Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jimmy Valiant

Discover the career path of Jimmy Valiant, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jimmy Valiant, born James Harold Fanning, is a well-known American professional wrestler. He gained fame under the moniker "Handsome" Jimmy Valiant. Valiant was a charismatic performer known for his flamboyant personality, distinctive appearance, and engaging interactions with fans. He competed in various wrestling promotions throughout his career, including the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and others. He was famous for his 'Boogie Woogie Man' persona and is remembered as a colorful and entertaining figure in professional wrestling during its golden era.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1964: Wrestling Debut as Big Jim Vallen

In 1964, James Harold Fanning began his wrestling career under the name "Big Jim Vallen".

1971: WWWF Debut as Gentleman Jim Valiant

In 1971, Jimmy Valiant entered the WWWF as a babyface known as "Gentleman Jim Valiant," but soon became a heel. He had title matches against Pedro Morales and feuded with Chief Jay Strongbow.

1974: WWWF Tag Team Champions

From 1974 to 1975, Jimmy and his kayfabe brother Johnny Valiant held the tag belts and main evented Madison Square Garden against Chief Jay Strongbow and Bruno Sammartino.

1975: Tag Team Championship Reign Ends

From 1974 to 1975, Jimmy and his kayfabe brother Johnny Valiant held the tag belts and main evented Madison Square Garden against Chief Jay Strongbow and Bruno Sammartino.

1979: Return to WWWF as Manager

In 1979, Jimmy Valiant returned to the WWWF, occasionally wrestling with Johnny, and also took on a manager role where he managed Johnny and Jerry Valiant as they won the tag belts.

January 1984: Beard Cutting Attack

In January 1984, Valiant was attacked by Paul Jones and The Assassins. They tied him to the wrestling ring ropes so that Jones could cut his beard off, leading to a grudge match.

1985: Formation of B and B Connection

In 1985, Valiant and Ragin' Bull Manny Fernandez formed a team called the B and B Connection ("Boogie Woogie" and "Bull").

1986: The Great American Bash, Hair vs. Hair Matches, and Betrayal

During The Great American Bash 1986 summer shows, Paul Jones adopted a military style look and labeled his stable The Army. Valiant beat Shaska Whatley in a hair vs hair match, but lost one to Paul Jones weeks later. In the fall of 1986, the Raging Bull Manny Fernandez turned on Valiant, and at Starrcade '86 Valiant put up Big Mama's hair against Jones' in a No DQ Match which Valiant won.

1986: Feud with Paul Jones and Army of Wrestlers Continues

From January 1984 through to late 1986, Valiant feuded heavily with Paul Jones and his army of wrestlers, including The Barbarian, Baron von Raschke, Teijo Khan, and The Assassins.

1990: USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship Wins

In 1990, Jimmy Valiant twice won the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship from Jerry Lawler, losing it back to him both times.

February 8, 2020: WrestlePro Match

On February 8, 2020, Jimmy Valiant wrestled for WrestlePro in Rahway, New Jersey, teaming with Buster Jackson to defeat Colt Cabana and CPA.

May 14, 2022: Returns from Retirement

On May 14, 2022, Valiant came out of retirement at 79 years old, winning a 6-man tag team match at Patriotic Wrestling Federation in York, South Carolina.

August 13, 2023: Revolution Wrestling Authority Match

On August 13, 2023, Jimmy Valiant wrestled for Revolution Wrestling Authority in High Point, North Carolina, teaming with Rob McBride in a 3-on-2 Handicap Match to defeat Jonny Fairplay, Julian Strauss, and Steven Frye.

August 31, 2024: Beside the Ring Wrestling Debut

On August 31, 2024, Valiant debuted for Beside the Ring Wrestling in Mountain City. He unveiled the inaugural Beside the Ring Championship and was interrupted by Evan Golden.