The World of Wrestling lost one of its Giants recently with the passing of Legendary Promoter and Wrestler, Mr. Verne Gagne. Verne was the founder of the Minnesota based Promotion the American Wrestling Association (AWA).
After one year of college, Verne joined the United States Marine Corps. He decided to return to the University of Minnesota, where he captured two NCAA Titles. Gagne also spent some brief time as a football player in the NFL when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1947. However, that time would not last as wrestling was a deeper calling for him.
Verne Gagne started his professional wrestling career with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in 1949. During his time there, Gagne won the NWA Junior Heavyweight Title in a tournament. Verne also won the Chicago Territory version of the NWA United States Championship twice, along with the Tag Team Titles. Gagne became very well known in wrestling thanks to the golden age of television, thanks to his exposure on the Dumont Network, where he amazed crowds with his savvy as an in-ring technician.
In 1960, Verne Gagne formed his own promotion known as the AWA out of his hometown of Minnesota. Naturally, Gagne would become the company's top star since he was the promoter. During his time as a wrestler, Verne's biggest feuds were with Gene Kiniski, Dr. Bill Miller, Fritz Von Erich, Dr. X, The Crusher, Ray Stevens, Mad Dog Vachon, Larry Hennig, and his biggest rival, Nick Bockwinkel. Gagne would be a 10-time AWA World Champion, the most in the company's history. He also had one of the longest World Title reigns in Wrestling History, holding the AWA title from August 31, 1968 to November 8, 1975 (7 years, 3 months) before losing it to Bockwinkel.
Legacy as a Promoter & Trainer:
Besides his in-ring career, Verne Gagne's biggest impact came as a promoter & trainer. The AWA has showcased a lineage of Hall of Fame Talent:
Hulk Hogan
Ric Flair
Ricky Steamboat
Sgt. Slaughter
Curt Hennig
The Iron Sheik
The Rockers
Jerry Lawler
"Mean" Gene Okerlund
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
The Road Warriors (LOD)
As a promoter, Verne was known for putting on an "old school" show that was counter culture of Vince McMahon's emerging cutting edge production of "sports entertainment" wrestling in the World Wrestling Federation. A bright, young 6'7" 300 pound, standout star received a huge break in Minnesota before running wild for the rest of the decade. Even though Gagne preferred amateur-style wrestlers over the muscle bound monsters of the 1980's, he still gave a young Hulk Hogan an opportunity to shine after his falling out with Vince McMahon, Sr. Hogan would soon become the top draw for the AWA, which led to Verne giving him the spotlight to feud with AWA mainstay Nick Bockwinkel. Hogan made a name for himself in the AWA, which helped to create leverage for him in the WWF. The rest is history. Two of Hogan's rivals were also AWA alums. The Iron Sheik and Sgt. Slaughter.
Iron Sheik:
On January 23, 1984 Hogan defeated the Iron Sheik to win his first WWF Championship to catapult a four year run as champion.
Sgt. Slaughter:
On March 24, 1991 (WrestleMania VII), Hogan defeated Sgt. Slaughter to win his third WWF Championship.
Slaughter and Sheik would feud with each other during the summer of 1984.
Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat reached the greatest heights of their career when they feuded with each other in the NWA/WCW.
Curt Hennig would become one of the AWA's greatest champions before making the jump to the WWF where he would be one of the most significant Intercontinental Champions in history.
The Road Warriors were the biggest draw as a Tag Team in the history of the AWA. This was one of the many territories that Hawk and Animal conquered in their journey to legendary status.
Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty would enjoy their greatest success as a Tag Team in the AWA as the "Midnight" Rockers before making the move to Connecticut/New York.
The AWA was a platform that gave opportunities to many up and comers before they made their mark on the larger, national platform of WWF. The AWA was critical in the growth of future legends, immortal icons, and showstoppers. Verne Gagne will forever be a staple in the wrestling industry, because of his overall contributions. Wrestling has never been the same, because of the impact of Mr. Verne Gagne. Rest in Peace.
Painting Courtesty of: Rob Schamberger
Twitter: @RobSchamberger
www.robschamberger.com
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