Gagne remembered fondly in wrestling and television

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – It has been a day of thoughtful remembrance Tuesday about the man that so many recalled fondly. Sports legend Verne Gagne died on Monday at 89, after suffering for years with Alzheimers.

Gagne, the Robbinsdale High School, the University of Minnesota football and wrestling star became famous for his exploits on and behind the scenes at the professional wrestling mat. Gagne almost invented the concept of professional television wrestling shows.

"I think he was a pioneer, an icon," said Al DeRusha, former ring announcer and referee. "He started in 1949 on the Dumont Network in Chicago and he was in the 1948 Olympics. and the thing about Verne is he understood the impact of television."

Gagne founded the AWA. His syndicated TV wrestling bouts featuring himself and classic "old time" stars like Baron Van Rashke, Mad Dog Vashon and the Crusher.

"Verne kind of paved the way, really plowed the ground, showed the promoters all around the country how to promote wrestling, how to use television," said DeRusha. "I would say he has to be without a doubt the pioneer of wrestling, both wrestling in the arenas and on television."

Part of Gagne's lasting appeal in television was his winning personality.

"Everybody liked Verne," recalled DeRusha. "He got along well. Verne was the type of guy that could work with the program director, the station manager, the cameraman, the floor man. Everybody liked Verne."

DeRusha said Gagne should be remembered for his athletic accomplishments at the University, the Olympics and pro wrestling. However, Gagne began his pro career at a time when television had not yet become the must-have appliance in American homes.

"They said he probably sold more television sets than anybody," said DeRusha.

In 2007, Gagne was inducted into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting's Hall of Fame.