#Awa wrestling toys pro

In 1943, Verne was recruited to play football at the University of Minnesota, where he was named to the All-Big Ten Team.Īfter one year of college, like many other boys of his generation, Gagne enlisted by joining the Navy during World War II. Perfect, Class of 1976), John Nord (The Barbarian / Bezerker, Class of 1977), Nelson Scott Simpson ( Nikita Koloff, Class of 1977), Barry Darsow (Demolition “Smash” / Repo Man, Class of 1978), and more. He excelled in football, baseball, and wrestling, winning district, regional, and state championships at Robbinsdale High School, and he would be named to the All-State Football Team.įun fact:Robbinsdale High School out of Robbinsdale, Minnesota had many wrestling greats pass through its doors, including Tom Zenk (Class of 1976), Rick Rood ( Rick Rude, Class of 1976), Dean Peters (Brady Boone, Class of 1976), Curt Hennig (Mr.

Laverne “Verne” Gagne was born on February 26, 1926, and raised a proud Minnesota boy. The story of the AWA starts many years earlier when a young man learned the value of personal achievement. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though. Verne Gagne is an exception to that rule.Īlthough he wasn’t the best businessman or the best at interpersonal relationships with his roster, what Verne Gagne had was an eye for wrestling talent and the knowledge of what to do with them to maximize their potential. Very rarely do the realities live up to these myths. To say that anyone’s contribution to their field was invaluable and irreplaceable is a bold statement. Learn his story and how you can help him reach his goal of taking his first steps again!

#Awa wrestling toys pro

Jim Phillips, author of this article and one of the great wrestling historians here at Pro Wrestling Stories, is in the challenge of his life after being paralyzed on January 21st, 2023. From his storied sporting career to his contributions in and out of the ring with the AWA, that rumor surrounding Hulk Hogan, to his unfortunate troubled final days, this is the unforgettable story of Verne Gagne.