Verne Gagne

In a era where wrestling was more about rough-and-tumble brawling than the high-flying acrobatics we're used to today, Verne Gagne was a true original. A technician's technician, if you will.

Born Laverne Clarence Gagne on February 26, 1926, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, the future wrestling legend grew up with a passion for sports. He played football and baseball in high school, and even dabbled in ringen (that's Swedish-style wrestling, for the uninitiated) before turning pro.

Gagne made his way to the world of professional wrestling in the late 1940s, adopting the stage name Verne Gagne. And what a name it was – one that would become synonymous with technical grappling and clever mat work.

Gagne's rise to prominence came during an era when wrestling was still finding its footing as a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. He was one of the early pioneers, helping to establish the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1960, an organization that would go on to rival the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).

As a wrestler, Gagne was known for his cerebral approach, relying on precision and finesse rather than brute strength. His signature sleeperhold move became a staple of his arsenal, leaving opponents dazed and confused.

When Gagne finally hung up his boots in 1981, he had amassed an impressive career spanning over three decades. But it was only the beginning – after all, as they say, "the show must go on."

Gagne went on to become a successful promoter, running his own wrestling organization, the American Wrestling Association (AWA), until its eventual demise in 1991.

Sadly, Gagne's later years were marked by the onset of Alzheimer's disease. He passed away on April 27, 2015, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his impressive in-ring accomplishments.

Verne Gagne may have been a technician at heart, but he was also a true pioneer and innovator who helped shape the course of professional wrestling as we know it today. His impact will be felt for generations to come – and that's no sleeperhold.