Verne Gagne Reportedly Passes Away

As first reported by former WWE announcer “Mean” Gene Overland on Twitter, former World Heavyweight Champion Verne Gagne has passed away.

Sad to hear my longtime friend Verne Gagne has passed today. To me their was never anybody quite like him. May you rest in peace. GO

— Gene Okerlund (@TheGeneOkerlund) April 28, 2015

He was 89 years old.

Gagne was the owner/promoter of the American Wrestling Association (AWA) until the company eventually folded in 1991.

He’s recognized as a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, having held the AWA World Championship on 10 occasions, the Omaha World Championship five times and the IWA World Championship once.

His 2626 days as AWA World Champion are the most ever, topping Nick Bockwinkel and his 1714 days. He also holds the record for the most days as a World Champion if you combine all of his reigns across all companies together.

Gagne is one of a select few to be a member of the WWE, WCW, Pro Wrestling and Wrestling Observer Halls of Fame.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease later in his life, and was living with his daughter and her husband until his passing.

Editor’s Note

We here at WrestlingRumors.net would like to send our condolences to the friends and family of Gagne during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, sir.

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