AWA Wrestling Stars Autographs

by Jason W.
(WA)

In the late 1970's, I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where my father, who was working as a commercial pilot, got laid off from work. He started a partnership with Verne Gagne, who owned AWA Wrestling. My father owned half of the twin engine plane that flew the wrestlers around. He was their pilot, so as a kid my sister and I would hang out at the small airport while all the wrestlers would stand around waiting to fly to the next match.

I was fortunate enough to meet these guys and have them sign my autograph book. My father has told me stories. One story:. "Mad Dog" Vachon opened the door in flight and they had to make a emergency landing Afterward he said to my dad "Mad Dog Sorry" (with a sad face.)

Another Story: Andre the Giant put his ring over my sisters wrist (she was only 6 at the time). These guys were all really nice to me and my father. I believe he still talks to a few of them today.

I have an autograph book that has some of the wrestlers from that time period (1978). I have read that some of the autographs from the early years of Andre and Hulk Hogan may be worth something. I am no longer interested in wrestling and thought this book may be valuable to someone that collects old autographs.

The autographs in the book are:

Ray Stevens
Rufus Jones
Larry the Axe Hennig
Greg Gagne
Brad Rheingans
Bobby Heenan
Al De Resha
Laurel Hayes England
Pat Patterson
Super Destroyer Mark 2 ( he was my favorite)
Sgt ? cant read it.
Nick Bockwinkel
Baron Von Raschke (the claw)
"The Sheik" Adnan Al-Kassey
Jumpin Jim Brunzell
Hulk Hogan
Andre The Giant

Some of the autographs are inscribed to me, some are not.

Thank you for listening to my story.