Renowned NCAA and Olympic wrestler Verne Gagne makes his professional wrestling debut in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gagne, who was also a highly accomplished football player, was among the most famous amateur grapplers of the day and his entry into the ranks of pro wrestling made newspaper headlines across the country. Minnesota promoter Tony Stecher capitalized on the publicity by having former World Heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey referee Gagne’s debut match, which saw him defeat Abe Kashey, thus setting the stage for one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the sport.
