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10 (or so) questions with... Dale Gagne
By Steve Lange
American Wrestling Association and co-owner of Wireless Toyz in Rochester
RM: You wore the rat costume at Chuck E. Cheese?
DG: I did. I was 16. That was my very first job, in Burnsville, Minn. If you like kids hugging you and pulling at your appendages all day while you’re inside a smelly costume, it’s the job for you.
RM: How long were you the rat?
DG: Until about a year and a half ago.
RM: What the ...?
DG: No. I lasted as the rat for three or four months. When you’re in the rat costume you’re not supposed to talk. I got in a bad habit of growling at the kids who grabbed me, so they took me out of the costume. You did get paid a premium for being the rat, though.
RM: Are you single?
DG: Divorced. No kids.
RM: What’s 10 percent of 30?
DG: Three.
RM: What’s negative four times negative four?
DG: I have no clue.
RM: Sixteen.
RM: Are you related to [legendary wrestler and wrestling promoter] Vern Gagne?
DG: Vern Gagne and my grandfather were cousins. ... Let me tell you this, this is the entertainment business. Jesse Ventura’s real name is not Jesse Ventura. In wrestling, if we tell you half the truth then you’ll believe half the lie.
RM: But you worked with Vern?
DG: I worked with Vern for four years.
RM: I heard something about you bringing American Gladiators to the Olmsted County Fair?
DG: Because I am a masochist and don’t have enough things in my life, I am also serving on the fair board. I’m helping to bring in entertainment. I’m promoting, with Mickey Clark, a Wrestling Superstars event on August 2nd, Saturday night. It replaces the monster trucks. It’s not just an old fashioned rasslin’ show. We just did one in Wisconsin with a couple of the stars from “Big Brother” and two American Gladiators, and also some wrestlers. We’ll have some reality superstars, maybe from “Survivor” or ...
RM: “American Idol”?
DG: We’ve actually had “American Idol” people before. But not the winners. Usually the really bad ones.
RM: Like Sanjaya?
DG: Like William Hung.
RM: Whatever happened with the Vince McMahon lawsuit [World Wrestling Entertainment has sued the AWA, citing trademark infringement]?
DG: The WWE can’t leave well enough alone. They want everything. Basically the lawsuit comes down to the name that we’ve been holding since 1996. We will vehemently continue to defend what is ours.
RM: You worked at Mission Creek Theme Park in Hinckley.
DG: I produced shows there for a season. From Garth Brooks to Alan Jackson.
RM: To New Kids On The Block.
DG: Yes. When I left Mission Creek I was on the road with New Kids for five or six months. I was part of their management group, which meant I was their babysitter.
RM: How was that?
DG: They were horrible. They tried to burn down every hotel they were in. They weren’t of legal age to drink, but it sure seemed like they found stuff somewhere.
RM: Maybe they will read this and try and contact you to join their new tour.
DG: I’m in hiding. Don’t give them my number. I thought I was having a nightmare when I saw they’re back touring. I hope they’ve grown up a little bit by now.
RM: I’ll ask you a few Rochester bests ...
DG: Ok.
RM: Best TV personality in Rochester?
DG: We have TV personalities?
RM: Best place for Buffalo wings?
DG: Bilotti’s. It’s a little-known secret.
RM: No, it’s McMurphy’s.
DG: Have you tried them at Bilotti’s?
RM: Well, no.
DG: Then go to Bilotti’s and try them. They’re the best.
RM: Best burgers?
DG: Newt’s.
RM: At least you got that one right.
RM: I’ll give you wrestling nicknames, you tell me the wrestler.
DG: Ok.
RM: “Superfly.”
DG: Jimmy Snuka.
RM: “The 8th Wonder of the World.”
DG: Andre the Giant.
RM: “The Heartbreak Kid.”
DG: Shawn Michaels.
RM: “The Incontinent Cowboy.”
DG: Where the hell did you find that one?
RM: Actually, I made that one up.
DG: Good. I was afraid that was real.