Former WWE Star Passes Away

The wrestling world has lost one of its premiere managers today with the passing of Frenchy [...]

The wrestling world has lost one of its premiere managers today with the passing of Frenchy Martin, who died today at the age of 66.

Martin, who's real name was Jean Gagne, died in a hospice early this morning, after a long and hard-fought battle with bone cancer. The WWE, where he managed Dino Bravo, posted an official reaction to the manager's passing (via CageSideSeats).

"WWE is saddened to learn that Jean Gagné, known to WWE fans as Frenchy Martin, has passed away.

Though he began his WWE career as a competitor, Martin is best remembered for his time as the manager of the mighty Dino Bravo. Donning a brash monocle and a sequined beret, Martin helped his fellow French Canadian find success in 1987 while enraging American fans by carrying around a sign that read "USA Is Not OK." Martin's ringside antics made him a memorable face of WWE in the late '80s despite a relatively brief run.

WWE extends its condolences to Gagné's family, friends and fans."

Gagne first wrestled in Quebec, and soon after starting his wrestling career headed off to Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling in June of 1977, where he won the IW North American Heavyweight Championship and held the Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship as well. He went on to wrestle as Jean Gagne in Puerto Rico as part of the World Wrestling Council in 1978, where he also successful held a Heavyweight CHamptionship and another Tag Team Championship.

In 1986 Gagne entered the WWF, but it wasn't until 1987 that he found true success as the manager to Dino Bravo. Gagne was skilled at drawing heat from the crowd, whether it was thanks to his words or his trademark signs, his character was a heat magnet.

The longtime WWE manager will be missed, as he told The Montreal Journal, he was immensely proud of the life he lived.

"I led an extraordinary life. I am proud to have succeeded in the world of wrestling. I am no more worthy than another, but I'm not afraid of death. I accept the result."

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