Verne Gagne has been called the "Bruno Sammartino of the Midwest", however that analogy doesn't even come close to doing this all-time legend of the squared circle justice. Although it is true that Gagne was to the American Wrestling Association what Bruno was to the WWWF, the "no frills" Gagne carved his own, unique niche' in the sport and is truly a legend of wrestling.

On Sept. 3, 1953 Gagne was awarded the NWA's Chicago/Minneapolis version of the US Title. After a year as champion, he was defeated by Wilber Snyder. He would again wear the US belt though, by defeating Dick the Bruiser in Chicago on April 12, 1958. He held the US Championship until August 16, 1960, when he vacated the title after being awarded the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Pat O' Conner was named the inaugural AWA champ, but when he failed to meet Gagne within 90 days, the new organization stripped O`Conner of the title and awarded it to Gagne.

And speaking of the AWA World Championship, Gagne is the only man ever to win the American Wrestling Association championship 10 times. He held the AWA championship for a record 7 consecutive years between 1968-1975. Gagne is credited by some as being a 13-time World Champion, citing other versions of the World Title Gagne held during his career.