr.’s Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, replacing his injured father. 

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He quickly made a name for himself by forming a successful tag team with Ric Flair, winning the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice and the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship. 

Valentine’s in-ring style, especially his top rope elbow drop, was promoted as devastatingly effective.

He feuded with notable wrestlers like Chief Wahoo McDaniel and Johnny Weaver, often using his Figure Four leglock and signature elbow drop to inflict damage. 

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His feud with McDaniel, in particular, was highlighted by the injury McDaniel suffered at Valentine’s hands.

Valentine’s career saw him move between promotions and roles. In 1978, he joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), later known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). 

He was managed by The Grand Wizard and later Jimmy Hart, adopting a methodical style that targeted his opponents’ legs. 

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He achieved notable success in the WWF, including winning the Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship and forming The Dream Team with Brutus Beefcake.

His tenure with the WWF included notable feuds, such as his intense rivalry with Roddy Piper over the U.S. Championship and his iconic match with Pedro Morales.

Valentine’s time with the promotion also saw him team with The Honky Tonk Man as Rhythm and Blues before eventually forming The New Dream Team with Dino Bravo.

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Valentine’s career continued with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1992, where he held the WCW United States Tag Team Championship with Terry Taylor. 

Despite his successful runs, his tenure with WCW was brief and he would eventually leave the promotion.

Throughout his career, Valentine was known for his rugged in-ring style, his signature moves, and his ability to reinvent himself across various wrestling promotions. 

His legacy in professional wrestling is marked by his championships, memorable feuds, and his influential role in the evolution of wrestling entertainment.

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Greg Valentine Wrestling Competition

• National Wrestling Federation (NWF)
• Texas Wrestling
• Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
• All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
• Jim Crockett Promotions / Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling (MACW)
• World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) / World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
• Continental Wrestling Association (CWA)
• Global Wrestling Federation (GWF)

Greg Valentine’s Wife and Children

Greg Valentine married Julie on February 14, 1995, in a ceremony that marked a significant personal milestone in his life. 

Their union was a celebrated occasion, reflecting the deep bond and commitment they shared. 

Julie, whose full background and personal details are not as publicly known, has been a supportive partner throughout Valentine’s career in professional wrestling.

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Together, Greg and Julie have two daughters. While their names and details about their lives are kept private, it’s clear that the couple has built a family foundation on love and mutual support. 

Greg Valentine’s role as a father has likely influenced both his personal and professional life, offering him a sense of balance and fulfillment beyond his wrestling career.

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Greg Valentine Now

Greg Valentine, now 72 years old, is a retired American professional wrestler best known by his ring name, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. 

His wrestling career, which spanned several decades, left a lasting impact on the sport. 

Born as Gregyory Anthony Valentine, he is the son of the renowned wrestler Johnny Valentine, a legacy that deeply influenced his journey in the world of professional wrestling.

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As a veteran of the ring, Valentine achieved significant acclaim during his career, including memorable feuds and championship wins. 

Despite retiring from active competition, he remains a respected figure in the wrestling community, often participating in events and conventions where fans can meet and reminisce about his illustrious career. 

Valentine’s influence extends beyond his in-ring achievements, as he has contributed to the wrestling world through his legacy as a skilled performer and a respected mentor in the sport.

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