November 16th in the Time Tunnel:
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
(none)
Happy Birthday:
(none)
*I failed to include Cary Silkin in yesterday’s Birthday List. Cary turned 69 yesterday and we wish him many, many more
RIP Memorial: We stop & remember those who have passed on this day and gave themselves to the business for us, the fans. We salute you and thank you.
Ib Slovang Hansen\Eric The Red 11-16-1978 at the age of 44
Arteen Kizian\Ali Baba 11-16-1981 at the age of 80
Ello Carlo Drazich\Colosso Colosettin 11-16-2024 at the age of 76
62 Year Flashback
11-16-1963: The Crusher (Reggie Lisowski) defeated Verne Gagne to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship for the 2nd time at the Armory in St. Paul, Minnesota
Verne Gagne, a Minnesota native and amateur wrestling standout, was not only the AWA’s founder but also its most enduring champion. A former NCAA champion and Olympian, Gagne brought technical prowess and legitimacy to professional wrestling. By 1963, he had already held the AWA World Heavyweight Title multiple times, with his fifth reign beginning on August 8 of that year after defeating Fritz Von Erich. Gagne’s style was methodical and scientific, emphasizing holds, counters, and endurance. He was the promotion’s cornerstone, often portrayed as the heroic defender of the title, drawing fans who admired his clean-cut image and in-ring intelligence. However, his dominance also bred rivalries, as challengers sought to topple the kingpin of the AWA. This match drew a great crowd of 7,647 to the Armory in St Paul.
Pictured: The Crusher being interviewed by Marty O’Neill
Opposing him was The Crusher, whose real name was Reginald Lisowski. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, The Crusher was the antithesis of Gagne’s polished technician. A burly, street-tough brawler known for his cigar-chomping, beer-drinking persona, he embodied the working-class hero. The Crusher had already tasted championship gold earlier in 1963, capturing a version of the AWA title (the Omaha branch) from Gagne on February 15 in a match that showcased his raw power and unorthodox tactics.His signature moves, like the claw hold and devastating body slams, thrilled crowds, and his tag team exploits with partners like Dick the Bruiser had made him a fan favorite in the Midwest. By November, The Crusher was positioned as a formidable challenger, hungry to claim the unified AWA World Heavyweight Championship and solidify his status as a top star.
Pictured: The Crusher shakes his fist at Verne Gagne in a poster
The buildup to the November 16 encounter was electric, fueled by the AWA’s territorial style of storytelling. Promos and vignettes highlighted the contrast between Gagne’s finesse and The Crusher’s brute force, creating a classic “technician vs. powerhouse” narrative. The event took place at the St. Paul Auditorium, a venue synonymous with AWA spectacles, where thousands of fans packed the seats to witness what promised to be a grueling battle.The match was contested under two-out-of-three falls rules, a format common in the era that allowed for extended drama and multiple momentum shifts.
In the first fall, Gagne’s technical expertise shone as he outmaneuvered The Crusher with arm drags and submission attempts, eventually securing a pin or submission to take the lead. However, The Crusher’s resilience turned the tide in the second fall; his powerful strikes and crowd-pleasing antics wore down the champion, leading to an equalizer. The decisive third fall saw The Crusher unleash his full arsenal, culminating in a victory that shocked and delighted the audience. According to historical accounts, The Crusher pinned Gagne cleanly, ending his reign and claiming the title for the second time in his career. This win was particularly noteworthy as it interrupted Gagne’s stronghold, proving that even the promotion’s architect could be toppled.
Pictured: Verne Gagne has The Crusher trapped in the sleeper hold
The aftermath of the match was swift and telling of the AWA’s booking philosophy. The Crusher’s reign lasted just 28 days, a brief but memorable period during which he defended the title against various challengers, reinforcing his tough-guy image.On December 14, 1963, in Minneapolis, Gagne reclaimed the championship from The Crusher, restoring the status quo and setting the stage for future rematches.This quick title swap was a common tactic in territorial wrestling to keep storylines fresh and attendance high, as fans eagerly anticipated the ongoing feud.
The Crusher’s victory over Gagne on November 16, 1963, endures as a landmark in AWA lore, exemplifying the promotion’s ability to blend athletic competition with entertainment. It highlighted the era’s regional rivalries and the charisma of its stars, contributing to the AWA’s legacy as a breeding ground for wrestling icons.
One Thing I Learned About The Crusher
Reggie “The Crusher” Lisowski once served as a guest conductor for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He enthusiastically banged out “Roll Out The Barrel” with his signature gravelly voice.
Thank You for Reading
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share it with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
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