Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On August 16th, 1960, Verne Gagne, as the promoter of the American Wrestling Association, awards himself the AWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Today in Pro Wrestling History (August 16): Verne Gagne Becomes AWA World Champion for the First Time
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NWA World Heavyweight champion Pat O’Connor was originally named the AWA’s first champion. However, he refused to acknowledge the title. After 90 days, the belt passed to Gagne. While O’Connor is officially recognized as the first titleholder, Gagne is the first man to actively defend it.
Gagne held the belt for 329 days in his first run. He would officially go on to win the AWA World title a total of ten times, including an uninterrupted seven-year reign as champion from 1968 to 1975.
Here’s another great Verne Gagne piece: Verne Gagne and the Rise and Fall of the AWA
https://youtu.be/78wdkk-VuXc
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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