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Gagne News: Verne Gagne happy and healthy at showings of 1974's "The Wrestler" in Minneapolis

Jan 29, 2012 - 5:29:39 PM
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GagneVerne_WK_220.jpg
By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

Verne Gagne appeared at today's matinee showing of "The Wrestler" in Minneapolis at the Parkway Theater. Patrons for the 2 o'clock showing filled about two-thirds of the historic theater, which seats around 400. (Note: The accompanying photo of Verne is from 25 years ago, not today's showings; photo by Wade Keller.)

Verne appeared physically healthy and happy to be meeting wrestling fans. He handed out autographed pictures and shook hands with fans and posed for pictures. There was a customized poster designed by George Schire that was available for purchase. Those who purchased the poster could have their picture taken with Verne. Although he suffers from dimentia, Greg said Verne is off his medications and doing better than a few years ago.

This was Verne's first official public appearance in more than a decade. He is a legend in Minnesota, one of the most recognizable and well-known athletes in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He owned and operated the American Wrestling Association, one of the Big Three promotions during those decades, and was a supporter of amateur wrestling at all levels, especially at the University of Minnesota. He also held the AWA World Title and AWA Tag Team Titles at various times and was a top draw for the company.

This afternoon Greg Gagne, Rob Chapman, and Kenny Jay were among those who spoke before the movie. Greg answered questions from movie attendees after the movie finished. Kenny Jay, a longtime AWA jobber, shared an emotional moment with Verne where he thanked him for all he did for him. Many long-time wrestling fans turned out for the various showings this weekend. Greg has done a lot of media media appearances on TV and radio in the Twin Cities to publicize the showings. He appeared on the PWTorch Livecast on Friday afternoon.

George Schire (former PWTorch contributor and one-time cohost of the Pro Wrestling Focus radio show in the early 1990s with Wade Keller) was selling his book at the theater this weekend, "Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling." His book sold out over the weekend at the theater.

The crowd was made up of a wide mix of ages and genders. There were men and women in their 60s and also in their teens, and everything in between.

If you are interested in attending, details on future showings this week (Monday through Wednesday) are available at the theater's website. http://www.theparkwaytheater.com/

There won't be Q&As at the Monday through Wednesday, just the movie showing.

[Thanks to correspondent Nancy Keller for details]


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