Gene Kiniski Wins the AWA World Heavyweight Title

Gene Kiniski defeated Verne Gagne to win the AWA World heavyweight title on July 11, 1961 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gagne had held the belt for almost a year after being awarded the belt in 1960. Gagne took the belt back 28 days later.

Four and a half years later, Kiniski defeated Lou Thesz to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship