Guide Note

Gordon Solie was an American professional wrestling commentator for various organizations.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Jonard Frank Labiak
2. Born: January 26, 1929
3. Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
4. Died: July 27, 2000
5. Age at death: 71
6. Known as "The Walter Cronkite of Wrestling"¹

Gordon Solie provided wrestling commentary for Championship Wrestling from Florida and Continental Championship Wrestling. He also did play-by-play for Georgia Championship Wrestling, and later World Championship Wrestling.

Originally a radio sportscaster, Solie did not know much about professional wrestling when he started commentating. He reportedly had wrestling holds applied to him so could convey to viewers the pain each caused.¹

With his gravelly voice, Solie introduced several signature descriptions. When a wrestler was bloodied, he'd refer to him as "wearing a crimson mask." He also coined the term "pier-six brawl," which Jim Ross currently uses in his commentary.²

In 2008, Solie was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Ross.