Bob Backlund Cuts Promo at Verne Gagne’s Funeral
WWE Hall of Famer Interrupts Eulogy at AWA Legend’s Funeral
According to the Wrestling Observer, at the funeral service of recently deceased WWE Hall of Famer Verne Gagne, the outspoken Bob Backlund caused a scene during the ceremony.
According to the Observer, the story unfolded as follows;
“The funeral for Verne Gagne, one of the most influential people in the history of pro wrestling, took place on 5/5 in Eden Prairie, MN.
Among the names who attended either the visitation or the funeral were Larry Hennig (notable because Hennig was very outspoken about not liking Gagne), Wayne Bloom, Brad Rheingans, Mick Karch, Derrick Dukes, Frankie DeFalco, Jake Milliman, Jim Brunzell, John Nord, Kenny Jay, Gene Okerlund, Dan Jesser, Doug Fisher, Paul Ellering, Steve Olsonoski, Baron Von Raschke, Eddie Sharkey (who once shot up Verne’s office after Verne made a pass at his then-wife, woman wrestler Princess Little Cloud), and Bob Backlund.
Okerlund and Greg Gagne delivered eulogies. Okerlund finished his speech by doing an interview introduction for “the heavyweight champion of the world, Verne Gagne,” and everyone gave it a standing ovation.
Others there included a number of media members, former Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant (who was a football teammate of Gagne’s in the late 40s at the University of Minnesota), and Tony Nagurski, Bronko’s son.
The lone negative thing is that Backlund started yelling out what was described as a heel promo at Greg Gagne, while Greg was delivering the eulogy, that was described as ridiculously out of place.”
Editor’s Note: Bob Backlund, ladies and gentlemen.
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