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Post by BrIaNMeRcY on Apr 28, 2015 4:59:51 GMT -5
Major loss in the industry. Verne Gagne was responsible for training the all-time greats in the industry. At the age he died, at least he lived a full life.
RIP Verne Gagne
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Post by deskjet on Apr 28, 2015 9:17:33 GMT -5
Rip Verne
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Post by Grumpyoldman on Apr 28, 2015 9:17:44 GMT -5
I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of the AWA production. But I was saddened to hear that Verne had suffered with dementia for the past few years. I'm glad he is no longer hurting, and that his family is at peace.
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Post by HVMMONS on Apr 28, 2015 9:26:32 GMT -5
I saw this last night before I went to bed on the WWE app. Saddening. RIP.
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Post by Bandalero on Apr 28, 2015 9:26:37 GMT -5
There is no aspect of the modern foundation of our sport, our art, the very careers of countless wrestlers we call our childhood heroes dating back to the 70s, that this man does not affect. Even in death, his influence spans the history of cable broadcast wrestling. He was one of THE stars of the first generation of televised wrestling alongside Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, Atonino Rocca, Buddy Rogers, Mr. Moto, Dick The Bruiser, & Ricky Starr. He essentially built up the first great "Outlaw Territory" outside of the National Wrestling Alliance's sanction since the organization's founding in 1948. Paving the way for every American territory to defect from the NWA since. Including what we now know as the WWE. He led the second greatest promotion on earth, until the end of the 60s when the WWWF became a national power. He is THE most prolific trainer of successful wrestlers in history. Training the likes of Bob Backlund, The Iron Shiek, Ricky Steamboat, Ric Flair! & Curt Hennig. The in-ring skills of Verne Gagne are among the most complete in every aspect a total wrestling performer in the entire history of wrestling. From Jack Brisco to Dynamite Kid to Randy Savage to Shawn Michaels they ALL follow the archetype of a babyface, total-package wrestler that Verne Gagne pioneered. A truly prolific, living wrestling Smithsonian has crumbled to the ground. My heart goes out to his family. Rest In Peace, Verne. You may have only stood 5'11, but you are one the giants upon whose shoulders we stand. Turnbuckle Phil, I think you just gave a better eulogy than Greg or the family might give.
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Post by Lorenzo Alcazar on Apr 28, 2015 9:32:17 GMT -5
I never saw one of his matches, but from listening to interviews of others talking about him, I understand and respect his significance and his contributions to the industry. It is my understanding that he has not been in good mental health for the last few years, so if nothing else, at least is suffering is over.
R.I.P.
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Post by Turnbuckle Zealot(Phil) on Apr 28, 2015 11:51:18 GMT -5
I never saw one of his matches, but from listening to interviews of others talking about him, I understand and respect his significance and his contributions to the industry. It is my understanding that he has not been in good mental health for the last few years, so if nothing else, at least is suffering is over. R.I.P. Youtube, Dailymotion, & archived film reels on Wrestling Classics Message Board.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2015 12:00:08 GMT -5
It's apart of life, but an incredibly sad part. Prayers to his family
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2015 12:40:25 GMT -5
Verne Gagne was a true legend in wrestling. RIP.
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Post by A-Rob on Apr 28, 2015 14:03:06 GMT -5
Here's a great article about Verne Gagne by Mike Johnson of PWInsider
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Post by ARUN on Apr 28, 2015 16:28:45 GMT -5
Always wanted a verne figure. Too bad we didn't see jakks or mattel release one.
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Post by JC Motors on Apr 28, 2015 21:00:27 GMT -5
RIP. On a side note has he ever gotten a figure?
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Post by drifter on Apr 28, 2015 22:55:40 GMT -5
Dory Funk Jr. on Verne's passing Amarillo Sports Arena – World Title Match – Dory Funk Jr. vs Verne Gagne My father and trainer, Dory Funk Sr. said, “You will never learn to be a great worker unless you have the opportunity to wrestle the best in the business.” That night I had the privilege of wrestling Verne Gagne to a 60 minute draw for the AWA World Championship in front of a capacity crowd at the Amarillo Sports Arena. Dad always said that the really great amateur wrestlers within the wrestling business always had respect for each other. Verne Gagne was a friend of my father born of admiration for each other in business, professional wrestling and amateur wrestling. The one hour match with Verne Gagne brought credibility to my career and I still remember and teach many of the basic wrestling moves I learned from Verne Gagne in 60 minutes of wrestling. The next morning, Verne Gagne was at my father’s Flying Mare Ranch at 10 am to give me further instruction. (Dad had our two car garage modified into a wrestling training center). We parked the cars out in the West Texas Weather. Verne Gagne (Minnesota University Wrestling Team), Bob Geigel (University of Iowa Wrestling Team) and Iron Mike Dibiase (University of Nebraska Wrestling Team) and my father, Dory Funk Sr. (University of Indiana Wrestling Team) were all there to show me what they knew about professional wrestling. What an incredible list of instructors and what a privilege to be able to learn from these great performers. I went through a couple of hours of instruction and then Bob Geigel showed me a special take down and Verne Gagne said “You can’t do that to me” and Mike Dibiase said, “I can do it to you,” and My father said to Verne, “You can’t escape my Top Body Scissors.” Immediately I was the only witness to a Round Robin Shoot Fight between four of the best wrestlers in the business as they went after each other with Big Ten Athletic Conference Pride on the line. Only I know the results of this showdown and out of respect for these great athletes and what I was privileged to witness I will keep it to myself. What an experience for a young wrestler breaking into the wrestling business. Learning from Verne Gagne impacted my whole life in such a positive way. Verne Gagne was a man of his word, a great professional wrestler and a world class athlete. My condolences to Greg Gagne and the family of a great wrestler, teacher and friend, Verne Gagne. Dory Funk Jr. www.dory-funk.com
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 11:02:36 GMT -5
R.I.P. Verne
The man made a tremendous contribution to this sport we all love. so many great talents were created in the A.W.A. A sad day indeed.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2015 11:34:41 GMT -5
R.I.P. Verne. Without you, there wouldn't have been an AWA!
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Post by JC Motors on Apr 29, 2015 11:54:27 GMT -5
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Post by PJ on May 1, 2015 13:09:16 GMT -5
Sad news. I just saw it now while watching last night's Smackdown I DVRed.
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2015 15:46:02 GMT -5
I wonder if he hip tossed anyone else before passing?
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Post by JC Motors on May 1, 2015 21:01:47 GMT -5
I wonder if he hip tossed anyone else before passing? Probably not
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