They called him the “Dean of Professional Wrestling” and the “Master of the Ring.” But to many of his fans he was much more than that. Professional Wrestling announcer Gordon Solie (real name Francis Jonard Labiak) was a pioneer in the field of “edutainment.” He routinely dropped phrases like “superlative dexterity” and “sartorial splendor” as part of his color commentary, sending thousands of pre-pubescent audience members reaching for their dictionaries. Each weekly program of Georgia Championship Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, and World Championship Wrestling featured a fusion of sports entertainment and “Word Power in 30 days.”
Gordon Solie passed away nine years ago, on July 27th, 2000. But, his legacy lives on in the appreciative wordsmiths he coached.
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