10 Times World Champions Invaded WWE

6. Verne Gagne – AWA Champion

Ric Flair Real Worlds Champion
Pro Wrestling Illustrated

While Verne Gagne had more than his fair share of run-ins with Vince McMahon Jr. over the years, his relationship with Vince Sr. was far more amicable; so much so that Verne Gagne even defended the AWA Championship on a WWWF event.

In November of 1972, Gagne was amid his ninth reign as AWA Champion - a colossal 2625 day run on top and the longest in company history - when he would make his first appearance for the WWWF by defeating his former trainee, Buddy Wolfe , on the WWWF’s home turf of Madison Square Garden.

The next time Verne appeared on a WWWF card, history would be made when he defended the AWA Championship at MSG on 26 February 1973. Facing the challenge of Eddie Graham, the pair would battle for just under 15 minutes before Gagne retained his title by putting Graham out with a sleeper hold.

Gagne would wrestle four more times for the WWWF - all taking place at Madison Square Garden, all non-title and all at two year intervals - with his final appearance taking place on 30 April 1979.

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Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack. @MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!