AWA Legend Verne Gagne Passes Away
In sad news, the former owner and promoter of the American Wrestling Association (AWA) has passed away.
The AWA was the primary territory in the Midwest from 1969 to 1991. The promotion is best known for giving Hulk Hogan his first major shot in the USA against Nick Bockwinkel at the promotions height in the 1980’s.
Vince McMahon would however sign away major names in the 1980’s from the AWA like Hogan, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Adrian Adonis, Ken Patera and Jesse Ventura. However Gagne and the AWA would go on to develop new stars names you will recognise like Scott Hall, the Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jennetty), Vader, The Nasty Boys and Madusa.
Gagne was recognised for his contribution to professional wrestling and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006.
Above: A Young Hulk Hogan in the AWA.
Hulk Hogan has the following comments:
RIP Verne Gagne,Verne said stay down and sell until u hear the crowd rumbling then Start shaking and Hulk up and don’t sell anymore thx HH
— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) April 28, 2015
Ric Flair also commented:
Verne, I wouldn’t be where I am without you. I owe my career to you. Thank you for making me. God bless you and your family #VerneGagne
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) April 28, 2015
On behalf of everyone on The Suplah, our condolences go to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Gagne. We have lost a legend today.
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