Verne Gagne had such a huge and lasting impact on the business.
People tend to only remember the sad final years of the AWA from ESPN Classics. AWA however from 1960 to around 1984 was one of the top promotions in the country.
It isn't like it was some rinky dink local promotion running your local vfw halls.
AWA produced and carried many of the top talent at one time or another - Hogan, Heenan, Ventura, Road Warriors, Fabulous Ones, Nick Bockwinkel, Crusher, Ray Stevens, Iron Sheik, Curt Hennig, Scott Hall, Shawn Michaels, Vachons & many more.
Verne in his younger years was also one helluva worker too.
His feuds with Billy Robinson and Nick Bockwinkel are legendary.
I am shocked and saddened to find out his passing this morning.
Verne Gagne (c) vs Billy Robinson - 2/3 Falls... by SenorLARIATO