Gordon Solie

In a bygone era when professional wrestling was a staple of American entertainment, one man stood tall above the rest as the voice of the squared circle. His name was Gordon Solie, a stalwart commentator who brought excitement and drama to the mat for over four decades. As "The Dean Of Wrestling Announcers," Solie's baritone boomed through arenas and living rooms alike, painting vivid pictures of matches that would be etched in fans' memories forever.

Born Francis Jonard Labiak on January 26, 1929, Gordon Solie grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his passion for wrestling was ignited by the likes of Verne Gagne and Dory Funk Sr. As a young man, he began working behind the scenes, eventually finding his calling as an announcer. In the early 1960s, Solie joined forces with promoter Verne Gagne to become the iconic voice of American Wrestling Association (AWA), a promotion that would go on to produce some of the greatest talent in wrestling history.

Solie's unmistakable tone and style earned him the nickname "The Dean Of Wrestling Announcers," as he brought an air of sophistication and gravitas to the proceedings. His play-by-play calls were renowned for their clarity, his excitement palpable as he described the action unfolding before him. From the iconic matches between Ric Flair and Larry Zbyszko to the unforgettable feuds between Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne himself, Solie's voice was the soundtrack to countless moments of wrestling history.

As the years went by, Solie adapted to changing times, embracing the influx of new talent and promotions that would reshape the sport. Even as his health began to decline in the late 1990s, he remained steadfast, refusing to relinquish the microphone until the very end.

Gordon Solie's life came full circle on July 27, 2000, when he passed away at the age of 71 due to complications from throat cancer. Though his voice is no longer heard in our ears, his legacy lives on as a testament to the power of passion and dedication.

In a world where wrestling announcers are often overlooked, Gordon Solie's contributions to the sport cannot be overstated. His was a voice that echoed through generations, inspiring countless fans to follow their own dreams and pursue their passions. As we reflect on his remarkable career, we remember "The Dean Of Wrestling Announcers" as an integral part of wrestling history, forever etched in our collective consciousness.