Laverne Clarence "Verne" Gagne (February 26, 1926 - April 27, 2015) was a former American professional wrestler, football player, pro wrestling trainer, and wrestling promoter. Gagne was the former owner/promoter of the American Wrestling Association (AWA), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was the predominant promotion throughout the Midwest and Manitoba, Canada for many years. He remained in this position until 1991, when the company folded. His son Greg also wrestled professionally.