Gordon Solie
| Gordon Solie | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Francis Jonard Labiak January 26, 1929 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | July 27, 2000 (aged 71) New Port Richey, Florida, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Throat cancer |
| Other names | Jonard Pierre Sjoblom |
| Occupation | Professional wrestling announcer |
Gordon Solie (born Francis Jonard Labiak, later Jonard Pierre Sjoblom, January 26, 1929 – July 27, 2000), was an American Florida-based professional wrestling play-by-play announcer working for Georgia Championship Wrestling, Championship Wrestling from Florida, USA Championship Wrestling, Continental Championship Wrestling, and World Championship Wrestling.
He is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential wrestling announcers. Jim Ross cites him as the most significant influence on his career as an announcer.
Originally from Minnesota, Solie moved to Tampa, Florida, in the 1950s after completing military service in the United States Air Force. Solie began his pro wrestling career as a ring announcer, making $5 a night emceeing weekly shows in the Tampa Bay area. He soon began working for Championship Wrestling from Florida, and in 1960, he moved into the broadcast booth to become the lead announcer for CWF's Saturday morning television shows, a spot he would occupy for the next quarter-century. During that time, he commentated on matches featuring some of pro wrestling's biggest legends, including WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, The Brisco Brothers and Dory Funk, Jr., among numerous others. Solie rose to national prominence when Superstation WTBS began broadcasting pro wrestling, and the exposure helped him branch out, leading to Solie working for promotions in Georgia, Alabama and Puerto Rico. What the fans in those areas found out was something Floridians had known for years: That Solie was a true icon.
Much of his fame stems from the sound of his voice he used to call the in-ring action and his unique lingo. He is credited for originating the term "Pier-Six Brawl" to describe a wild brawl, and was also notorious for noting when a bloodied superstar was "wearing the crimson mask." His oft-imitated signature call of a suplex as a "su-play." His signature sign-off was: "So long from the Sunshine State," followed by a wink.
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