(WXIA) -- Legendary professional wrestler Verne Gagne, whose influence was felt throughout the sport in its early years, died Monday at the age of 89.
Gagne was the original owner of the American Wrestling Association dating to the 1950s. He appeared regularly through the 60s and 70s in wrestling programs broadcast from Minneapolis and Chicago, and wrestled with the likes of Lou Thesz, Wilbur Snyder and Nick Bockwinkel.
Prior to his wrestling career, Gagne played football for the University of Minnesota. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 16th round of the 1947 NFL Draft. According to Gagne's son, wrestler Greg Gagne, Bears owner George Halas forced Gagne to make a choice – wrestling or football. Gagne chose wrestling, as it was far more lucrative in those days than football.
Over the course of his wrestling career, Gagne won championships with multiple promotions, and is considered to be one of the longest-running wrestling champions along with legendary wrestlers Thesz and Bruno Sammartino. He has been inducted into four wrestling halls of fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2006 and presented by his son Greg.
In later years, Gagne suffered from Alzheimer's Disease. In a 2009 incident, Gagne attacked a 97-year-old man at the retirement home where they both lived. The older man died from complications related to a broken hip, though Gagne was not charged by authorities in the incident.
On Monday, long-time wrestling personality Gene Okerlund announced that Gagne had passed away. "Sad to hear my longtime friend Verne Gagne has passed today. To me, there was never anybody quite like him. May you rest in peace," Okurlund's tweeted message said.
